NHL Power Rankings: A new No. 1, plus the biggest surprises of the 2023-24 season
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Kristen Shilton, ESPN NHL reporter
There have been some significant surprises during the 2023-24 NHL season thus far: the Edmonton Oilers being the first team to fire its head coach (thanks to hanging out near the bottom of the standings); the Vegas Golden Knights encountering anything but a Stanley Cup hangover; the Vancouver Canucks being all over the scoring leaderboard and early-season awards ballots.
What have been the biggest positive surprises for each team? That’s what we aim to explore this week, along with unveiling a new 1-32 order in the Power Rankings, led by a new team at No. 1.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors each send in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list here.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Nov. 10. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 86.67%
Next seven days: vs. MTL (Nov. 18), @ TB (Nov. 20), @ FLA (Nov. 22)
Boston surprised us all — again! — by rocketing up the standings and then refusing to budge. The Bruins defied all preseason predictions and projections about their age and depth and loss of key personnel. Boston is a beast once more. We should have seen that coming.
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 79.41%
Next seven days: @ PHI (Nov. 18), @ PIT (Nov. 19), @ DAL (Nov. 22)
Vegas has been almost entirely healthy to start this season — and frankly, that’s a surprise. Has any team dealt with compounding injuries like the Golden Knights’ in seasons past? In the early going this season, Vegas is at basically full strength — and holds a top spot in the standings to prove it.
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 82.14%
Next seven days: @ NJ (Nov. 18), @ DAL (Nov. 20), @ PIT (Nov. 22)
New York is enjoying some of Jonathan Quick‘s best work in years — and that’s a surprise. Less than a year ago Los Angeles was parting ways with a goaltender who appeared past his prime. Hold that thought. The 37-year-old Quick has had a remarkable resurgence with the Rangers, to the tune of a 4-0-1 record, .928 save percentage and 1.98 goals-against average. Bully for the Blueshirts.
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 73.53%
Next seven days: vs. SEA (Nov. 18), vs. SJ (Nov. 20), @ COL (Nov. 22)
Vancouver is the surprise of the season, full stop. Who would have thought Elias Pettersson was ready to pop off, Quinn Hughes would be a Norris Trophy front-runner, Thatcher Demko would be exceptional and the Canucks themselves would be one of the NHL’s best teams? And all at once! Vancouver has pulled out all the (shocking) stops.
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 76.67%
Next seven days: vs. COL (Nov. 18), vs. NYR (Nov. 20), vs. VGK (Nov. 22)
Dallas is getting a surprising star turn from Wyatt Johnston. He came out of the gate averaging nearly a point per game to lead the Stars in scoring as we approach the quarter mark. Johnston is also a strong performer on the penalty kill, even tallying shorthanded goals in consecutive games.
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 70.00%
Next seven days: vs. STL (Nov. 18), @ ARI (Nov. 20)
Los Angeles took a chance on Cam Talbot. It has played out surprisingly well for them. The veteran netminder has put a down year in Ottawa behind him and whipped up a shockingly good start through 10 games for the Kings (7-3-1, .923 SV%, 2.21 GAA). Talbot has been through his share of turmoil, but a rebirth in L.A. is paying dividends.
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 65.63%
Next seven days: @ ANA (Nov. 17), vs. EDM (Nov. 20), vs. BOS (Nov. 22)
Florida has played primarily without two of its top defenseman (Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour) and yet the Panthers have remained surprisingly stout defensively. They’re top 10 in goals against (averaging fewer than three per game), and Sergei Bobrovsky has been on point in the crease. Florida deserves ample credit for its unexpected goal-prevention fortitude.
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 66.67%
Next seven days: @ DAL (Nov. 18), @ NSH (Nov. 20), vs. VAN (Nov. 22)
Colorado has had something going in net with Alexandar Georgiev. Granted, he and the Avalanche at large have hit the skids recently, but that doesn’t totally diminish how surprisingly well Georgiev started (6-2-0, .915 SV%, 2.40 GAA) in his new environment. If Colorado can shore up its defensive play, expect Georgiev to bounce back into form, too.
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 60.00%
Next seven days: vs. DET (Nov. 17), vs. MIN (Nov. 19)
Toronto has ached for consistency from William Nylander. Well, consider this season thus far as Nylander answering that bell. The winger surprisingly emerged as the club’s top scorer (with 22 points through 15 games) and has shown genuine defensive effort and timely playmaking. Nylander used to be all hot and cold; this season he’s unexpectedly even keeled, and it has been everything for Toronto.
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 59.38%
Next seven days: vs. TOR (Nov. 17), vs. NJ (Nov. 22)
Detroit announced itself with a surprisingly strong early push that showed off not only the Red Wings’ enviable scoring depth (Alex DeBrincat has fit in seamlessly, thanks for asking) but also their ability to tap into the defensive habits that were missing in previous campaigns. The inevitable ebbs and flows will happen, but that unexpected opening salvo showed the Red Wings have potential to make a push for the playoffs this season.
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 56.25%
Next seven days: vs. PIT (Nov. 18), vs. EDM (Nov. 22)
Carolina has been waiting on the best of Jesperi Kotkaniemi and by gosh, this might be it. Kotkaniemi was the Hurricanes’ surprising points leader through 13 games, and has paired that offensive prowess with sound defensive play. Dare we anoint Kotkaniemi a bona fide two-way center now? He certainly looks the part.
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 56.25%
Next seven days: vs. FLA (Nov. 17), vs. STL (Nov. 19), vs. MTL (Nov. 22)
Anaheim boasts a striking rookie talent in Leo Carlsson. The 18-year-old’s surprisingly positive start included becoming the youngest Ducks player in history to score a hat trick, to go along with his nearly point-per-game output. There are growing pains for any freshman, but Carlsson hasn’t looked one bit out of place on the game’s biggest stage.
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 60.00%
Next seven days: vs. BUF (Nov. 17), vs. ARI (Nov. 18), @ TB (Nov. 22)
Winnipeg’s depth has been its surprisingly stabilizer — and greatest asset. While Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele can put up points, others like Nino Niederreiter, Mason Appleton and Cole Perfetti have been linchpins in helping the Jets stay upright through early-season ups and downs. Winnipeg appears to have a good base in place.
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 64.29%
Next seven days: vs. CBJ (Nov. 18), vs. BUF (Nov. 22)
Washington has been boosted by a surprising youth movement. Connor McMichael and Aliaksei Protas are leading a charge of emerging stars who have put Washington back on a winning path (compared to earlier this season when they were not). Given Alex Ovechkin still walks among them, we didn’t anticipate Washington’s future stepping to the forefront. But it’s been a real positive.
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 56.67%
Next seven days: @ LA (Nov. 18), @ ANA (Nov. 19), @ ARI (Nov. 22)
St. Louis has shown a surprising amount of pop lately, like in a dynamic 8-2 win over Colorado (which included hat tricks from Brayden Schenn and Pavel Buchnevich). That was the Blues’ fourth win in five games and has them tracking in a positive direction following a disappointing 2022-23. Helping that cause? An unexpectedly strong start from Jordan Binnington (.923 SV%, 2.52 GAA). The Blues’ top tender being back in tip-top shape is everything.
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 56.67%
Next seven days: vs. NYR (Nov. 18), @ DET (Nov. 22)
New Jersey owns the league’s best power play — thanks to a surprising series of newcomers. Tyler Toffoli — acquired via trade — along with rookie defenseman Luke Hughes (and, of course, his brother Jack prior to injury) plus assistant coach Travis Green — who replaced the departing Andrew Brunette — have powered the Devils’ special teams to lofty heights. Where would New Jersey be without its potent power play?
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 53.33%
Next seven days: @ CAR (Nov. 18), vs. VGK (Nov. 19), vs. NYR (Nov. 22)
Pittsburgh has one veteran defenseman playing surprisingly well this season — and we’re not talking Erik Karlsson. Kris Letang has taken a back seat to the Penguins’ other star blueliner and somehow that’s propelled Letang towards some of his most efficient — and entertaining — hockey. Whether it’s killing penalties, closing out wins or simply patrolling the blue line with ease, Letang looks a decade younger than his 36 years.
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 52.94%
Next seven days: vs. EDM (Nov. 18), vs. BOS (Nov. 20), vs. WPG (Nov. 22)
Tampa Bay got Andrei Vasilevskiy back at practice this week in surprisingly short order following his back surgery eight weeks ago. The Lightning are at their best with Vasilevskiy between the pipes, and it’s a shot in the arm for the team to see him recovering at a (slightly) accelerated speed.
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 56.25%
Next seven days: @ WPG (Nov. 18), vs. LA (Nov. 20), vs. STL (Nov. 22)
Arizona may be the most fun surprise of the season simply because expectations were decidedly low from the outset. But these Coyotes have no quit, and the likes of Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz, Sean Durzi and Logan Cooley have made Arizona into a team that has a real chance to win each night. That’s a nice boost from recent lackluster seasons.
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 53.13%
Next seven days: vs. VGK (Nov. 18), vs. CBJ (Nov. 19), @ NYI (Nov. 22)
Philadelphia can be scattered. Joel Farabee is their surprising calm in a storm. The 23-year-old is no longer on the cusp but fully arrived as an offensive presence with confidence and skill to spare. The future looks bright for Farabee with the Flyers.
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 47.06%
Next seven days: @ BOS (Nov. 18), @ ANA (Nov. 22)
Montreal is stacked with young stars, but it’s veteran Sean Monahan who has been the biggest surprise. Putting injury troubles behind him has allowed Monahan to look better than he has in years and that productivity — kicking in at nearly a point-per-game pace — is helping keep the Canadiens in contention each game.
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 46.88%
Next seven days: @ CGY (Nov. 18), vs. PHI (Nov. 22)
New York has benefitted from Noah Dobson‘s surprising breakout. The 23-year-old has taken a serious step over last season and not only averages nearly a point per game (to lead the Islanders in scoring), but looks good defensively doing it while eating up over 25 minutes per game to boot.
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 46.88%
Next seven days: @ WPG (Nov. 17), @ CHI (Nov. 19), @ WSH (Nov. 22)
Buffalo has some serious talents — and J.J. Peterka is proving to be among them. It’s been a breakout season for the Sabres’ forward, from his consistent production (10 points in 15 games) to timely playmaking to smart defensive skills. Basically, Peterka appears to be the whole package — and that’s positivity Buffalo needs to believe in.
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 40.00%
Next seven days: vs. OTT (Nov. 18), vs. TOR (Nov. 19)
Minnesota is having a moment with Marco Rossi. The 22-year-old came into this season expected to take on a bottom-six role, but Rossi surprisingly worked his way into a top-line rotation. Through 15 games Rossi had already bested all previous career marks with five goals and eight points. Bet the Wild didn’t see that production coming so soon.
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 50.00%
Next seven days: vs. MIN (Nov. 18)
Ottawa has been through quite a bit already this season. What Mathieu Joseph has accomplished amid those struggles is worth generating some positivity. Joseph tallied 12 points in his first 13 games (11 at even strength) and has improved his all-around game to the point where coach DJ Smith can trust him almost anywhere.
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 44.44%
Next seven days: @ VAN (Nov. 18), vs. CGY (Nov. 20), vs. SJ (Nov. 22)
Seattle has an unlikely hero on its hands with Eeli Tolvanen. He’s brought the Kraken consistency in an otherwise tumultuous campaign, and his chemistry with Jaden Schwartz is divine. Tolvanen could be a catalyst in Seattle working its way back into playoff contention this season.
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 43.75%
Next seven days: vs. NYI (Nov. 18), @ SEA (Nov. 20), @ NSH (Nov. 22)
Calgary has a surprising performer on its hands with rookie Martin Pospisil. The freshman forward made his NHL debut this month and collected two goals and three points in his first four games. Pospisil overcame a litany of injuries to finally realize this NHL dream. That’s the kind of positive energy these Flames need to tap into throughout the years ahead.
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 35.71%
Next seven days: @ NSH (Nov. 18), vs. BUF (Nov. 19), @ CBJ (Nov. 22)
Chicago is all about Connor Bedard. But don’t sleep on the surprisingly important contributions from Corey Perry. He’s top three in points for the Blackhawks while bringing good energy to 5-on-5 play and special teams. Not to mention, he can be nasty when he wants to be. Perry has been more than expected.
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 36.67%
Next seven days: @ TB (Nov. 18), @ FLA (Nov. 20), @ CAR (Nov. 22)
Edmonton is lacking in good surprises this season, but Evan Bouchard might fall kitty corner to that category. He’s produced offensively (three goals and 12 points in 13 games) and Bouchard’s defensive play has eclipsed most of his teammates’. That’s something!
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 33.33%
Next seven days: vs. CHI (Nov. 18), vs. COL (Nov. 20), vs. CGY (Nov. 22)
Nashville loaded up on veterans this offseason and Ryan O’Reilly has been cream of that crop. The veteran’s surprisingly stellar start (eight goals and 12 points in 14 games) had to be the best-case scenario these Predators had envisioned in signing O’Reilly. His adaptability and elite-level output has been welcomed.
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 35.29%
Next seven days: @ WSH (Nov. 18), @ PHI (Nov. 19), vs. CHI (Nov. 22)
Columbus has to like what Jack Roslovic is doing. The Blue Jackets forward has endured ups and downs early in his career to finally appear settled and productive in a consistent role that’s led to more responsibility and ice time. If Roslovic can keep that up, he might Columbus’ most surprising storyline of the entire season.
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 20.59%
Next seven days: @ VAN (Nov. 20), @ SEA (Nov. 22)
San Jose beating Edmonton for their second win of the season (which came in consecutive games!) has to be the surprising high point in an otherwise historically challenging season for the Sharks. Granted, it’s been a terrible season for the Oilers, but besting Connor McDavid & Co. in any season is something on which to hang one’s hat.
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Mark Schlabach
STARKVILLE, Miss. — Lane Kiffin said he’ll decide Saturday whether he will return as Ole Miss‘ coach in 2026 or take another job, presumably at LSU, which is trying to poach him from its SEC rival with a lucrative contract offer that will make him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.
Kiffin, while speaking to reporters after the No. 7 Rebels’ 38-19 victory at Mississippi State in Friday’s Egg Bowl at Davis Wade Stadium, would only say that he’ll have to make a decision one way or the other, after Ole Miss athletics director Keith Carter and chancellor Glenn Boyce said they needed an answer by Saturday.
“I feel like I’ve got to,” Kiffin said.
When Kiffin was asked if he had made up his mind about where he’ll be coaching next season, he said, “Yeah, I haven’t. Maybe that surprises you. But, you know, I’ve got to do some praying and figure this thing out.”
Kiffin said he planned to attend his son’s high school playoff game in Tupelo, Mississippi, on Friday night. Knox Kiffin is Oxford High’s starting quarterback.
“Tonight, I’m going to go be a dad and watch a more important game to me,” Kiffin said.
Kiffin wasn’t sure what time he would make a decision Saturday.
“There’s a lot [that goes] into it,” Kiffin said. “It’s a hard decision. You guys have them all the time. You’ve got to make decisions about jobs you take and where you move, and we get paid a lot so I understand we’re under a lot of spotlight and scrutiny.”
Kiffin said he regretted not being able to speak to his father, Monte Kiffin, while trying to make one of the most important decisions of his career. The longtime NFL defensive coordinator died in July 2024. He was 84.
Kiffin, 50, has sought the advice of former Alabama coach Nick Saban and Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll, his former boss at USC, the past few weeks.
ESPN reported earlier Friday that Florida, which was also courting Kiffin, is now focused on other candidates in its search because the Gators believe he’s more interested in other opportunities.
Carter and Boyce met with Kiffin a week ago in Oxford, Mississippi, and the sides came to an understanding that Kiffin would make up his mind the day after the Egg Bowl.
If the Egg Bowl was Kiffin’s last game as Ole Miss’ coach, it was a fitting end to one of the most successful tenures in school history.
As speculation about Kiffin’s future continued to swirl over the past two weeks, the Rebels rolled past their rivals for their fifth win in the past six meetings in the heated series. The Rebels had 545 yards of offense, as quarterback Trinidad Chambliss passed for 359 yards with four touchdowns.
The Rebels (11-1, 7-1 SEC) all but secured a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff. They’ll have to wait another day to find out whether they’ll play in next week’s SEC championship game in Atlanta.
No. 3 Texas A&M would have to fall at No. 16 Texas on Friday night (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC) and No. 10 Alabama would have to lose at Auburn in Saturday’s Iron Bowl (7:30 p.m. ET/ABC) for the Rebels to clinch a spot in the SEC championship game.
And, of course, Ole Miss fans will be waiting Saturday to find out which coaches will be on the sideline for the CFP, which might begin with a first-round game at home on Dec. 19 or 20.
If Kiffin decides to leave for LSU, former New York Giants coach Joe Judge would likely serve as the Rebels’ interim coach in the CFP, sources told ESPN.
In the midst of a historic season for Vanderbilt, the school agreed to a new contract with coach Clark Lea with the aim of keeping Vanderbilt competitive with the top of the SEC.
Per ESPN sources, Lea has a new six-year deal to remain the Commodores coach. This comes amid a hectic coaching cycle in which Lea drew interest from multiple high-end suitors with open jobs.
Lea and Vanderbilt agreed to the deal this week, and it includes a significant salary increase for Lea. It also includes numerous assets to continue the program’s upward trend, including additional resources for both staff and facilities.
Lea has led No. 14 Vanderbilt on a remarkable ascent the past two seasons. This year, he has led Vanderbilt to a 9-2 record and a 5-2 mark in the SEC, as Vanderbilt is part of the College Football Playoff conversation with a chance to get to 10-2 at No. 19 Tennessee this weekend.
Last season, Vanderbilt rattled off a series of firsts in program history, including a first win over a No. 1 team when the Commodores toppled Alabama. It marked the first time since 1955 that Vanderbilt beat Alabama and Auburn in the same season.
Vanderbilt’s turnaround came in sync with a staff overhaul after a 2023 season that saw the team go winless in the SEC. That included the hiring of New Mexico State offensive coordinator Tim Beck in the same role and New Mexico State head coach Jerry Kill in a chief consulting role.
That led to the transfer of dynamic quarterback Diego Pavia, who has spearheaded the culture change on the field for the Commodores.
Following Lea’s extension, sources told ESPN’s Eli Lederman that Vanderbilt is expected to intensify its efforts to flip five-star Georgia quarterback commit Jared Curtis before the early signing period opens next week.
Curtis, ESPN’s No. 1 pocket passer in the 2026 class, is from Nashville and could have the opportunity to compete to start from Day 1 with the Commodores next fall. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound passer has been the top-ranked member of Georgia’s incoming recruiting class since May.
Lea is a longtime successful defensive coach, who took over in Vanderbilt in 2021 after the Commodores went winless in 2020. He came from Notre Dame, where he worked under Brian Kelly. Lea is a protegee of Texas A&M coach Mike Elko, who he worked under at both Wake Forest and Notre Dame when Elko coordinated at those stops.
The strong financial commitment to Lea, his staff and facility upgrades is in line with Vanderbilt’s recent newfound commitment to high-end athletics under Candice Lee, as the school is pushing through more than $300 million in athletic facility upgrades on campus.
Lee is a Vanderbilt alum, and the school has worked hard to channel resources to stay competitive in the SEC.
Vanderbilt continues its season of rare air this weekend, as its only two losses are at Alabama and at Texas. The Commodores have wins over South Carolina, Missouri and LSU, which were all ranked at the time.
Lea is a Nashville native and Vanderbilt graduate.
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