NHL Power Rankings: Yet another new No. 1, plus each team’s rookie of the year
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Kristen Shilton, ESPN NHL reporter
April has begun, and the end of the 2023-24 regular season looms on the 18th. Which teams are heating up at just the right time — and which are falling off?
Our voters have cast their ballots, with some major shifts yet again as one of the closest Presidents’ Trophy races in recent history is unfolding. Plus: Because it’s awards season, we created a hypothetical: If there were a Calder Trophy given out for each team’s rookie of the year, who would the 32 winners be? We answer that question this week as well.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends 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 March 29. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 69.08%
Logan Stankoven was a dominant AHL skater. And he has been more than ready for a big league chance. The 21-year-old found immediate chemistry with linemates Jamie Benn and Wyatt Johnson upon being added to the Stars roster, and he put up five goals in his first tenure to prove it. If Stankoven only gets better from here? That’s a gold rush for Big D.
Next seven days: @ CHI (April 6), @ COL (April 7), vs. BUF (April 9), vs. WPG (April 11)
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 69.74%
Sure, New York has one headline-generating freshman in Matt Rempe. But in terms of on-ice impact, the Rangers’ Calder Trophy goes to Will Cuylle. The 22-year-old winger settled into a fourth-line slot where he pairs a physical, forechecking punch with offensive upside (12 goals in 73 games) to give the Rangers’ depth a boost.
Next seven days: @ DET (April 5), vs. MTL (April 7), @ NYI (April 9), vs. PHI (April 11)
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 66.45%
Carolina has rallied around rookie goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov. When the Hurricanes’ veteran netminders were injured (Frederik Andersen) or struggling (Antti Raanta), Kochetkov made his mark. The 24-year-old leads all freshmen goalies with four shutouts, and boasts an impressive 20-13-4 record with a 2.38 goals-against average and .911 save percentage.
Next seven days: vs. WSH (April 5), vs. CBJ (April 7), @ BOS (April 9)
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 68.18%
Bruins coach Jim Montgomery can put Mason Lohrei anywhere and watch him thrive. Lohrei has taken on top-pairing minutes and penalty kill responsibilities, and averages over 16 minutes per game as an integral piece of Boston’s back end. Add to that Lohrei’s penchant for shot blocks and well-timed hits, and it’s enough to earn him some Calder attention.
Next seven days: vs. FLA (April 6), vs. CAR (April 9)
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 67.11%
The Canucks haven’t sent many rookies over the boards this season, but Arshdeep Bains did enough in the minors to intrigue Canucks coach Rick Tocchet. With Vancouver on the cusp of clinching a playoff berth this week, Bains got a call-up to build on his solid seven-game stint earlier this season. What Bains does with his opportunities now is critical.
Next seven days: @ LA (April 6), vs. VGK (April 8), vs. ARI (April 10)
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 67.11%
Scary as it is to imagine, Colorado could (eventually) have a second Cale Makar-type defender in rookie Sam Malinski — but no pressure, kid. The 25-year-old impressed early this season with three goals and 10 points in 23 games, drawing Makar comparisons along the way. That’s enough to earn him the Avalanche’s Calder nod.
Next seven days: @ EDM (April 5), vs. DAL (April 7), vs. MIN (April 9)
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 64.19%
Edmonton knows who to (re)call when filling a gap at the NHL level, and it’s often James Hamblin. The rookie forward has weathered the minors-to-majors see-saw with fine results in a fourth-line role. Dependability and versatility are solid qualities to have at any level, and Hamblin has provided it for the Oilers.
Next seven days: vs. COL (April 5), @ CGY (April 6), vs. VGK (April 10)
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 65.58%
There’s a bright future for forward Mackie Samoskevich. While he hasn’t collected any points over seven NHL games this season, Samoskevich has dominated in the AHL (45 points in 55 games), and it’s only a matter of time before he translates that to a significant role with the big club.
Next seven days: @ BOS (April 6), vs. OTT (April 9), vs. CBJ (April 11)
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 63.33%
It’s scary to fathom what would have befallen Toronto without Joseph Woll stepping up in the crease. When starter Ilya Samsonov struggled, it was the rookie Woll providing steady coverage and confidence back there. And even on a Leafs’ team that has been inconsistent defensively, Woll’s stats (2.87 GAA, .910 SV%) have stayed solid.
Next seven days: @ MTL (April 6), vs. PIT (April 8), @ NJ (April 9), vs. NJ (April 11)
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 61.33%
Vegas got key contributions from rookie Pavel Dorofeyev during a recent surge that cemented his status as the Golden Knights’ Calder pick. Dorofeyev is a play-driving forward with incredible offensive skill who has turned up the heat lately with near-nightly goal scoring. He’s everything Vegas could want.
Next seven days: @ ARI (April 5), @ VAN (April 8), @ EDM (April 10)
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 61.18%
Defenseman Emil Lilleberg stood out from the pack of impressive first-year pros in Tampa Bay. Lilleberg debuted in January on a Lightning blue line decimated by injury and had an immediate impact infusing some youthful energy — and hard-hitting play.
Next seven days: @ PIT (April 6), vs. CBJ (April 9), vs. OTT (April 11)
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 60.53%
Nashville saw something special in Luke Evangelista last season, and the forward has proved himself further in his official rookie campaign. The winger shows up consistently on the scoresheet (15 goals and 33 points in 72 games), produces on special teams and has evolved into an all-around performer.
Next seven days: @ NYI (April 6), @ NJ (April 7), vs. WPG (April 9)
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 64.47%
Winnipeg has one candidate to qualify for this discussion, and it’s Declan Chisholm. The defenseman was plucked off waivers from Minnesota in January, though Winnipeg has used him in only two games since. But Chisholm did net an assist in that stretch, and that’ll earn you trophy consideration in these parts.
Next seven days: @ MIN (April 6), @ NSH (April 9), @ DAL (April 11)
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 59.87%
The Kings have leaned heavily on Alex Laferriere — and for good reason. The 22-year-old is one of a dozen rookies around the league to appear in more than 60 games, and he has become one of the Kings’ most productive players at 5-on-5 while generating 11 goals and 22 points through 72 games.
Next seven days: vs. VAN (April 6), @ ANA (April 9), vs. CGY (April 11)
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 54.67%
Washington slotted rookie Hendrix Lapierre into a top-line center spot earlier this season and watched the 22-year-old become one the Capitals’ top performers. That’s the power of Lapierre. He has gathered eight goals and 18 points through 42 games, helping Washington in its playoff push.
Next seven days: @ CAR (April 5), vs. OTT (April 7), @ DET (April 9), @ BUF (April 11)
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 55.26%
First-year pro Joel Hofer stepped in to support Jordan Binnington and has been serviceable throughout the season (13-12-0, .915 SV%, 2.74 GAA), backstopping an often uneven Blues’ team. And that’s not easy.
Next seven days: @ SJ (April 6), @ ANA (April 7), vs. CHI (April 10)
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 54.00%
Minnesota might see defenseman Brock Faber win the actual Calder Trophy. Faber has excelled for the Wild, taking on top-pairing responsibilities (and tough matchups), averaging over 25 minutes per game while recording seven goals and 41 points through 73 games. Round of applause.
Next seven days: vs. WPG (April 6), @ CHI (April 7), @ COL (April 9)
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 54.67%
Here’s to you, Simon Edvinsson, the lone rookie skater for the Red Wings this season. It was Edvinsson getting the nod recently when the Red Wings needed help for their playoff push, and the 6-foot-6 defenseman has not disappointed. Coach Derek Lalonde praised him for bringing “a big boost” to the club.
Next seven days: vs. NYR (April 5), vs. BUF (April 7), vs. WSH (April 9), @ PIT (April 11)
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 54.61%
Philadelphia has leaned on rookie netminder Samuel Ersson, and he has answered the bell. Ersson leads all freshmen goalies in starts (43) and has a 21-16-7 record with 2.79 GAA. It wasn’t the Flyers’ plan to have Ersson manning the cage so often, but he has grown with the Flyers through their surprisingly strong season.
Next seven days: @ BUF (April 5), @ CBJ (April 6), @ MTL (April 9), @ NYR (April 11)
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 54.61%
The Isles gave Kyle MacLean a six-game audition to start. That lit a fire under the rookie to earn himself another recall — and he’s not looking back. The Islanders’ recent fourth-line center has clearly shown why he’s NHL ready, producing three goals and six points through 23 games.
Next seven days: vs. NSH (April 6), vs. NYR (April 9), vs. MTL (April 11)
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 53.29%
Valtteri Puustinen will push his way toward a permanent spot next season. The 24-year-old winger capitalized on his NHL chances this season with 18 points in 43 games, and he won’t be the odd man out among the Penguins (a team desperate to get younger) for much longer.
Next seven days: vs. TB (April 6), @ TOR (April 8), vs. DET (April 11)
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 50.00%
New Jersey can be sure Luke Hughes will be an integral long-term piece of its blue line. The 20-year-old has played beyond his years this season, averaging over 20 minutes and putting up nine goals and 41 points through 74 games. If that’s the ground floor for Hughes, then the Devils have every reason to be hopeful about his next steps.
Next seven days: @ OTT (April 6), vs. NSH (April 7), vs. TOR (April 9), @ TOR (April 11)
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 50.66%
Zach Benson has joined Buffalo’s top six, and the rookie has elevated his game accordingly. Benson — still just 18 years old — skates over 14 minutes per game, and has produced nine goals and 23 points through 64 games. For someone still so early in his development this has been a transformative year for Benson.
Next seven days: vs. PHI (April 5), @ DET (April 7), @ DAL (April 9), vs. WSH (April 11)
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 50.00%
Kraken fans caught a glimpse of Tye Kartye in the playoffs last season, and the rookie has translated that taste into a full-blown spread of opportunity this season. Bringing a physical edge and adding offense (with nine goals and 17 points through 68 games) is Kartye’s calling card, and Seattle will keep dialing in on what he can offer.
Next seven days: @ ANA (April 5), vs. ARI (April 9), vs. SJ (April 11)
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 48.67%
Calgary has benefitted from Connor Zary‘s breakout rookie season that has generated serious leaguewide Calder buzz for the top-six forward. Zary rose from a brief AHL stint to start the season into a stalwart among the Flames’ forward group — a position he’ll hold well into the future.
Next seven days: vs. EDM (April 6), @ SJ (April 9), @ LA (April 11)
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 46.67%
Ottawa has unlocked great potential in Ridly Greig‘s rookie season. He has been a firecracker up front and is a burgeoning scoring threat with 12 goals and 24 points through 63 games. The Senators are attempting to chart a successful new course and should be glad Greig’s along for the ride.
Next seven days: vs. NJ (April 6), @ WSH (April 7), @ FLA (April 9), @ TB (April 11)
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 46.67%
Cayden Primeau just had his best stretch of his rookie campaign in March, with a 3-1-1 record, 1.97 GAA and .939 SV%. The 24-year-old could be a valuable part of the Canadiens’ hopeful resurgence in coming seasons.
Next seven days: vs. TOR (April 6), @ NYR (April 7), vs. PHI (April 9), @ NYI (April 11)
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 44.67%
Arizona might be uncertain about its next arena location — but there’s no doubt Logan Cooley could light that place up, too. The freshman has had a dazzling season, producing 17 goals and 39 points through 74 games (and is fresh off his first career hat trick, too). Cooley has been better than advertised for the desert dogs.
Next seven days: vs. VGK (April 5), @ SJ (April 7), @ SEA (April 9), @ VAN (April 10)
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 40.79%
Columbus is the NHL home to underrated rookie forward Dmitri Voronkov, and his stats speak for themselves. The durable forward is top 10 in rookie scoring (17 goals and 31 points through 68 games) with an impressive shooting percentage (13.2%), and he’s a real asset for the Blue Jackets along the boards. Voronkov could be just scratching the surface of his potential in Columbus, a club that also has top-tier Calder material in 2023 No. 3 pick Adam Fantilli.
Next seven days: vs. PHI (April 6), @ CAR (April 7), @ TB (April 9), @ FLA (April 11)
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 32.67%
Not even a fractured jaw could hold Connor Bedard back from being a Calder Trophy front-runner this season. Despite missing time, Bedard paces the rookie scoring field with 21 goals and 57 points through 60 games. And to think this is just the beginning for the newest face of the franchise in Chicago.
Next seven days: vs. DAL (April 6), vs. MIN (April 7), @ STL (April 10)
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 35.53%
Anaheim has one of the league’s top rookie blueliners in Pavel Mintyukov, and he should be a perennial bright spot for the Ducks. The 20-year-old has hardly looked out of place leading Anaheim’s back end with eye-opening (if under-the-radar) play and production (four goals and 28 points in 63 games). It’s hard to stick out in a season that also saw Faber and Hughes debut, but Mintyukov is on track to be an impact player.
Next seven days: vs. SEA (April 5), vs. STL (April 7), vs. LA (April 9)
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 28.00%
Henry Thrun was missed greatly when he was hurt in late January. Fortunately the blueliner has healed — and picked up where he left off with an ever-evolving game that has given the Sharks something to be excited about for their future.
Next seven days: vs. STL (April 6), vs. ARI (April 7), vs. CGY (April 9), @ SEA (April 11)
It’s 2025 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby day in Atlanta!
Some of the most dynamic home run hitters in baseball will be taking aim at the Truist Park stands on Monday (8 p.m. ET on ESPN) in one of the most anticipated events of the summer.
While the prospect of a back-to-back champion is out of the picture — 2024 winner Teoscar Hernandez is not a part of this year’s field — a number of exciting stars will be taking the field, including Atlanta’s own Matt Olson, who replaced Ronald Acuna Jr. just three days before the event. Will Olson make a run in front of his home crowd? Will Cal Raleigh show off the power that led to 38 home runs in the first half? Or will one of the younger participants take the title?
We have your one-stop shop for everything Derby related, from predictions to live updates once we get underway to analysis and takeaways at the night’s end.
MLB Home Run Derby field
Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners (38 home runs in 2025)
James Wood, Washington Nationals (24)
Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays (23)
Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins (21)
Brent Rooker, Athletics (20)
Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves (17)
Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York Yankees (17)
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (16)
Live updates
Who is going to win the Derby and who will be the runner-up?
Jeff Passan: Raleigh. His swing is perfect for the Derby: He leads MLB this season in both pull percentage and fly ball percentage, so it’s not as if he needs to recalibrate it to succeed. He has also become a prolific hitter from the right side this season — 16 home runs in 102 at-bats — and his ability to switch between right- and left-handed pitching offers a potential advantage. No switch-hitter (or catcher for that matter) has won a Home Run Derby. The Big Dumper is primed to be the first, beating Buxton in the finals.
Alden Gonzalez: Cruz. He might be wildly inconsistent at this point in his career, but he is perfect for the Derby — young enough to possess the stamina required for a taxing event that could become exhausting in the Atlanta heat; left-handed, in a ballpark where the ball carries out better to right field; and, most importantly, capable of hitting balls at incomprehensible velocities. Raleigh will put on a good show from both sides of the plate but will come in second.
Buster Olney: Olson. He is effectively pinch-hitting for Acuna, and because he received word in the past 72 hours of his participation, he hasn’t had the practice rounds that the other competitors have been going through. But he’s the only person in this group who has done the Derby before, which means he has experienced the accelerated pace, adrenaline and push of the crowd.
His pitcher, Eddie Perez, knows something about performing in a full stadium in Atlanta. And, as Olson acknowledged in a conversation Sunday, the park generally favors left-handed hitters because of the larger distances that right-handed hitters must cover in left field.
Jesse Rogers: Olson. Home-field advantage will mean something this year as hitting in 90-plus degree heat and humidity will be an extra challenge in Atlanta. Olson understands that and can pace himself accordingly. Plus, he was a late addition. He has got nothing to lose. He’ll outlast the young bucks in the field. And I’m not putting Raleigh any lower than second — his first half screams that he’ll be in the finals against Olson.
Jorge Castillo: Wood. His mammoth power isn’t disputed — he can jack baseballs to all fields. But the slight defect in his power package is that he doesn’t hit the ball in the air nearly as often as a typical slugger. Wood ranks 126th out of 155 qualified hitters across the majors in fly ball percentage. And he still has swatted 24 home runs this season. So, in an event where he’s going to do everything he can to lift baseballs, hitting fly balls won’t be an issue, and Wood is going to show off that gigantic power en route to a victory over Cruz in the finals.
Who will hit the longest home run of the night — and how far?
Passan: Cruz hits the ball harder than anyone in baseball history. He’s the choice here, at 493 feet.
Gonzalez: If you exclude the Coors Field version, there have been just six Statcast-era Derby home runs that have traveled 497-plus feet. They were compiled by two men: Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. James Wood — all 6-foot-7, 234 pounds of him — will become the third.
Olney: James Wood has the easy Stanton- and Judge-type power, and he will clear the Chophouse with the longest homer. Let’s say 497 feet.
Rogers: Hopefully he doesn’t injure himself doing it, but Buxton will break out his massive strength and crush a ball at least 505 feet. I don’t see him advancing far in the event, but for one swing, he’ll own the night.
Castillo: Cruz hits baseballs hard and far. He’ll crush a few bombs, and one will reach an even 500 feet.
Who is the one slugger fans will know much better after the Derby?
Passan: Buxton capped his first half with a cycle on Saturday, and he’ll carry that into the Derby, where he will remind the world why he was baseball’s No. 1 prospect in 2015. Buxton’s talent has never been in question, just his health. And with his body feeling right, he has the opportunity to put on a show fans won’t soon forget.
Olney: Caminero isn’t a big name and wasn’t a high-end prospect like Wood was earlier in his career. Just 3½ years ago, Caminero was dealt to the Rays by the Cleveland Guardians in a relatively minor November trade for pitcher Tobias Myers. But since then, he has refined his ability to cover inside pitches and is blossoming this year into a player with ridiculous power. He won’t win the Derby, but he’ll open some eyes.
What’s the one moment we’ll all be talking about long after this Derby ends?
Gonzalez: The incredible distances and velocities that will be reached, particularly by Wood, Cruz, Caminero, Raleigh and Buxton. The hot, humid weather at Truist Park will only aid the mind-blowing power that will be on display Monday night.
Rogers: The exhaustion on the hitter’s faces, swinging for home run after home run in the heat and humidity of Hot-lanta!
Castillo: Cruz’s 500-foot blast and a bunch of other lasers he hits in the first two rounds before running out of gas in the finals.
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