NHL Power Rankings: Reason for hope for all 32 teams
The NHL’s holiday break can’t come soon enough for some teams, while other clubs seem to have hit a new stride as winter officially begins. How far did the New Jersey Devils fall this week? Which Eastern Conference team surged up seven spots?
We rank all 32 teams here, and offer a reason for optimism for every fan base.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors rates teams against one another — taking into account game results, injuries and upcoming schedule — and those results are tabulated to produce the list featured here.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the most recent edition, published Dec. 16. Points paces are through Thursday’s games.
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 84.38%
Next seven days: @ NJ (Dec. 23), @ OTT (Dec. 27), @ NJ (Dec. 28)
The Bruins’ unparalleled consistency has had them lording over the NHL standings since Week 1. Boston rarely turns in a bad performance, and if that continues to be the norm, then the only hope these Bruins can have left is of a long playoff run.
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 72.73%
Next seven days: vs. PHI (Dec. 23), vs. CHI (Dec. 27)
The Hurricanes are surging lately with an incomparable full-team attack that shows no signs of slowing. Martin Necas and Seth Jarvis appear rejuvenated. Jordan Staal is having a moment. Carolina’s defense is terrific. When the Hurricanes bring it all together like this, it’s impossible not to have high hopes for what’s to come.
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 70.59%
Next seven days: @ STL (Dec. 27), @ ARI (Dec. 29)
The Leafs lost three of their top four defensemen … and peeled off a 10-game point streak? That’s resiliency. Now TJ Brodie is back, and Morgan Rielly has resumed skating, putting Toronto closer to an ideal lineup. If the Leafs could thrive while undermanned, how hopeful is their future with a full complement of skaters?
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 69.70%
Next seven days: vs. BOS (Dec. 23), vs. BOS (Dec. 28)
The Devils have their health (mostly). That hasn’t always been the case. New Jersey has been slumping in December, but as long as their best players remain available there’s ample hope for a lengthy rebound ahead by a group that proved just weeks ago it knows how to win in bunches.
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 65.15%
Next seven days: @ WSH (Dec. 23), vs. MIN (Dec. 27), vs. VAN (Dec. 29)
The Jets are newly dealing with some key injuries, so what a beacon of hope to know that Nikolaj Ehlers — out since mid-October — is back on the ice following sports hernia surgery, and on track to be available early next month. Winnipeg’s next-man-up mentality just has to hold out a little longer.
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 67.14%
Next seven days: vs. STL (Dec. 23), @ LA (Dec. 27), @ ANA (Dec. 28)
The Golden Knights are exceptionally good on the road. As in, they’ve lost two games in regulation all season outside the desert. Not only does Vegas have a back-half schedule loaded with away opportunities, but there’s also hope it can channel that same energy into its own building — and secure its place as one of the league’s top contenders.
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 64.71%
Next seven days: vs. MTL (Dec. 23), @ NSH (Dec. 27), @ MIN (Dec. 29)
The Stars went from relying heavily on goaltender Jake Oettinger to being one of the league’s most dominant offensive squads thanks to a swell of young talents led by Jason Robertson. When the Stars can launch a balanced, tiered attack, there is hope they’ll beat anyone in their path.
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 65.15%
Next seven days: @ NYI (Dec. 27), vs. DET (Dec. 28)
The Penguins are a better team with Jason Zucker, and they were hopeful a recent injury wouldn’t hold him out for long. Zucker returned even sooner than expected, and was back to being a serious offensive factor, elevating Evgeni Malkin‘s line. The healthier Pittsburgh stays, the higher its hopes can climb.
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 64.06%
Next seven days: vs. MTL (Dec. 28), s. NYR (Dec. 29)
The Lightning lacked confidence early this season, but that chapter is hopefully closed. Tampa Bay is being led by a red-hot Nikita Kucherov — who’s fourth in league scoring — and a rejuvenated Andrei Vasilevskiy. When the Lightning’s stars come out, they’re hard to stop.
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 62.50%
Next seven days: vs. CGY (Dec. 28)
The Kraken don’t get enough credit for the top-10 offense they’ve been honing. Seattle’s hope of a first-time playoff berth rests with the likes of phenom Matty Beniers, consistent Jared McCann and multifaceted Jordan Eberle. A great run to start this season should hopefully set the Kraken up well for more second-half success.
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 60.61%
Next seven days: @ WPG (Dec. 27), vs. DAL (Dec. 29)
The Wild have depth to spare these days, and it has paid off in W’s. Whether it’s Kirill Kaprizov producing another highlight-reel goal, Filip Gustavsson emerging with big saves, or Ryan Reaves setting a tone, Minnesota’s hopes of being a major player in the West look stronger than ever.
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 61.43%
Next seven days: vs. WSH (Dec. 27), @ TB (Dec. 29)
New York has regained its mojo, and not a moment too soon. The Rangers have to hope the dramatic turnaround of late — which included a seven-game win streak — means their hardest struggle of the season has come and gone. Being a dominant Beast of the East is back on the table for good.
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 61.29%
Next seven days: @ NSH (Dec. 23), @ ARI (Dec. 27), vs. LA (Dec. 29)
The Avalanche have Cale Makar, a multihyphenate, award-winning, top-five NHL defenseman with a heart so pure he actually declined a power play this week over a phantom hook from Mathew Barzal. What more could you hope for in the (now probable) Lady Byng front-runner?
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 59.72%
Next seven days: @ ARI (Dec. 23), vs. VGK (Dec. 27), @ COL (Dec. 29)
The Kings have good reason to hope Pheonix Copley can turn things around in net. While Jonathan Quick is having a difficult season, Copley has played well in December (with a 5-1-0 record so far) and gives L.A. a great chance every night. If Copley can support Quick in finding his form post-holiday break, that’s even better.
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 57.14%
Next seven days: vs. WPG (Dec. 23), @ NYR (Dec. 27), vs. OTT (Dec. 29)
The Capitals of late look more akin to the Capitals of old, with a depth of attack that hopefully keeps giving opponents fits. Erik Gustafsson‘s hat trick, Nic Dowd‘s career night, Charlie Lindgren stepping up and Alex Ovechkin breaking records; you name it, Washington has had it going on.
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 55.88%
Next seven days: vs. FLA (Dec. 23), vs. PIT (Dec. 27), vs. CBJ (Dec. 29)
The Islanders aren’t a prolific scoring bunch, so their best hope for long-term success has rested heavily on their goaltending. And with good reason. Ilya Sorokin has been solid all season. Semyon Varlamov has played well (when healthy). If Sorokin can hold the fort now that Varlamov is sidelined by an injury, New York will hopefully have time to get its offensive support in line.
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 55.88%
Next seven days: vs. VAN (Dec. 23), @ CGY (Dec. 27)
The Oilers have Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid leading the league in offense. Again. Some things rarely change and hope will always spring eternal in Edmonton when those two turn it up.
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 53.13%
Next seven days: @ CBJ (Dec. 27), vs. DET (Dec. 29)
The Sabres just put together their first four-game win streak of the season, during which Tage Thompson scored five goals and nine points. Buffalo’s emerging star is top five in league scoring this season, and everything the Sabres could hope to build around for years to come.
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 54.41%
Next seven days: @ ANA (Dec. 23), vs. EDM (Dec. 27), @ SEA (Dec. 28)
The Flames are benefitting from the best of Elias Lindholm lately, as he has kept their offense propped up through a challenging stretch. Every team needs that player who can lift them out of a funk, and there’s hope Lindholm’s continued excellence can be a catalyst for sustained success.
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 50.00%
Next seven days: @ NYI (Dec. 23), vs. MTL (Dec. 29)
The Panthers swung for the fences in acquiring Matthew Tkachuk, and Tkachuk has delivered regular dynamic performances. Florida has to believe that the entire team will eventually feed off that energy. Speaking of good omens, the Panthers got lucky that Aleksander Barkov‘s recent injury won’t keep him sidelined for long.
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 54.69%
Next seven days: @ PIT (Dec. 28), @ BUF (Dec. 29)
The Red Wings are mired in a rough stretch, but reinforcements are on the way via Jakub Vrana and a hopefully reignited Dylan Larkin and Filip Hronek. Coach Derek Lalonde said Vrana — who has appeared in two games this season — brings goals, and that’s what Detroit needs. He’ll be the Red Wings’ hopeful shot in the arm.
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 51.61%
Next seven days: vs. COL (Dec. 23), vs. DAL (Dec. 27)
The Predators’ hopes of a brighter offensive future have been bolstered by Cody Glass‘ line with Nino Niederreiter and Tanner Jeannot. That unit (mostly) shut down Edmonton’s top skaters earlier this week, and earned positive reinforcement from coach Jon Hynes. Can the rest of Nashville’s skaters follow the Glass line’s lead?
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 50.00%
Next seven days: @ VGK (Dec. 23), vs. TOR (Dec. 27), vs. CHI (Dec. 29)
The Blues have been waiting for Jordan Kyrou to find a rhythm, and there’s reason to hope that has finally happened. Kyrou netted his first career hat trick this week to cap off a four-game, 10-point run that highlighted the best aspects of his offensive game. St. Louis needs more of those contributions and has to hope Kyrou’s upper-body injury won’t be a long-term issue.
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 50.00%
Next seven days: @ DAL (Dec. 23), @ TB (Dec. 28), @ FLA (Dec. 29)
The Canadiens are gaining valuable learning experience in a season that has gone better than expected. The franchise’s future hopes hinge on its young stars, and the fact Montreal has won important games, and been able to keep up with the competition, will hopefully pay dividends now and well into the team’s future.
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 46.97%
Next seven days: vs. BOS (Dec. 27), @ WSH (Dec. 29)
The Senators have reason to hope Josh Norris will, in fact, return to the lineup this season following a shoulder injury — and maybe sooner than later. Coach DJ Smith said Norris will be reevaluated after the holiday break, and if Norris gains clearance that’s a massive upgrade for the Senators’ second-half hopes.
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 42.65%
Next seven days: @ CAR (Dec. 23), @ SJ (Dec. 29)
The Flyers are jam-packed with young talent, from Cutter Gauthier to Tyson Foerster to Olle Lycksell and, of course, Cam York (who’s currently in the NHL lineup). Philadelphia will want a good shot at the Connor Bedard/Adam Fantilli sweepstakes, too, but there’s plenty of hope available already in its system.
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 48.44%
Next seven days: @ EDM (Dec. 23), vs. SJ (Dec. 27), @ WPG (Dec. 29)
The Canucks boast a bona fide star in Elias Pettersson. Vancouver on the whole has been through just about every scenario — positive and negative — this season, and nothing should make the team feel more hopeful than how Pettersson is breaking through.
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 34.38%
Next seven days: @ CHI (Dec. 23), vs. BUF (Dec. 27), @ NYI (Dec. 29)
The Blue Jackets have lost just about every major player to an injury this season except Johnny Gaudreau. As long as Gaudreau and his game-changing potential are available, Columbus has something about which to feel hopeful.
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 40.32%
Next seven days: vs. LA (Dec. 23), vs. COL (Dec. 27), vs. TOR (Dec. 29)
The Coyotes could hopefully have a new state-of-the-art facility to play in by the time they’re ready to really make some noise on the ice. Look good, feel good, all good. Sometimes patience is a virtue.
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 40.00%
Next seven days: @ VAN (Dec. 27), vs. PHI (Dec. 29)
The Sharks could have a top-tier trade option in Erik Karlsson who could spark a deal netting one or two important players or picks in return. That would give San Jose hope for a quick turnaround from what has been a frustrating season to date.
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 29.03%
Next seven days: vs. CBJ (Dec. 23), @ CAR (Dec. 27), @ STL (Dec. 29)
The Blackhawks (and their fans) should be glued to the World Junior tournament, as Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli and more make their case to be this year’s No. 1 overall pick. Chicago has to hope it has the inside track on deciding who that will be.
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 30.88%
Next seven days: vs. CGY (Dec. 23), vs. VGK (Dec. 28)
The Ducks might hope to be in the mix for that top pick in this year’s draft, where they can select Connor Bedard and potentially pair him with Mason McTavish — and those two can recreate the chemistry they’ve had internationally with Team Canada. Dream big!
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Kristen Shilton
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Ryan S. Clark
With most NHL teams having played 41 games this season, it’s time for another round of report cards.
Some teams have far outpaced their preseason expectations — the Minnesota Wild and Washington Capitals among them — while others have fallen well short — looking at you, New York Rangers and Nashville Predators.
In addition to an overall grade for each club at the midway point, we’ve also identified each team’s class president and a player in danger of failing.
Note: Teams are arrayed alphabetically by letter grade. Ryan S. Clark graded the Pacific and Central Division teams, and Kristen Shilton graded the Metropolitan and Atlantic Division teams. Stats are through the games of Jan. 11. Preseason over/unders are courtesy of ESPN BET sportsbook.
Jump to:
ANA | ARI | BOS | BUF
CGY | CAR | CHI | COL
CBJ | DAL | DET | EDM
FLA | LA | MIN | MTL
NSH | NJ | NYI | NYR
OTT | PHI | PIT | SJ
SEA | STL | TB | TOR
VAN | VGS | WSH | WPG
A grades
Record: 27-13-4
Preseason over/under: 93.5
Current points pace: 108.1
Class president: Kirill Kaprizov. Being on pace for a 50-goal and 100-point season only adds to the reality Kaprizov is one of the game’s most dangerous players. There’s also an argument to be had about him being one of the most valuable. The Wild aren’t like other teams that have balanced scoring throughout their lineup. They have four players who have scored more than 50% of their goals and Kaprizov is among that quartet. His 23 goals and 27 assists — with 15 of them being primary — means he has played a role in being responsible for more than 40% of the Wild’s goals.
In danger of failing: Yakov Trenin. Pointing the proverbial finger at Trenin is a bit repetitive, but it’s that way because of the Wild’s salary cap implications. The combined Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyouts mean the club must spend judiciously. Signing Trenin to a four-year deal worth $3.5 million annually meant the Wild were getting a player who could provide them with another double-digit goal scorer. Trenin had three goals through 37 games and is projected to score six goals after three straight seasons of more than 12 goals.
Grade: A+ (first-quarter grade: A+). Kaprizov is having the type of season that has him in the Hart Trophy discussion. Filip Gustavsson could end up being a Vezina Trophy finalist and Matt Boldy, Brock Faber and Marco Rossi continue to show why they’re an important part of the Wild’s present and future plans. It’s enough to keep them in the race for the Central entering January. But will it be enough in the postseason?
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Jake Trotter, ESPN Senior Writer
Penn State junior standout running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton both announced Monday that they will be returning to the Nittany Lions for the 2025 season.
“We still have goals we want to reach as a team, and I want to be alongside my teammates as we reach those goals,” Singleton wrote in his announcement.
Allen, meanwhile, said that “it’s clear that we still have a lot more to accomplish.”
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. had ranked Allen and Singleton as the Nos. 5 and 6 running backs available in the upcoming NFL draft.
This past season, the two teamed up to give Penn State one of college football’s top rushing duos — Allen rushed for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 5.0 yards per carry; Singleton rushed for 1,099 yards with 12 touchdowns and ranked fourth in the Big Ten with 6.4 yards per carry.
Singleton also led Big Ten running backs with 375 receiving yards on 41 receptions.
Singleton ran for three touchdowns in Penn State’s 27-24 loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinals Thursday. Allen rushed for 134 yards in the Nittany Lions’ quarterfinal victory over Boise State on Dec. 31.
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar previously announced he was coming back. With Allen and Singleton joining him, the Nittany Lions will enter next season with one of the country’s most prolific and experienced backfields.
Quarterback Carson Beck‘s college career might not be over yet.
The Georgia starter came into this past season as one of the top-rated passers available for the 2025 NFL draft, and an early favorite to go No. 1 overall. But after a season in which he threw nine interceptions during a four-game stretch (and three more in a 41-34 loss at Alabama) and struggled mightily in other games, his draft stock fell sharply.
Making matters worse, Beck was injured on the final play of the first half in Georgia’s 22-19 overtime victory against Texas in the Dec. 7 SEC championship game. Beck had season-ending surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right, throwing elbow on Dec. 23. Five days later, he announced he was entering the NFL draft.
Then on Thursday, Beck entered the transfer portal. On Friday, Beck committed to Miami, where he’ll replace record-setting QB Cam Ward. Due to his injury, Beck, however, isn’t expected to resume throwing until sometime this spring. — Mark Schlabach
Why is he heading to Miami?
There were lots of rumors linking Beck to Miami back in December, which he briefly put to rest when he declared for the draft. But just as they did last year with Cam Ward, Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes stayed patient and eventually won out for one of the top quarterbacks in the portal.
Ward was worth every penny with the remarkable season he put together in 2024 and the leadership he brought to the program. He seriously boosted his NFL draft stock as a result of his 2024 season and could end up being the No. 1 overall pick. If you’re Beck, that’s the goal in coming back for an extra season. Miami won’t have the same supporting cast of playmakers back for 2025, but they had a lot to sell as Beck’s ideal destination.
Beck won a lot of games with the Bulldogs but never got an opportunity to start in a College Football Playoff game. Two November losses knocked Miami out of the ACC title game and the 12-team CFP this season. Both sides are highly motivated to make the most of 2025, and Beck’s arrival will once again mean big preseason expectations for this program. It’s fair to call this another playoff-or-bust season for Cristobal and the Canes. — Max Olson
What’s next for Georgia?
Beck’s replacement, third-year sophomore Gunner Stockton, played well enough in the second half of the SEC championship game and in a 23-10 loss to Notre Dame in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game at the Allstate Sugar Bowl that he’ll likely go into spring practice as the favorite to replace Beck.
Stockton, one of the most productive quarterbacks in Georgia high school history, led the Bulldogs back from a 6-3 deficit in the second half to defeat Texas in Atlanta. In his first college start, he completed 20 of 32 passes for 234 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions against a very good Notre Dame defense.
Stockton should improve with a full offseason to prepare as the starter. He’ll have to hold off freshman Ryan Puglisi, the No. 9 pocket passer in the class of 2024, according to ESPN. The Bulldogs signed two quarterbacks in their most recent recruiting class: Ryan Montgomery of Findlay, Ohio, and Hezekiah Millender of Athens, Georgia.
The Bulldogs might still bring in another experienced quarterback from the portal. They were linked to former Alabama backup Dylan Lonergan and Cal starter Fernando Mendoza before those two signed with Boston College and Indiana, respectively. — Schlabach
Did Beck fall out of favor with NFL scouts?
After entering the season as a candidate to be the No. 1 pick in 2025, Beck didn’t live up to expectations, finishing with solid statistics — 28 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions and 3,485 yards — but up-and-down performances. He had three games at midseason in which he threw a combined eight picks, which raised eyebrows among NFL scouts. I dropped him in my rankings to the No. 5 quarterback in the 2025 class.
Speaking to evaluators in the league, Beck’s draft grades were all over the place, as some thought he would go in Round 2, while others thought he could go as low as Round 5. After his announcement that he was declaring for the draft, one scout said: “I was surprised.”
At Miami, Beck should have an opportunity to recapture his 2023 form, when he threw just six interceptions. Drew Allar (Penn State) is the early headliner of the 2026 class, and Beck needs a big season to get back into the Round 1 discussion. — Jordan Reid
What’s the latest with Beck’s injury?
On the day of Beck’s surgery, a Georgia statement indicated the procedure was successful, and he was expected to begin throwing again in the spring. Not much else — about the severity of the injury or his recovery time — is publicly known.
According to the Mayo Clinic’s website, UCL injuries are common among gymnasts, wrestlers, football players and baseball pitchers. The length of Beck’s recovery would depend on whether he partially or completely tore the ligament and where it was torn (proximal, distal or mid-substance).
“For patients who have full thickness tears and need to return to high demand throwing type activities, surgery may be considered,” the Mayo Clinic website says. “Surgery typically entails either a repair (fixing your current ligament by sewing and anchoring it back down to the bone) or reconstruction (replacing your injured ligament) of the UCL.”
Beck wouldn’t be the first quarterback to come back from UCL surgery. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy injured the UCL in his right, throwing elbow against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game on Jan. 29, 2023. He had surgery to repair his UCL on March 10, 2023, and returned to throwing less than three months later. He started the 49ers’ opener on Sept. 10, 2023.
The Mayo Clinic website said athletes who experience UCL injuries have a 95-100% return rate to athletics for non-throwers and 85-95% for throwers. — Schlabach
What are the rules about entering the portal after declaring for the draft?
Beck announced his intentions of entering the NFL draft, but he has until Feb. 7 to remove his name from the draft by sending an opt-out letter to the league office.
College football players whose teams’ seasons had already ended had until Jan. 6 to declare for the draft. Players on teams that are still competing in the CFP (Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State and Texas) have until Jan. 27 to decide whether to leave their names in the draft. — Schlabach
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