As the 2024-25 NHL season kicks off, excitement is building for fans across the globe. This season promises a thrilling 1,312-game journey, spanning from the reigning Stanley Cup champions to teams trying to rebuild. The Power Rankings (TPR) analyzed off-season moves, injuries, and potential breakout performances. This is a complete list of the NHL power rankings 2024. The season’s opening night is upon us, and here’s where each team stands, starting from the bottom to the top.
NHL Power Rankings 2024: Look at All 32 Teams
32 San José Sharks
Unfortunately, the San Jose Sharks are at the bottom of the NHL power rankings 2024. Last season’s poor showing, with only 47 points, has yet to inspire confidence. Despite securing the No. 1 overall draft pick, Macklin Celebrini, the Sharks’ struggles are far from over. Celebrini’s injury in the preseason has only added to their woes.
31 Columbus Blue Jackets
After finishing at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division last season, the Blue Jackets face a long road ahead. A chaotic off-season, with a weak roster and internal issues, bodes ill for the team. New coach Dean Evason must work miracles to keep this team afloat.
30 Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks’ 2023-24 season left them in limbo. They were stuck between the last-place Sharks and the rising Kraken. Watch goaltender Lukas Dostal. But Anaheim’s chances of escaping the Pacific Division basement are slim. Their defense and scoring still need more consistency.
29 Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are a shadow of the team that won the Pacific Division two seasons ago. They missed the playoffs by 17 points last year. So, they are banking on young goaltender Dustin Wolf. They need him to step up after veteran Jacob Markstrom’s departure. The Flames have much to prove if they hope to regain relevance in the division.
28 Montreal Canadiens
Fans had high hopes for the Canadiens this season. They had acquired star forward Patrik Laine. However, Laine’s early injury has been a huge setback. Last year, the Canadiens finished at the bottom of the Atlantic Division. They will need other players to fill the void as they aim for a better showing in 2024-25.
27 Chicago Blackhawks
Year 2 of the Connor Bedard era should bring some improvement, but the Blackhawks are still far from contending. Bedard is a superstar in the making, but the Blackhawks lack depth and defense, which will keep them near the bottom of the Central Division.
26 Seattle Kraken
A year after a 100-point season and a playoff win, the Kraken will try to bounce back from a poor 2023-24 campaign. Seattle could be surprised if some playoff contenders falter. But its roster may need to be stronger for a long season.
25 Philadelphia Flyers
Last season, the Flyers were in the East playoff hunt until the final week. Many analysts expect a regression this year. With an aging core and few off-season upgrades, Coach John Tortorella faces a tough task: guiding Philadelphia back to the playoffs.
24 St. Louis Blues
The Blues missed the playoffs last season. But they had a winning record. This year, however, we temper expectations. With some new players, it’s tough to see the Blues repeating or exceeding their 92 points from 2023-24.
23 Washington Capitals
The Capitals have Alex Ovechkin chasing Wayne Gretzky’s goal record. It’s a storyline to follow this season. However, a string of off-season moves has left their roster in flux. They made the playoffs last season, but we will see if the Capitals can maintain that form in 2024-25.
22 Minnesota Wild
Minnesota is betting on retaining its superstar, Kirill Kaprizov. The Wild must prove they are a winning franchise to keep him happy. Their roster is almost identical to last season, raising concerns about a playoff push in the tough Central Division.
21 Utah Hockey Club (formerly Arizona Coyotes)
The Coyotes have a fresh start in Utah. They have stable owners and a legit NHL-caliber arena. This new chapter should energize the team. Young talent like Clayton Keller should lead the charge. Utah’s hockey club is a long shot for the playoffs. But there is hope that they will improve in 2024-25.
20 Ottawa Senators
The Senators missed the playoffs last year, but they made some big moves. They acquired a goaltender of Vezina quality, Linus Ullmark. With a stable presence in the net, Ottawa can make the playoffs in a tough Eastern Conference.
19 Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo last saw playoff hockey in 2011, but the winds of change are blowing. Under the leadership of coach Lindy Ruff, the Sabres have the talent to challenge for a playoff spot. The young core, including Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson, is key. It will determine whether the Sabres end their postseason drought.
18 New York Islanders
The Islanders are in a tight spot. Teams like Buffalo and Ottawa are closing in on their playoff spots. Their success hinges on goaltender Ilya Sorokin staying healthy. A dip in form or another injury could see them tumble down the standings.
17 Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh missed the playoffs last season by a small margin. The Penguins have an aging core that includes Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Can they squeeze out one more playoff run? The lack of young talent is a concern. But if their veteran stars stay healthy, Pittsburgh can still compete.
16 Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings are improving, thanks to GM Steve Yzerman’s “Yzerplan” rebuild. They’re one of the top teams that missed the playoffs last year. With strong off-season acquisitions, Detroit can fight for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
15 Los Angeles Kings
The Kings had high hopes for the 2024-25 season, but an injury to star defenseman Drew Doughty has dampened expectations. His month-to-month recovery will hurt the team’s defense and could hurt their playoff hopes in the tough Pacific Division.
14 Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg was a solid team during the regular season last year but faltered in the playoffs. The Jets’ 52-win season and close fight with Dallas in the Central Division show they are a force. But questions remain. Can they go deeper in the postseason?
13 Tampa Bay Lightning
Experts expected the Lightning to decline after multiple deep playoff runs. But the acquisition of Jake Guentzel has reinvigorated the squad. With Guentzel’s scoring touch, Tampa Bay is again a team to watch in the East. They are adjusting to an evolving roster.
12 Boston Bruins
Boston surprised many by trading goaltender Linus Ullmark to Ottawa. They will rely on Joonas Korpisalo to carry the load in the net. If Korpisalo falters or the Bruins can’t fix Swayman’s contract, their goalies might be a weakness. However, Boston’s depth remains strong enough to keep them competitive.
11 Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights got a boost when the NHL gave them salary-cap relief for injured goalie Robin Lehner. With more room for depth issues, Vegas can contend. They lost only a few players in the off-season. Look for the Golden Knights to be a tough team to beat in the Western Conference.
10 Nashville Predators
The Predators made big off-season moves, adding stars like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. Nashville’s Central Division rivals, Dallas and Colorado, are tough, but the Predators have a strong roster capable of a deep playoff run.
9 Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes didn’t make big splashes in free agency. However, their defense is solid, given the addition of Sean Walker. Carolina is still an elite team in the East. They should secure a spot in the playoffs again without difficulty.
8 New Jersey Devils
New Jersey’s preseason struggles shouldn’t detract from the team’s overall potential. With goaltender Jacob Markstrom stabilizing the net, the Devils are set to return to the playoffs. They have a talented roster. If they can stay healthy, they could make some serious noise in the postseason.
7 Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs’ 57-year Cup drought is well known. The arrival of Cup-winning coach Craig Berube could be the game-changer they need. With stars like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, Toronto has the talent to make a deep playoff run. But they must avoid their usual postseason mistakes.
6 Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks were the best in the Pacific Division last season. They missed the Conference Finals by one game. However, the lingering injury to goalie Thatcher Demko is a major concern. If he cannot play for a prolonged period, Vancouver’s standing could slip.
5 Colorado Avalanche
NHL stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar lead Colorado. They keep the team among the top in the 2024 power rankings. The Avs’ only concern is goaltending. Injury-prone Pavel Francouz could create a weakness if he gets sidelined again.
4 New York Rangers
Artemi Panarin’s recovery from injury is the Rangers’ top priority. With Panarin back, the Rangers can challenge for the Metro Division title and make a deep playoff run. New York’s depth and top-line talent establish the team as a force to be reckoned with.
3 Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton is determined to avoid the slow start that impacted them last year. Connor McDavid, the league’s best player, wants to win his first Stanley Cup. The Oilers have boosted their defense to make that happen. If they can avoid early-season pitfalls, Edmonton is a top contender for the Cup.
2 Florida Panthers
The defending Stanley Cup champions lost some key players to free agency. But they still have enough talent to remain a top team. The Panthers, led by stars Matthew Tkachuk and Sergei Bobrovsky, are set for a deep playoff run.
1 Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars top the NHL Power Rankings 2024. They were the best team in the Western Conference last season but lost to Edmonton in the playoffs. The Stars have a strong, deep roster. They are the favorites to win the Stanley Cup this season.
Summary:
The Power Rankings (TPR) provide the 2024 NHL power rankings. They show each team’s status as the season begins, reflecting off-season moves and roster depth. They also consider potential breakout performances. The rankings include top teams, like the Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers, and rebuilding teams, like the San Jose Sharks. As the season progresses, expect these rankings to shift, but for now, Dallas leads the pack as the team to beat.
