The 2024-25 NHL season is nearing its end, with the Stanley Cup playoffs commencing on April 19th.
In this final regular-season power rankings, we`re projecting ahead to the 2025-26 season for each team.
ESPN analysts Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash categorized each team into four groups: Stanley Cup contenders, playoff teams, bubble teams, and those still developing and in the draft lottery. Victoria assessed Western Conference teams, while Sean covered the East.
Ranking Methodology: A panel of ESPN hockey experts, including commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors, submitted rankings from 1 to 32 based on games played through Wednesday. These polls were compiled to create the master list.
Note: Previous rankings refer to the edition published on April 4th. Point percentages are current as of Thursday`s games.
1. Winnipeg Jets
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 70.9%
Stanley Cup contender.
Defense is key to winning championships. It’s hard to imagine why the league`s top defensive team wouldn’t be a contender again next season, especially with a Hart Trophy contender goalie, Connor Hellebuyck, and consistent scoring from Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and defenseman Josh Morrissey.
Remaining games: @ CHI (April 12), vs. EDM (April 13), vs. ANA (April 16)
2. Washington Capitals
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 69.9%
Playoff team.
It might seem insulting to downgrade a Presidents` Trophy contender to a bubble team for next season, but it`s a tempting thought for the Capitals. After all, they were considered as such coming into this season. Was this success a Cinderella story coinciding with Alex Ovechkin`s exceptional season? Or are the Capitals here to stay and compete for the Cup even after Ovechkin turns 40? Let`s meet in the middle and call them a playoff team.
Remaining games: @ CBJ (April 12), vs. CBJ (April 13), @ NYI (April 15), @ PIT (April 17)
3. Dallas Stars
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 67.1%
Stanley Cup contender.
As one of the league`s deepest teams, the Stars can still win even without one of their best defensemen, and Miro Heiskanen will return eventually. With Mikko Rantanen signed long-term and young Wyatt Johnston developing into a top player, they`ll remain competitive even as veterans like Matt Duchene enter free agency.
Remaining games: vs. UTA (April 12), @ DET (April 14), @ NSH (April 16)
4. Vegas Golden Knights
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 66.5%
Stanley Cup contender.
Even without Jonathan Marchessault or Chandler Stephenson, and despite injuries to William Karlsson, a declining Alex Pietrangelo, and a quiet Tomas Hertl, the Knights have proven their resilience in their eight-year history. They should never be counted out from contending for the championship. Plus, Jack Eichel and Mark Stone are still elite players.
Remaining games: vs. NSH (April 12), @ CGY (April 15), @ VAN (April 16)
5. Colorado Avalanche
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 62.5%
Stanley Cup contender.
With Nathan MacKinnon leading the offense and Cale Makar as a perennial Norris Trophy candidate, the Avalanche remain legitimate contenders. The supporting cast, both new and old, consistently fits in well. Coach Jared Bednar likely deserves more recognition.
Remaining games: @ LA (April 12), @ ANA (April 13)
6. Toronto Maple Leafs
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 64.1%
Stanley Cup contender.
With Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies due for new contracts, the Maple Leafs face the biggest offseason challenge. How they manage these contracts will determine if they remain Stanley Cup contenders or become just another playoff team.
Remaining games: vs. MTL (April 12), @ CAR (April 13), @ BUF (April 15), vs. DET (April 17)
7. Carolina Hurricanes
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 62.2%
Playoff team.
The Hurricanes emerged from the Mikko Rantanen situation slightly weakened. Alexander Nikishin could be a significant addition on defense when he joins from the KHL, but acquiring Rantanen, or even retaining Martin Necas, would have elevated them to true Stanley Cup contention. This ranking might seem too low for the Hurricanes, and they could prove their danger in the playoffs.
Remaining games: vs. NYR (April 12), vs. TOR (April 13), @ MTL (April 16), @ OTT (April 17)
8. Los Angeles Kings
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 63.5%
Playoff team.
The NHL`s second-best defensive team needs more scoring to join the league`s elite. Despite Jim Hiller`s effective defensive system, scoring goals is still crucial. Plus, Anze Kopitar is aging.
Remaining games: vs. COL (April 12), @ EDM (April 14), @ SEA (April 15), vs. CGY (April 17)
9. Tampa Bay Lightning
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 62.2%
Stanley Cup contender.
The Lightning have been dominant for a long time with their core group, and it might be time to integrate fresh talent. However, as long as Nikita Kucherov, Victor Hedman, and Andrei Vasilevskiy are performing at their peak, it`s hard to justify not aiming for the Cup every season.
Remaining games: vs. BUF (April 13), vs. FLA (April 15), @ NYR (April 17)
10. Edmonton Oilers
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 60.9%
On the bubble.
How can a team with two superstars, recently in the Stanley Cup Final, be a bubble team for 2025-26? Because they rank low in goals allowed and rely too heavily on those two star players.
Remaining games: vs. SJ (April 11), @ WPG (April 13), vs. LA (April 14), @ SJ (April 16)
11. Florida Panthers
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 60.8%
Stanley Cup contender.
Their window is open as long as Sergei Bobrovsky performs. Adding Seth Jones was a smart move for contention. But Barkov, Tkachuk, and Bobrovsky will lead them in the playoffs. However, acquiring Jones mortgaged their future goaltending. A Plan B in net would be good for 2025-26 and beyond.
Remaining games: vs. BUF (April 12), vs. NYR (April 14), @ TB (April 15)
12. St. Louis Blues
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 58.1%
Playoff team.
The Blues` strong performance after the 4 Nations Face-Off break shows they can compete with anyone now that they`ve fully embraced Jim Montgomery`s system. Their reliance on Robert Thomas`s consistent high scoring might be the only thing keeping them from top contender status.
Remaining games: @ SEA (April 12), vs. UTA (April 15)
13. Minnesota Wild
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 58.9%
Playoff team.
While not flashy, the Minnesota Wild are effective and win games, even without star forwards Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek. Filip Gustavsson`s solid goaltending also helps.
Remaining games: @ CGY (April 11), @ VAN (April 12), vs. ANA (April 15)
14. Ottawa Senators
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 57.7%
Playoff team.
The Senators are entering a period of competitive hockey. With a young core making their first postseason appearance together, they are expected to be a regular playoff team. They have stability in goal and will build on this playoff experience.
Remaining games: vs. MTL (April 11), vs. PHI (April 13), vs. CHI (April 15), vs. CAR (April 17)
15. New Jersey Devils
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 57.1%
Stanley Cup contender.
The Devils have the pieces but need to stay healthy. Injuries to key players like Jack Hughes hindered their playoff chances this season. With an aging goalie in Jacob Markstrom, they need to be healthy and perform at their best for a true championship push next season.
Remaining games: vs. PIT (April 11), vs. NYI (April 13), @ BOS (April 15), vs. DET (April 16)
16. Calgary Flames
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 56.4%
On the bubble.
The rebuilding Flames, led by Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau, are ahead of schedule. Continued development of young players and the emergence of Dustin Wolf in net should put Calgary in playoff contention.
Remaining games: vs. MIN (April 11), vs. SJ (April 13), vs. VGK (April 15), @ LA (April 17)
17. Montreal Canadiens
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 55.8%
On the bubble.
Montreal`s late-season push suggests smart team building and future competitiveness. Adding prospect Ivan Demidov highlights their strong prospect pool. Sam Montembeault shows promise in net, but consistency is needed. Patient building could lead to something significant for Montreal.
Remaining games: @ OTT (April 11), @ TOR (April 12), vs. CHI (April 14), vs. CAR (April 16)
18. Vancouver Canucks
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 55.1%
On the bubble.
If Elias Pettersson rebounds, Brock Boeser re-signs and rediscovers his scoring, and Thatcher Demko stays healthy, the Canucks can move forward positively. Otherwise, Vancouver fans may face more disappointment. Quinn Hughes can only do so much.
Remaining games: vs. MIN (April 12), vs. SJ (April 14), vs. VGK (April 16)
19. Utah Hockey Club
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 53.8%
On the bubble.
In their first year in Utah, the team looks ready to challenge better Western Conference teams. A full season of a healthy Sean Durzi and the growth of Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley will be crucial.
Remaining games: @ DAL (April 12), @ NSH (April 14), @ STL (April 15)
20. New York Rangers
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 51.3%
Playoff team.
The Rangers` power play success is linked to their overall performance, and the league is adapting. With Igor Shesterkin in goal, they have another chance. Expect the Rangers to revitalize their power play and rebound in 2025-26.
Remaining games: @ CAR (April 12), @ FLA (April 14), vs. TB (April 17)
21. Detroit Red Wings
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 50.6%
On the bubble.
The Red Wings are on the bubble, needing a significant free agency splash to avoid stagnation. Despite health and decent goaltending, they missed the playoffs. The roster needs more changes for 2025-26.
Remaining games: @ TB (April 11), vs. DAL (April 14), @ NJ (April 16), @ TOR (April 17)
22. Columbus Blue Jackets
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 51.9%
On the bubble.
The Blue Jackets are close to the playoffs, showing potential to become a regular threat. Continued development could lead to a breakthrough. They need a high-impact forward and more consistent goaltending, but they have time.
Remaining games: vs. WSH (April 12), @ WSH (April 13), @ PHI (April 15), vs. NYI (April 17)
23. New York Islanders
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 50.6%
Still developing.
Despite Ilya Sorokin, the Islanders lack star power beyond him. Mathew Barzal is good, but not a team-carrying type. Noah Dobson regressed. It`s unclear who will step up to elevate the Islanders.
Remaining games: @ PHI (April 12), @ NJ (April 13), vs. WSH (April 15), @ CBJ (April 17)
24. Anaheim Ducks
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 49.4%
Still developing.
Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier are developing quickly into elite players. Lukas Dostal looks like the goalie for the future. While close to challenging for a playoff spot, the young Ducks are likely a season away from a significant step.
Remaining games: vs. COL (April 13), @ MIN (April 15), @ WPG (April 16)
25. Buffalo Sabres
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 48.7%
Still developing.
Sabres fans have heard promises before, but there`s real potential. 2025-26 could be the year it clicks. Their young defense is strong, they have offensive talent, and goalie prospects. However, they need to show progress to move into playoff contention.
Remaining games: @ FLA (April 12), @ TB (April 13), vs. TOR (April 15), vs. PHI (April 17)
26. Pittsburgh Penguins
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 48.1%
Still developing.
The Penguins should learn from Washington`s approach with Ovechkin and retool to make the next seasons positive for Crosby and Malkin. Goaltending changes are needed due to goals allowed. Late improvement from Tristan Jarry offers some hope.
Remaining games: @ NJ (April 11), vs. BOS (April 13), vs. WSH (April 17)
27. Seattle Kraken
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 46.3%
Still developing.
The Kraken are competitive but lack star power. Relying on group effort will only take them so far. They need to find star talent; asking McCann, Stephenson, or Beniers to fill that role isn`t sufficient.
Remaining games: vs. STL (April 12), vs. LA (April 15)
28. Philadelphia Flyers
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 46.8%
Draft lottery.
Another development season may not be enough for the Flyers. Matvei Michkov is a key piece, but it’s unclear if they have the star center, defenseman, and goalie needed. More high draft picks are necessary.
Remaining games: vs. NYI (April 12), @ OTT (April 13), vs. CBJ (April 15), @ BUF (April 17)
29. Boston Bruins
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 45.6%
Still developing.
This season was a reality check for Bruins fans. Their fall in the East was unexpected. Jeremy Swayman and David Pastrnak are cornerstones, but a quick offseason fix might not be enough for contention.
Remaining games: @ PIT (April 13), vs. NJ (April 15)
30. Nashville Predators
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 41.8%
On the bubble.
Is this season a fluke or a sign of future struggles? Barry Trotz & Co. hope for the former, given their committed players. Fortunately, their talent, including Stamkos, Forsberg, Marchessault, Josi, and Saros, is better than this season`s results suggest.
Remaining games: @ VGK (April 12), vs. UTA (April 14), vs. DAL (April 16)
31. Chicago Blackhawks
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 35.4%
Draft lottery.
With few impactful prospects, the Blackhawks might finish near the bottom again in 2025-26, even with Connor Bedard.
Remaining games: vs. WPG (April 12), @ MTL (April 14), @ OTT (April 15)
32. San Jose Sharks
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 32.7%
Draft lottery.
Despite future stars Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, the Sharks need to improve defensively. Allowing over 3.75 goals per game is unsustainable. GM Mike Grier has work to do to build a well-rounded team.
Remaining games: @ EDM (April 11), @ CGY (April 13), @ VAN (April 14), vs. EDM (April 16)
Rupert Hartwell