The 2024-25 NHL season is just around the corner. With preseason just over a week away, teams around the league have spent their summers building up for a run at the Stanley Cup. As we approach the start of a new season, it’s time to break down our early power rankings for this year.
Honorable Mention: Toronto Maple Leafs
It would be hard to exclude the Leafs from any power ranking simply because of their star power alone. Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner are all world-class forwards, and Matthews is expected to make his debut as Toronto’s captain. The Leafs have been dominant regular-season performers for almost the last decade, but that’s about it. Their inability to produce late in the season and their string of postseason embarrassments make it difficult to rank them in the top 10. Expect a great season from Toronto, but don’t expect much after early April.
No. 10: Nashville Predators
The Predators made their way into the playoffs last season, but their run ended quickly with a first-round exit to the Vancouver Canucks. It’s safe to expect more from Nashville this season after what might have been the best offseason from any team in the NHL. Adding Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault to their already successful forward corps may be enough to land them a divisional playoff spot, and an easier first-round opponent. Their defense remains solid, and Jusse Saros is a top goaltender in the league. As long as their newly acquired forwards find success, so will the Predators.
No. 9: New Jersey Devils
This may seem like a stretch to some, but the Devils might have revived their Stanley Cup window this offseason. They dominated the league in 2022-23, but missed the playoffs last season because of injuries, and mainly poor goaltending. By adding Brett Pesce and Jacob Markstrom to their roster this summer, New Jersey may have solved all of their key issues. Expect a major bounce-back season from the Devils, and possibly a deep postseason run if their goaltending is back up to par.
No. 8: Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes are a force to be reckoned with. They’ve had legitimate chances to win it all in every recent season, but have come short time after time. They are ranked a bit lower this season, however, due to the loss of many of their key assets this season. Jake Guentzel, who Carolina went all in on last season, is now a Tampa Bay Lightning. They also lost Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei, who were key members of their defensive corps. These losses are enough to drop the Hurricanes down a bit, but not out of the top ten.
No. 7: Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks are a young team ready to break out into a top contender in the NHL. They have all the pieces they need, including 2024 Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes. Their forward corps is elite as well, and they have a top goaltender in Thatcher Demko. This wasn’t enough last season, however, as Vancouver only made it to the second round of the postseason. It may be a bit before the Canucks break through and become true contenders, but don’t be surprised if that time comes sooner than expected.
No. 6: Boston Bruins
The Bruins have been dominant for as long as any of us can remember. They’re definitely getting older, but don’t expect them to regress just yet. They added a few new pieces this summer including Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov, which might extend their Cup window even longer. It’s up to Jeremy Swayman to remain elite in net to see if Boston can take another run at a Championship win.
No. 5: Dallas Stars
The Stars had a remarkable season last year. They made it deep into the postseason, reaching the Western Conference Finals. The Stars do in fact have stars in their lineup, including Jason Robertson and Tyler Seguin in their offensive corps. Despite this, they’ve failed to win the Stanley Cup recently. Dallas will be a formidable opponent this season, but do they have what it takes to go all the way?
No. 4: Colorado Avalanche
What was said about Dallas could be copied and pasted about the Avalanche. Elite starpower, but fell just short last season. What makes Colorado different is their recent Cup win in 2022. Their top players are better, however, with Nathan MacKinnon running the offense and Cale Makar the defense. They could easily hoist the Cup again this season, but their iffy bottom six might hold them back.
No. 3: Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers were one win away from ending Canada’s 30-year championship drought last year. They have the two best players in the world in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. They even made some decent moves this summer by adding Jeff Skinner. Edmonton’s defense still lacks, however, which might make another run to the finals a challenge. The Oilers’ star power will have to pull through again to make a Cup win happen.
No. 2: New York Rangers
The Rangers were a team of destiny last year. They won the Presidents’ Trophy and had their best roster since their last Cup win in 1994. But when it came time to clutch, their stars shut down. Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad might not have what it takes to be championship winners. The Rangers can’t rely on Igor Shesterkin forever. The addition of Reilly Smith this summer helps their offensive corps, but will it be enough to help the Rangers reach the finals for the first time since 2014?
No. 1: Florida Panthers
Last season’s Stanley Cup champions. The Panthers are the ideal team, having every aspect of their lineup remain perfect. They’re a nuisance to play against, being both skilled and gritty. It’ll be tough to stop them from going back to back.