The NHL has seen some major changes in recent weeks with new coaching hires and significant player trades. Just a couple of weeks ago, the NHL power rankings highlighted teams positioned as contenders at the unofficial playoff cutoff point, just after American Thanksgiving.
Now, the pressure is on. Teams need to make important decisions quickly, as the trade big board is shrinking fast.
For instance, the Colorado Avalanche acted swiftly, trading starting goalie Alexandar Georgiev and backup Justus Annunen in under two weeks. Recognizing that their goaltending situation was a major obstacle to winning, they replaced them with Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood.
In another move, the New York Rangers traded captain Jacob Trouba in an attempt to snap out of their struggles. However, the effects have yet to be seen, and it seems like they’re not done making moves just yet.
This week’s power rankings will explore key areas where each team needs to improve going forward.
1. Minnesota Wild (19-5-4, +22; Last Week: 1)
The Wild needs another center. Marco Rossi has stepped up in Joel Eriksson Ek’s absence, but his absence exposes the team’s lack of depth at center. Rossi played over 23 minutes in a recent game, but aside from him and Marat Khusnutdinov, no other centers are winning more than 50% of their face-offs.
2. Washington Capitals (19-6-2, +35; Last Week: 2)
The Capitals could use more scoring depth on the wings or bolster their prospect pool to maintain their momentum. While goaltending is fine for now, Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren will both become UFAs soon, making the future uncertain.
3. Florida Panthers (18-9-2, +16; Last Week: 4)
Florida’s defense is lacking depth, and they could use a skilled power-play quarterback. Last season’s Cup-winning team boasted a deep blue line, but this year’s squad is a bit thin in that regard.
4. Vegas Golden Knights (18-7-3, +17; Last Week: 7)
The Golden Knights need to target a big-name winger. Outside of Mark Stone, their top-six wingers aren’t producing enough, with Victor Olofsson and Alexander Holtz combining for only five goals.
5. Toronto Maple Leafs (17-9-2, +10; Last Week: 6)
Surprisingly, the Leafs don’t necessarily need better goaltending, but they could use a solid middle-six center. This would help alleviate the pressure on John Tavares and Auston Matthews, instead of forcing Max Domi or William Nylander into that role.
6. New Jersey Devils (18-10-3, +19; Last Week: 3)
The Devils’ bottom-six depth is concerning, and they could really benefit from a reliable center. Aside from Nico Hischier and Erik Haula, they lack consistency in the dot, with Jack Hughes winning only 36.5% of his face-offs.
7. Carolina Hurricanes (18-9-1, +21; Last Week: 5)
Carolina is in need of more center depth. Sebastian Aho is shouldering a lot of the load, and although Seth Jarvis and Martin Necas have both played center before, they’re far more effective as wingers.
8. Winnipeg Jets (21-9-0, +35; Last Week: 9)
While the Jets may have regained some form after a dominant 8-1 win, they still need a No. 2 center to complement Mark Scheifele. Vladislav Namestnikov isn’t the answer, and neither Gabriel Vilardi nor Cole Perfetti are ideal candidates.
9. Los Angeles Kings (17-8-3, +14; Last Week: 12)
The Kings need a more dynamic playmaker. Kevin Fiala’s performance has been lackluster with just 18 points this season, and with 37-year-old Anze Kopitar leading the team in scoring, the Kings’ forward group is in need of a spark.
10. Dallas Stars (17-10-0, +23; Last Week: 8)
While Tyler Seguin’s absence isn’t critical yet, the Stars need to find a reliable right-handed defenseman who can slot into their top four—one of the most sought-after assets in the league.
11. Edmonton Oilers (16-10-2, +4; Last Week: 13)
Despite some recent acquisitions, the Oilers still need more quality wingers and depth on defense. Their blueline remains a work in progress, but recent goaltending performances suggest the position is improving.
12. Tampa Bay Lightning (14-10-2, +21; Last Week: 10)
Despite playing with just 11 forwards on occasion, the Lightning need more depth. Their roster is heavily reliant on top players, and a boost to their secondary scoring would be ideal.
13. Colorado Avalanche (17-13-0, -4; Last Week: 14)
After addressing their goaltending issues, the Avalanche must now focus on improving their depth, especially in the bottom six and third defensive pairing, which can be critical when the playoffs arrive.
14. St. Louis Blues (14-13-2, -13; Last Week: 18)
While Dylan Holloway has shown improvement, the Blues need more offensive punch. They rank 27th in goals per game and 23rd on the power play, with Robert Thomas being the only player averaging a point per game.
15. Vancouver Canucks (14-8-5, +1; Last Week: 11)
Despite Quinn Hughes’ Hart Trophy-caliber performance, the Canucks need another top-four defenseman. With Filip Hronek injured long-term, their defensive corps is now even thinner.
16. Philadelphia Flyers (13-12-4, -13; Last Week: 15)
The Flyers have long needed a top-tier playmaking center, but Morgan Frost has yet to live up to expectations. Goaltending could also be a concern, though more reliable forwards would help stabilize their attack.
17. Calgary Flames (14-10-5, -9; Last Week: 16)
If the Flames could trade their wingers for one consistent, reliable player, they likely would. Their current group is struggling to produce offense consistently.
18. Columbus Blue Jackets (12-13-3, -5; Last Week: 17)
The Blue Jackets could use a better left winger to complement their solid defense corps. The recent trade of David Jiricek shows they’re taking steps in the right direction.
19. Boston Bruins (15-12-3, -19; Last Week: 19)
The Bruins need to add scoring depth, especially since David Pastrnak is their only consistent offensive threat. A winger who can create danger off the rush or shoot the puck well would be a valuable addition.
20. Utah Hockey Club (12-11-5, -1; Last Week: 22)
While Utah doesn’t have pressing needs, getting healthy, especially on defense, would help. A veteran goalie or another reliable center could be a nice bonus.
21. New York Rangers (14-12-1, +5; Last Week: 20)
The Rangers are underachieving, and perhaps a change behind the bench is necessary. They need more depth, particularly players who can push the top-line players to improve.
22. Pittsburgh Penguins (12-14-4, -30; Last Week: 23)
The Penguins need better defensemen to stop allowing the third-most shots per game and the most high-danger chances. Their defensive woes are hurting their overall performance.
23. Seattle Kraken (14-14-2, even; Last Week: 26)
A true No. 1 center would go a long way toward solidifying the Kraken’s offensive identity. They’re improving, but more consistent top-end talent is essential.
24. Ottawa Senators (12-13-2, -4; Last Week: 27)
The Senators need more from their goaltending, but also a healthy right-handed defenseman and stronger bottom-six players. As we get lower in the rankings, strong defense becomes a more common need.
25. New York Islanders (11-12-7, -12; Last Week: 30)
The Islanders need reliable scoring talent, as their offense has limited upside, even with Mathew Barzal in the lineup.
26. Detroit Red Wings (11-13-4, -15; Last Week: 28)
Detroit needs a quicker defense. With players like Ben Chiarot, Justin Holl, and Jeff Petry, it’s surprising that the Red Wings are seeking further defensive reinforcements.
27. San Jose Sharks (10-16-5, -27; Last Week: 24)
As a team looking towards the lottery, the Sharks need a little bit of everything, particularly defensive help. While they have skilled players, none are outstanding in their defensive roles.
28. Montreal Canadiens (11-14-3, -22; Last Week: 29)
The Canadiens need another center to support Nick Suzuki. With Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook still not fully filling the role, Montreal’s offensive potential remains untapped.
29. Buffalo Sabres (11-13-4, -7; Last Week: 21)
Despite their offensive talent, the Sabres remain average in scoring. They also need a shutdown defenseman to help balance their high-scoring approach.
30. Anaheim Ducks (10-12-4, -15; Last Week: 25)
With a young, developing roster, the Ducks need patience. However, adding a scoring winger or two would help improve their chances of success in the near future.
31. Chicago Blackhawks (9-17-2, -19; Last Week: 32)
The Blackhawks need someone to take pressure off Connor Bedard, whether it’s a center who can handle tough matchups, a winger to create offense, or just someone who can bring some joy to the team.
32. Nashville Predators (7-16-6, -28; Last Week: 31)
The Predators are in dire need of centers. If Roman Josi is out for an extended period, the team’s needs will multiply, and they may find themselves looking for a miracle to stay competitive.
