NHL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, predictions for 2025-26
The 2024-25 NHL season is almost over, with the Stanley Cup playoffs set to begin on April 19.
So for this week’s edition of the Power Rankings — the final regular-season edition — let’s look ahead to what fans should expect out of every team in the 2025-26 season.
ESPN analysts Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash placed each team into one of four tiers:Stanley Cup contender, playoff team, on the bubble, still developing and draft lottery. Victoria profiled the Western Conference teams, while Sean handled the East.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published April 4. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.
Previous ranking: 1