The 2025-26 NHL season turned one month old on Friday.
It’s way too early to draw firm conclusions, right?
Forget it. For this edition of the Power Rankings, we’ll be taking a look at the preseason over/under point totals compared to each team’s current points pace. Which teams are the furthest off their projections — in each direction?
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 list.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Oct. 31. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.
1. Colorado Avalanche
Previous ranking: 1
>Points percentage: 75%
Preseason O/U: 103.5
>Current points pace: 123
One of seven teams with a triple-digit over/under in the preseason, the Avs are currentlywell ahead of that projection, with just one loss in regulation through 14 games.
Next seven days: @ EDM (Nov. 8), @ VAN (Nov. 9), vs. ANA (Nov. 11), vs. BUF (Nov. 13)
2. Montreal Canadiens
Previous ranking: 5
>Points percentage: 71.4%
Preseason O/U: 90.5
>Current points pace: 117.1
A surprise entrant in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Habs weren’t expected to be nearly this dominant in 2025-26. And yet, here we are.
Next seven days: vs. UTA (Nov. 8), vs. LA (Nov. 11), vs. DAL (Nov. 13)
3. Winnipeg Jets
Previous ranking: 6
>Points percentage: 69.2%
Preseason O/U: 97.5
>Current points pace: 113.5
The sportsbooks expected the Jets to be well off their Presidents’ Trophy-winning pace of 116 from last season, but so far they are pushing the Avs atop the Central Division.
Next seven days: @ SJ (Nov. 7), @ ANA (Nov. 9), @ VAN (Nov. 11), @ SEA (Nov. 13)
4. New Jersey Devils
Previous ranking: 2
>Points percentage: 71.4%
Preseason O/U: 99.5
>Current points pace: 117.1
A 2025 playoff team, the Devils were expected to be back in that situation again this coming spring — and so far, they’re ahead of last season’s pace.
Next seven days: vs. PIT (Nov. 8), vs. NYI (Nov. 10), @ CHI (Nov. 12)
5. Vegas Golden Knights
Previous ranking: 3
>Points percentage: 65.4%
Preseason O/U: 104.5
>Current points pace: 107.2
One of the great Western powers continues to roll along, with Jack Eichel looking every bit the part of a leading Hart Trophy candidate.
Next seven days: vs. ANA (Nov. 8), vs. FLA (Nov. 10), vs. NYI (Nov. 13)
6. Utah Mammoth
Previous ranking: 4
>Points percentage: 64.3%
Preseason O/U: 92.5
>Current points pace: 105.4
Is Salt Lake City ready to host playoff hockey? The Mammoth appear to be trending in that direction, with one of the NHL’s most impressive young cores.
Next seven days: @ MTL (Nov. 8), @ OTT (Nov. 9), vs. BUF (Nov. 12)
7. Carolina Hurricanes
Previous ranking: 9
>Points percentage: 69.2%
Preseason O/U: 105.5
>Current points pace: 113.5
Finishing a season in triple digits in standings points is nothing new for the Canes, and they are on track to pull off the feat again by the end of this season.
Next seven days: vs. BUF (Nov. 8), @ TOR (Nov. 9), vs. WSH (Nov. 11)
8. Anaheim Ducks
Previous ranking: 20
>Points percentage: 73.1%
Preseason O/U: 83.5
>Current points pace: 119.8
An article from the season’s first week pondered whether the Ducks had built the next great Western power. Through the season’s first month, the answer is a resounding