NHL Power Rankings: Wild Hold Top Spot, Holiday Gifts for All 32 Teams
The holiday season is in full swing, and while most of us are busy shopping for the perfect gifts, NHL teams are looking for their own kind of presents—whether it’s consistency, health, or a much-needed reset. As we approach the NHL’s holiday break, it’s time to check in on the league’s Power Rankings and hand out a special gift to each of the 32 teams. Let’s dive in!
1. Minnesota Wild
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 72.41%
The gift: A Hart Trophy. Kirill Kaprizov is making a strong case for MVP this season. With 43 points (18 goals) in 28 games, he’s right behind Nathan MacKinnon and Nikita Kucherov in the scoring race. Kaprizov has been instrumental in the Wild’s stellar 19-6-4 start, and if he keeps this pace, “Kirill the Thrill” could be a lock for the Hart Trophy.
Next seven days: vs. PHI (Dec. 14), vs. VGK (Dec. 15), vs. FLA (Dec. 18)
2. Washington Capitals
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 75.00%
The gift: Rest. Despite being one of the league’s top teams, no Capitals players were selected for the 4 Nations Face-Off. While some fans might see this as a snub, it could be a blessing in disguise, giving the Caps some much-needed downtime in February.
Next seven days: vs. BUF (Dec. 14), @ DAL (Dec. 16), @ CHI (Dec. 17)
3. Winnipeg Jets
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 69.35%
The gift: An early end to the season. The Jets started the season on fire, winning 15 of their first 16 games. However, they’ve cooled off significantly, going 7-8-0 in their last 15. Thankfully, their early success has kept them near the top of the standings.
Next seven days: vs. MTL (Dec. 14), @ SJ (Dec. 17), @ ANA (Dec. 18)
4. Vegas Golden Knights
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 70.63%
The gift: No blood from a Stone. Captain Mark Stone is a game-changer when healthy, but injuries have plagued him in recent years. Coach Bruce Cassidy highlighted Stone’s importance, saying, “He’s a difference-maker. He plays power plays, special teams. When he’s out, you miss that.”
Next seven days: @ EDM (Dec. 14), @ MIN (Dec. 15), vs. VAN (Dec. 19)
5. New Jersey Devils
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 64.06%
The gift: Consistency. The Devils have been a roller-coaster team this season. They’re fourth in the league in goals and have nine wins by three or more goals, but they’ve also been shut out five times, tied for the most in the NHL. Head coach Sheldon Keefe remains optimistic, saying he likes how the offense is operating despite the inconsistencies.
Next seven days: vs. CHI (Dec. 14), @ STL (Dec. 17), @ CBJ (Dec. 19)
6. Florida Panthers
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 63.33%
The gift: Respect. The reigning Stanley Cup champions are leading the Atlantic Division and sit sixth in the league, yet they’re often overlooked in discussions about top contenders. It’s time to give the Panthers their due.
Next seven days: @ CGY (Dec. 14), @ EDM (Dec. 16), @ MIN (Dec. 18)
7. Carolina Hurricanes
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 66.07%
The gift: More packed buildings. The Hurricanes have sold out 82 consecutive games at Lenovo Center, and the team’s strong 18-9-1 record has fans in Raleigh buzzing. Here’s hoping the streak continues!
Next seven days: vs. OTT (Dec. 13), vs. CBJ (Dec. 15), vs. NYI (Dec. 17)
8. Los Angeles Kings
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 63.79%
The gift: More props for Anze Kopitar. The Kings’ captain recently played his 1,400th game, all with Los Angeles. At 37, Kopitar remains a two-way force and a leader on and off the ice.
Next seven days: @ NYR (Dec. 14), @ PIT (Dec. 17), @ PHI (Dec. 19)
9. Toronto Maple Leafs
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 65.52%
The gift: More scoring. Injuries, including to Auston Matthews, have hampered the Leafs’ offense, which ranks 21st in goals per game. However, breakout goaltender Anthony Stolarz and offseason defensive additions have kept them competitive.
Next seven days: @ DET (Dec. 14), vs. BUF (Dec. 15), @ DAL (Dec. 18)
10. Dallas Stars
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 60.71%
The gift: An interim replacement for Tyler Seguin. The veteran forward is out for the season after hip surgery, leaving a significant hole in the Stars’ lineup. A move to LTIR could free up cap space for a trade, but for now, AHL call-ups will have to step in.
Next seven days: vs. STL (Dec. 14), vs. WSH (Dec. 16), vs. TOR (Dec. 18)
And that’s just the top 10! The rest of the league has its own unique challenges and wish lists as we head into the holiday break. From the Edmonton Oilers’ need for an eraser to forget their slow start, to the Chicago Blackhawks’ desire for a reset button, every team has something to work on. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds!
Originally Written by: Kristen Shilton
