As we dive into the 2024-25 NHL season, a week of action has already given us a clearer picture of where teams stand. While it’s still early in the campaign, some clubs are already making strong statements, while others are struggling to find their footing. Below, we break down the current rankings for the top NHL teams based on their performance so far.
How the rankings work: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors submits a 1-32 poll based on games played through Wednesday. The previous ranking refers to the team’s placement in the last edition, published on October 7.
1. Dallas Stars
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 80.0%
The Dallas Stars are off to a strong start, maintaining consistency across all areas of their game. Their depth and talent, combined with solid coaching, have propelled them to the top spot.
Upcoming games: vs. EDM (Oct. 19), @ BUF (Oct. 22), @ BOS (Oct. 24)
2. New York Rangers
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 87.5%
The Rangers have continued their impressive form from last season, showing they are not just playoff contenders but serious challengers for the top of the Eastern Conference. Their defense has been particularly strong, setting the tone early on.
Upcoming games: @ TOR (Oct. 19), @ MTL (Oct. 22), vs. FLA (Oct. 24)
3. Toronto Maple Leafs
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 75.0%
The Maple Leafs are benefiting from a balanced attack and improvements in goalkeeping, making them one of the toughest teams to beat early in the season. They’ve managed to handle adversity well, keeping their momentum strong.
Upcoming games: vs. NYR (Oct. 19), vs. TB (Oct. 21), @ CBJ (Oct. 22), vs. STL (Oct. 24)
4. Florida Panthers
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 58.3%
The Panthers have slipped a bit from last week, but they remain a top contender in the East. With Aleksander Barkov & Mathew Tkachuk out, they’ve had to make adjustments, yet their deep roster is keeping them competitive beating rival Boston twice.
Upcoming games: vs. VGK (Oct. 19), vs. MIN (Oct. 22), @ NYR (Oct. 24)
5. New Jersey Devils
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 71.4%
The Devils are quickly proving that their rise last season was no fluke. With a potent offense and improving defense, they’re climbing the rankings and could make a serious push in the Metropolitan Division.
Upcoming games: vs. WSH (Oct. 19), vs. TB (Oct. 22), @ DET (Oct. 24)
6. Winnipeg Jets
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 100.0%
The Jets are flying high with a perfect points percentage so far. Their strong start is a good sign, especially with their top players performing well. If they can keep up this pace, they’ll be a force in the Western Conference.
Upcoming games: vs. SJ (Oct. 18), vs. PIT (Oct. 20), @ STL (Oct. 22), @ SEA (Oct. 24)
7. Vegas Golden Knights
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 60.0%
The Golden Knights are quietly asserting themselves as one of the top teams in the West. With consistent play from their core and solid goaltending, Vegas has been a tough opponent in the early going.
Upcoming games: @ FLA (Oct. 19), vs. LA (Oct. 22)
8. Boston Bruins
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 60.0%
The Bruins are off to another solid start, even with some key changes in their lineup. Their experience and leadership, particularly from players like David Pastrnak, are helping them remain among the top teams in the East.
Upcoming games: @ UTAH (Oct. 19), @ NSH (Oct. 22), vs. DAL (Oct. 24)
9. Tampa Bay Lightning
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 100.0%
With Victor Hedman anchoring the defense and their high-powered offense clicking, the Lightning are once again looking like one of the teams to beat in the NHL. Their perfect points percentage so far reflects their early dominance.
Upcoming games: @ OTT (Oct. 19), @ TOR (Oct. 21), @ NJ (Oct. 22), vs. MIN (Oct. 24)
10. Edmonton Oilers
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 40.0%
After a strong preseason, the Oilers haven’t quite hit their stride yet. Connor McDavid and company are still figuring things out, but it’s only a matter of time before they return to form and climb back up the rankings.
Upcoming games: @ DAL (Oct. 19), vs. CAR (Oct. 22)
11. Carolina Hurricanes
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 50.0%
The Hurricanes have shown flashes of their potential but have yet to find full consistency. As their players settle into their roles, they’ll look to make a stronger push in the coming weeks.
Upcoming games: @ PIT (Oct. 18), @ STL (Oct. 19), @ EDM (Oct. 22), @ CGY (Oct. 24)
12. Minnesota Wild
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 75.0%
The Wild have jumped up the rankings with solid play from both their forwards and defense. If they can maintain this level, they’ll be in the mix for a playoff spot in the competitive Central Division.
Upcoming games: @ CBJ (Oct. 19), @ FLA (Oct. 22), @ TB (Oct. 24)
13. Utah Hockey Club
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 70.0%
Utah has been one of the pleasant surprises early this season. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, and they’ve moved up significantly in the rankings.
Upcoming games: vs. BOS (Oct. 19), vs. OTT (Oct. 22), vs. COL (Oct. 24)
14. Calgary Flames
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 100.0%
The Flames have surged up the rankings after a slow start. With their top players performing well and a solid defensive system, Calgary is starting to show its potential in the Pacific Division.
Upcoming games: @ SEA (Oct. 19), vs. PIT (Oct. 22), vs. CAR (Oct. 24)
15. Pittsburgh Penguins
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 60.0%
The Penguins have been inconsistent, but their veteran stars are keeping them in the mix. If their goaltending stabilizes, they could make a significant jump in the coming weeks.
Upcoming games: vs. CAR (Oct. 18), @ WPG (Oct. 20), @ CGY (Oct. 22)
16. Los Angeles Kings
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 60.0%
The Kings continue to build on their young core while relying on key veterans. They’re holding steady in the rankings and will look to gain momentum as the season progresses.
Upcoming games: @ ANA (Oct. 20), @ VGK (Oct. 22), vs. SJ (Oct. 24)
