NHL Power Rankings: 1-32 Poll, Each Team's Top Celebrity Fan

The NHL has seen plenty of action lately. Trades like Rasmus Andersson heading to the Vegas Golden Knights have shaken up rosters. An Olympic roster tweak saw Jackson Lacombe step in for the injured Seth Jones on the US squad. Amid all this, the Colorado Avalanche hold firm at No. 1 in ESPN’s latest power rankings poll.

This edition pairs the 1-32 rankings with each team’s top celebrity fan, dubbed the “heart trophy” candidate. A panel of ESPN experts voted based on games through Wednesday. Points percentages reflect Thursday’s action. Recent NHL trades analysis highlights how deals impact these standings.

Top 10: Avalanche lead a stacked group

Colorado Avalanche top the poll again at No. 1 with an 80.2% points percentage, unchanged from last week. Their Broncos ties shine through celebrity fans Riley Moss and Alex Palczewski, who recently cheered at an Avs game. This cross-Denver support underscores local sports synergy.

Tampa Bay Lightning sit at No. 2, holding 68.8%. Charles Barkley, the NBA icon, bonds with coach Jon Cooper over fishing for charity. Their decade-long friendship adds heart to the Bolts’ strong run.

Carolina Hurricanes jumped to No. 3 (from 5) at 65.7%. Singer Darius Rucker sounded the siren last playoffs, crooning devotion like “I only wanna be with you.” Dallas Stars slipped to No. 4 (63.7%), featuring PWHL’s Hannah Bilka dropping the puck. Minnesota Wild round out the top 5 at 64.4% (from 4), welcomed Quinn Hughes with NBA’s Julius Randle’s shoutout.

Here’s the top 10 breakdown:

These teams boast playoff pedigree and star-powered fans. Vegas’ Elvis night fits Sin City’s vibe, especially with Andersson’s arrival. Detroit’s Chad Smith rocked Sergei Federov’s jersey retirement. Pittsburgh Penguins surged to 11 (from 15), powered by Star Wars’ Dave Filoni’s lifelong fandom.

Next schedules loom large:

• Avalanche: vs. PHI (Jan. 23), @ TOR (Jan. 25), @ OTT (Jan. 28), @ MTL (Jan. 29)
• Lightning: @ CHI (Jan. 23), @ CBJ (Jan. 24), vs. UTA (Jan. 26), vs. WPG (Jan. 29)

For deeper Avalanche insights, check our updated 1-32 poll on their dominance.

Mid-pack battle: teams 11-22 chase the leaders

Pittsburgh Penguins at 11 (61%) feature Dave Filoni, now Lucasfilm co-president and goalie at Mario Lemieux camp. Boston Bruins at 12 (58.8%) have Bill Burr’s hilarious locker reads. Edmonton Oilers drop to 13 (55.8%), backed by soccer’s Alphonso Davies streaming games.

Utah Mammoth climb to 14 (56%, from 18) with Giants QB Jaxson Dart posing with Tusky. Toronto Maple Leafs hold 15 (57%), where Will Arnett calls Leafs fandom “resilient.” Washington Capitals fall to 16 (52.9%), with Pat Sajak at Ovechkin’s record night.

Philadelphia Flyers at 17 (56.1%) boast Shane Gillis chilling with Gritty. Florida Panthers steady at 18 (56.1%), Tom Brady hoisting the Cup at Winter Classic. Ottawa Senators up to 19 (53%, from 22) with “heated rivalry” pride jerseys.

Anaheim Ducks surge to 20 (55%, from 26), Mickey Mouse hosting at Disneyland. San Jose Sharks at 21 (54.1%) have Valkyries’ Kaitlyn Chen watching Macklin Celebrini. Los Angeles Kings at 22 (54.1%) crown Will Ferrell’s referee antics.

These squads mix veterans and risers. Celebs range from WWE’s Sami Zayn resembling Youppi to Ferrell’s glass-side bits. Buffalo’s Dion Dawkins aids local causes. Schedules intensify:

• Penguins: @ VAN (Jan. 25), vs. CHI (Jan. 29)
• Kings: @ STL (Jan. 24), @ CBJ (Jan. 26), @ DET (Jan. 27), @ BUF (Jan. 29)

ESPN’s top 32 poll breakdown covers more on these shifts. US Olympic update ties into player impacts here.

Bottom 10: rebuilding with passionate supporters

New Jersey Devils at 23 (54%) hail “kickball dad,” a day-one fan since 1982. Seattle Kraken drop to 24 (54.1%, from 19), Marshawn Lynch unveiling jerseys. Columbus Blue Jackets steady at 25 (53%), Captain Blue Jacket in superhero gear every game.

Nashville Predators at 26 (52%, from 23) gain Nick Saban’s minority stake. Chicago Blackhawks at 27 (49%) rep CM Punk’s Cup celebrations. Winnipeg Jets up to 28 (47%, from 30), Olivia Steadman singing anthems despite challenges.

Calgary Flames climb to 29 (47%, from 31), Tate McRae in Blasty jersey. New York Rangers at 30 (47.1%) feature Gaten Matarazzo’s Jumbotron staples. St. Louis Blues at 31 (46%), Jon Hamm in Team USA ads. Vancouver Canucks anchor at 32 (39%), Michael Buble owning WHL Giants.

Underdogs show grit via superfans. Winnipeg’s Steadman inspires twice over. Vancouver’s Buble says Canucks are “closer to being better.” Movers like Utah and Anaheim signal upside.

Key upcoming games:

• Jets: vs. DET (Jan. 24), @ NJ (Jan. 27), @ TB (Jan. 29)
• Canucks: vs. NJ (Jan. 23), vs. PIT (Jan. 25), vs. SJ (Jan. 27), vs. ANA (Jan. 29)

These rankings blend performance and passion. Celebrity fans amplify team spirit, from Elvis nights to jersey retirements.

Colorado’s lead persists amid trades and Olympic buzz. Watch how celeb energy influences playoff pushes. The heart trophy race heats up as schedules crunch.