NHL Power Rankings Ahead of the Milan Olympics

The NHL is buzzing with anticipation as players prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, marking the league’s return to the Games after a 12-year absence.[1] Fans eagerly await best-on-best hockey, though debates rage over snubs, injuries, and non-participating nations like Russia. This week’s ESPN power rankings, compiled by a panel of experts through recent games, highlight each team’s standout player not heading to Italy.[2]

The rankings reflect points percentages and team momentum entering the break. Colorado holds firm at No. 1, while surprises like Columbus climbing to 15th shake up the order. These non-Olympians could prove crucial post-break as the playoff race intensifies.

Top teams and their key absences

The Colorado Avalanche top the poll at No. 1 with a 75.5% points percentage, unchanged from last week. Valeri Nichushkin stands out as their top non-Olympian, boasting 34 points and 12 goals. With several Avs already bound for Milan, Nichushkin might have joined them under different circumstances.

Tampa Bay Lightning sit at No. 2 (70.9%), powered by Nikita Kucherov’s scorching form. Recently overtaking Macklin Celebrini for third in NHL scoring with 90 points, Kucherov would have lit up the Olympics. His absence leaves a massive void in Russian representation, had they qualified.

Minnesota Wild (No. 3, 67.2%) feature Kirill Kaprizov, the league’s highest-paid star with 70 points (32G-38A) in 58 games. Imagine him lining up with Kucherov and Evgeni Malkin internationally. Kaprizov’s consistency underscores Minnesota’s rise from No. 4.

Carolina Hurricanes dropped slightly to No. 4 (68.4%), but rookie goalie Brandon Bussi shines with a 22-3-1 record, 2.24 GAA, and .905 SV% in 26 games. Despite Seth Jarvis’s Canadian snub and Andrei Svechnikov’s Russian ineligibility, Bussi’s “Bus Stop” moniker earns praise. At 27, he’s ineligible for Calder but invaluable.

Dallas Stars round out the top five at 67.5%. Jason Robertson, with 66 points and 32 goals (tied for U.S. snubs), fuels “what if” talk for Team USA. Also overlooked for 4 Nations, his snub could haunt if U.S. scoring lags in Milan.

Buffalo Sabres (No. 6, 61.4%) rely on Alex Tuch’s 48 points, second behind Olympian Tage Thompson. Detroit Red Wings (No. 7, 62.1%) highlight Patrick Kane, the U.S.-born points king surpassing Mike Modano, over Alex DeBrincat. Pittsburgh Penguins (No. 8, 62.5%) defy expectations thanks to Evgeni Malkin’s 43 points.

These top teams boast depth, but their non-Olympians like Kucherov and Robertson could dominate the post-break stretch. As ESPN details in their full rankings, momentum favors the leaders.

Mid-tier movers and snub storylines

Montreal Canadiens hold ninth (63.2%), pitting Cole Caufield’s 32 goals against Lane Hutson’s points edge. Boston Bruins climb to 10th (60.5%), led by Morgan Geekie’s 32 goals—tied for third league-wide—whom David Pastrnak calls a 50-goal talent.

New York Islanders jump to 11th (59.5%) with 18-year-old Calder favorite Matthew Schaefer’s 39 points and poise. Vegas Golden Knights slip to 12th (59.6%), missing Pavel Dorofeyev’s 42 points (25G). Utah Mammoth (13th, 56.1%) feature Dylan Guenther’s team-leading 25 goals.

Edmonton Oilers (No. 14, 55.2%) lament defenseman Evan Bouchard’s league-leading 63 points among blueliners. Columbus Blue Jackets surge to 15th (58%) behind Kirill Marchenko’s 46 points. Anaheim Ducks (16th) see Leo Carlsson sidelined by thigh injury after initial Swedish selection.

Teams like Seattle Kraken (17th) with Matty Beniers’ hot streak and Washington Capitals (18th) with Alex Ovechkin’s chase for history highlight snub narratives. Ovi’s potential last Olympics as Russian captain adds poignancy. These mid-pack battles promise drama post-Milan.

For more on rising squads, check nhlinsight.com’s coverage of Colorado holding No. 1.

Lower ranks and rebuild realities

Toronto Maple Leafs (19th, 55.3%) miss John Tavares’ 47 points, a 2014 Olympic gold medalist. Los Angeles Kings (20th) gain from Artemi Panarin’s midweek trade from Rangers, bringing 57 points. Ottawa Senators (21st) showcase Drake Batherson’s near point-per-game pace.

Philadelphia Flyers (22nd) rue Travis Konecny’s omission despite 54 points. Florida Panthers (23rd) await injured captain Aleksander Barkov. San Jose Sharks (24th) follow Will Smith’s 39 points behind Celebrini.

Nashville Predators (25th) lean on Ryan O’Reilly’s 56 points and leadership. New Jersey Devils (26th) eye Luke Hughes’ career-high pace. Chicago Blackhawks (27th) buzz with Connor Bedard’s 53 points, a major snub.

Winnipeg Jets (28th), Calgary Flames (29th), New York Rangers (30th), St. Louis Blues (31st), and Vancouver Canucks (32nd) face uphill climbs. Mark Scheifele (68 points), Nazem Kadri (39), Igor Shesterkin (.913 SV%), Robert Thomas (33), and injured Thatcher Demko top their lists.

These teams must rally during the break. Snubs like Bedard signal future stars.

As the Olympic torch lights in Milan, the NHL’s power structure hints at contenders like Colorado and Tampa pulling ahead post-break. Non-Olympians such as Kucherov and Robertson may seize momentum, fueling playoff pushes. Watch how rested rosters reshape the standings—gold medals could translate to Stanley Cup edge. For ongoing analysis, see ESPN’s Olympic roster grades.[3]