NHL Power Rankings: Final 2025-26 Edition Spotlights Offseason Free Agents

The 2025-26 NHL regular season draws to a close next Thursday, sending 16 teams into the Stanley Cup playoffs while the rest pivot to offseason improvements. ESPN’s panel of commentators, analysts, reporters and editors has delivered its final 1-32 power rankings, based on games through Thursday.[1][2] This edition zeroes in on each team’s most intriguing unrestricted free agent (UFA) or restricted free agent (RFA), as general managers eye re-signings and external targets starting July 1. Points percentages reflect the tight races at the top and the battles below.

Colorado Avalanche sit atop the poll for the final stretch, underscoring their dominance. With playoffs looming, these rankings blend current form, key matchups and roster decisions ahead. For full details, check the original ESPN rankings.

The top tier: Teams chasing the Presidents’ Trophy

The elite group leads with points percentages above 64%, setting the pace for playoff contention. Colorado’s hold on No. 1 comes with 73.1% points, unchanged from last week. Their key free agent, 41-year-old defenseman Brent Burns, chases Phil Kessel’s ironman record—just 62 games shy of 1,064 consecutive appearances. “Selfishly I hope he plays another season,” notes Arda Ocal, highlighting Burns’ legendary backpack and enduring presence.[2]

Carolina Hurricanes slot in at No. 2 with 68.4%, steady from prior rankings. Goalie Frederik Andersen’s UFA status looms large, especially with Brandon Bussi emerging as the future No. 1. Dallas Stars climb to third at 67.1% (up from fourth), where RFA Jason Robertson headlines amid decisions on veterans like Matt Duchene and captain Jamie Benn. Buffalo Sabres drop slightly to fourth (66.3%, from third), but local hero Alex Tuch’s UFA eligibility captivates after his role in their first playoffs in 15 years.

Tampa Bay Lightning round out the top five at 64.6%, matching Minnesota Wild’s mark but ranking higher. Defenseman Darren Raddysh’s 21 goals make his contract a summer focal point. These teams face pivotal games: Colorado hosts Vegas before road trips, Carolina travels west, Dallas welcomes the Rangers, Buffalo eyes Chicago and Dallas, and Tampa battles Boston at home.[1]

• Colorado Avalanche (1st): Brent Burns (UFA); Next: vs. VGK, @EDM, @CGY, vs. SEA.
• Carolina Hurricanes (2nd): Frederik Andersen (UFA); Next: @UTA, @PHI, @NYI.
• Dallas Stars (3rd): Jason Robertson (RFA); Next: vs.NYR, @TOR, @BUF.
• Buffalo Sabres (4th): Alex Tuch (UFA); Next: @CHI, vs.DAL.
• Tampa Bay Lightning (5th): Darren Raddysh (UFA); Next: @BOS, vs.DET, vs.NYR.

This cluster’s depth signals a fierce Central and Atlantic playoff push, with free agency adding intrigue.

Mid-pack contenders: Playoff locks and bubble fighters

From sixth to 16th, points hover around 57-65%, blending surefire playoff teams with wild-card chasers. Minnesota Wild rise to sixth (64.6%, up from seventh), pondering 38-year-old Mats Zuccarello’s fit in their Cup charge. Montreal Canadiens slip to seventh (65.8%, down from sixth), questioning injured Patrik Laine’s future despite playoffs. Pittsburgh Penguins hold eighth (62.0%), where Evgeni Malkin’s UFA decision—turning 40 in July—looms beside Sidney Crosby’s extension.

Boston Bruins (ninth, 60.8%) rely on Viktor Arvidsson’s career-best 24 goals in 67 games for their wild-card spot. Ottawa Senators climb to 10th (59.5%, up from 11th), mulling hometown hero Claude Giroux’s next step at 38. Philadelphia Flyers surge to 11th (58.2%, from 16th), powered by RFA Trevor Zegras in their playoff mix. Edmonton Oilers (12th, 57.0%, up from 14th) juggle two Connors—Ingram and Murphy—plus Adam Henrique.

Utah Mammoth (13th, 57.7%, up from 18th) eye Vitek Vanecek and Kailer Yamamoto. Columbus Blue Jackets drop to 14th (57.0%, from 10th), facing a slew of decisions starting with RFA Jet Greaves. Vegas Golden Knights rise to 15th (56.3%, from 19th), with RFA Pavel Dorofeyev’s 35 goals shining. Anaheim Ducks hold 16th (56.3%, down from 12th), busy with captain Radko Gudas and John Carlson among nearly half their roster expiring.

Schedules intensify: Wild hit Nashville and St. Louis; Canadiens host Columbus; Penguins face Washington twice. These matchups could solidify seeding or spark trades.[3]

Wild-card warriors and rebuilders: Teams 17-24

Points dip to 49-57% here, mixing wild-card hopefuls with rebuilding squads. New York Islanders (17th, 57.6%, down from 13th) decide on captain Anders Lee’s 19 goals amid coaching shifts from Patrick Roy to Peter DeBoer. Detroit Red Wings (18th, 57.6%, down from 15th) wonder if Patrick Kane returns after another March fade. Washington Capitals (19th, 56.3%, down from 17th) await Alex Ovechkin’s call—he’s 11 goals from Gretzky’s combined record at 1,005.

Nashville Predators (20th, 53.2%, up from 22nd) hold Erik Haula for playoffs, with Tyson Jost nearing a goal milestone. Los Angeles Kings stay 21st (54.5%), integrating Scott Laughton post-trade while eyeing RFA Brandt Clarke. San Jose Sharks (22nd, 51.9%, up from 23rd) joke about Carey Price’s contract but focus on Ryan Reaves (UFA) and Collin Graf (RFA). Winnipeg Jets (23rd, 52.6%, up from 24th) ponder Jonathan Toews alongside RFA Cole Perfetti.

New Jersey Devils drop to 24th (52.5%, from 20th), with a new GM eyeing Evgenii Dadonov’s underwhelming stint. Next games include Islanders hosting Ottawa, Capitals vs. Penguins rivalry, Preds vs. Sharks. Free agency lists grow lengthy, testing cap space.[4]

• Key UFAs: Tuch (Buf), Ovechkin (Wsh), Bobrovsky (Fla, lower)—top names per recent rankings.[4]

Bottom feeders: Rebuilds and tough decisions ahead

Sub-50% teams face drafts and cap maneuvers. St. Louis Blues rise to 25th (50.0%, from 28th), valuing RFA Dylan Holloway’s near-20 goals. Florida Panthers (26th, 49.4%) debate Sergei Bobrovsky’s return at 38 after title bids. Seattle Kraken (27th, 49.4%) assess new arrival Bobby McMann sans Ron Francis. Toronto Maple Leafs (28th, 49.4%, down from 26th) handle RFAs Nicholas Robertson and Mattias Maccelli, plus UFA Calle Jarnkrok.

New York Rangers (29th, 47.5%) eye 40-year-old Jonathan Quick’s encore. Calgary Flames (30th, 46.8%) shift younger, questioning Victor Olofsson. Chicago Blackhawks (31st, 44.3%) prepare Connor Bedard’s RFA payday from $950K. Vancouver Canucks (32nd, 33.3%) decide on Evander Kane post-Oilers trade.

Upcoming slates pack drama: Blues host Chicago, Panthers vs. Toronto, Leafs face Florida. These squads prioritize youth and cap relief. See prior rankings for trends here.[5]

As playoffs begin, Colorado’s consistency positions them as favorites, but free agency reshuffles loom large. UFAs like Ovechkin, Tuch and Bobrovsky could redefine contenders, while RFAs offer youth infusions. Expect a busy July, blending retention with bold swings—what it means for 2026-27 starts now.