NHL power rankings heading into January 2026

The Colorado Avalanche sit atop the latest ESPN NHL power rankings, maintaining their juggernaut status with an impressive 85.9% points percentage through recent games. This poll, compiled by ESPN’s panel of commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors, reflects play up to Thursday and highlights each team’s most intriguing January matchup. With roster announcements buzzing for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, January promises high-stakes action across the league.

Teams like the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild round out the top three, showcasing Western Conference dominance, while Eastern powers such as the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning lurk close. Rising squads including the Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres have surged into contention, setting up potential playoff previews and rivalry clashes. These rankings offer a snapshot of the 2025-26 season’s midway momentum.

Colorado Avalanche leads the charge

The Avalanche’s stranglehold on the No. 1 spot underscores their elite play, holding steady from the previous ranking published on Dec. 19. Their upcoming test comes early on Jan. 3 at the Hurricanes, a matchup against one of the East’s perennial contenders who’ve often fallen just short of the Stanley Cup Final. Colorado faces a gauntlet next week: at Carolina, Florida, Tampa Bay, and hosting Ottawa.

This early January road trip through the Atlantic Division will gauge the Avs’ mettle against playoff-tested foes. Fans eager for deeper analysis can check our NHL power rankings: January 2026 edition, which breaks down their Avalanche surge. Their 85.9% points clip signals Cup favorite status.

Key to their success has been balanced scoring and goaltending stability, allowing them to overpower opponents consistently. As they navigate these games, expect Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar to shine in highlight-reel fashion. A strong showing here could solidify their path to another deep postseason run.

Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild in hot pursuit

Dallas clings to second at 69.5% points percentage, eyeing a late-January clash at the Golden Knights on Jan. 29—a Pacific showdown sans the usual Avalanche or Wild interruptions. Their next slate includes Montreal, at Carolina, and Washington. Minnesota, up to third from fourth, boasts 67.1% and travels to Edmonton on Jan. 31, seeking a repeat of their 5-2 home win over the Oilers on Dec. 20.

These Central Division powers exemplify Western grit, with Dallas leveraging depth and Minnesota’s defensive edge. The Stars’ break from intra-division wars allows focus on Pacific rivals, potentially boosting their standings position. Minnesota’s road test in Alberta will affirm their elite status.

For context on Minnesota’s climb, see our coverage in the NHL 2025-26 power rankings week 6, noting early surges. Both teams’ January schedules feature winnable games amid contender tilts.

Their trajectories hint at a fierce three-way Central battle, with implications for seeding and byes. Watch for Kirill Kaprizov in Minnesota and Jason Robertson in Dallas to dictate outcomes.

Eastern conference powers: Hurricanes, Lightning, and Red Wings

Carolina slips to fourth at 63.8%, hosting Florida on Jan. 16 in a potential Eastern finals preview—both teams postseason thorns. Tampa Bay jumps to fifth, also 63.8%, visiting Dallas on Jan. 18, which could foreshadow a Cup Final. Detroit vaults to sixth at 61.9%, facing Montreal on Jan. 10 in an Original Six clash testing their Atlantic hold.

These shifts highlight Eastern volatility, with Tampa’s rise signaling Jon Cooper’s squad eyes the prize anew. Carolina’s home stand versus Florida pits two unbeaten playoff juggernauts. Detroit’s Original Six test against the Canadiens adds historic flavor amid their surge.

Points percentages tell a story of parity: ESPN’s full standings show tight races. Philadelphia at seventh (60.3%) battles Pittsburgh on Jan. 15 in a Keystone rivalry, while Washington (eighth, 57.3%) hosts Carolina on Jan. 31 to disrupt Metro foes.

Rivalries amplify stakes, from Isles-Rangers back-to-backs on Jan. 28-29 to Devils-Isles on Jan. 6. These games could reshape wild-card hunts.

Surprise risers and notable climbers

Montreal leaps to 11th (62.5%), seeking revenge at Washington on Jan. 13 after playoff and regular-season losses. Buffalo skyrockets to 13th (59%) post-10-game win streak, hosting Montreal on Jan. 15 to affirm playoff push. Florida (12th, 57.7%) opens 2026 in the Winter Classic versus the Rangers on Jan. 2—an outdoor showcase for the two-time champs.

These climbs reflect hot streaks: Buffalo’s franchise-record run ends long droughts, per ESPN’s rankings breakdown. Anaheim drops to 15th (56.3%) despite contender talk, facing Edmonton on Jan. 26 as a litmus test. Pittsburgh (16th, 57.7%) visits Detroit on Jan. 3 nationally televised.

Underdogs like Calgary (27th to 50%) chase Sharks on Jan. 31, while Utah (26th, 50%) endures a brutal Southern road trip Jan. 24-29. Momentum favors risers, but consistency decides fates.

Bottom dwellers and redemption arcs

Winnipeg (31st, 43.6%) hosts Edmonton on Jan. 8 for revenge after a Dec. 6 drubbing. Vancouver (32nd, 44.9%) marks the 2011 Final’s 15-year anniversary hosting Boston on Jan. 3. St. Louis (29th, 46.3%) visits Winnipeg on Jan. 20, echoing playoff wars.

These teams fight for relevance: Chicago (30th) welcomes Jonathan Toews’ Jets on Jan. 19—his non-Hawks debut. Seattle (28th, 53.9%) faces ex-Kraken Morgan Geekie and Bruins on Jan. 6. Turnarounds hinge on these spots.

What January holds for the NHL

January’s intrigue—from Winter Classic flair to brotherly Tkachuk tilts (Ottawa vs. Florida on Jan. 10)—fuels narratives amid Olympic prep. Top teams must ace contender clashes, while bubble squads chase streaks. Rankings volatility promises drama, with standings pivotal by month’s end.

As the Avalanche chase history and risers like Buffalo build cases, monitor these games for playoff blueprints. The path to Milan-Cortina and beyond clarifies quickly.