NHL Power Rankings Midseason Edition: 1-32 Poll and Fantasy Hockey MVPs

The 2025-26 NHL season has reached its midpoint after 41 games for each team, providing ample data for ESPN’s latest power rankings. Led by the unstoppable Colorado Avalanche, the poll reflects a blend of team success and individual fantasy impacts. Analysts Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash have selected a midseason fantasy MVP for every club, highlighting players delivering the most value in ESPN formats.

This edition underscores hot starts, surprising turnarounds, and key performers who are must-haves in fantasy leagues. With points percentages through Thursday’s games, the rankings offer insight into playoff contenders and fantasy waiver-wire gems. As fantasy managers adjust rosters, these MVPs stand out for their points-per-game pace, hits, blocks, and more.

Top-ranked teams dominating the standings

Colorado Avalanche hold the No. 1 spot with an impressive 82.2% points percentage, unchanged from last week. Nathan MacKinnon earns MVP honors at a blistering 3.7 fantasy points per game, outshining even Cale Makar, the league’s top fantasy defenseman. MacKinnon’s shooting, scoring, and hitting have powered the Avs’ juggernaut status.

Tampa Bay Lightning sit at No. 2 with 67.8%, where Nikita Kucherov claims the fantasy crown. Darren Raddysh has filled Victor Hedman’s void effectively, bolstering the power play and fantasy rosters alike. Kucherov’s consistency makes him indispensable.

Dallas Stars rose to No. 3 at 65.6%, with Jason Robertson edging Mikko Rantanen thanks to superior goals and shots. Robertson’s rebound from “disappointing” 80-point seasons adds intangible value. Their upcoming schedule tests this momentum.

Minnesota Wild slipped to No. 4 but hold 63.5%, led by Matt Boldy’s dominant rise. On pace for nearly 100 points, the Team USA forward ranks seventh among all forwards in fantasy totals, with Kirill Kaprizov close behind. Boldy’s growth signals a career year.

Carolina Hurricanes round out the top five at 63.8%, but goalie Brandon Bussi steals MVP as the crease rock. Despite Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho’s forward production, Bussi’s timely emergence saved many fantasy teams from starter slumps.

These leaders showcase balanced attacks, but fantasy managers must watch injury risks and schedules like Colorado’s clashes with Nashville, Washington, and Anaheim.

Climbers and surprises in the middle pack

Vegas Golden Knights jumped to No. 6 with 63%, captain Mark Stone as MVP when healthy. Despite missing time, Stone outpaces Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, and Tomas Hertl in fantasy bang-for-buck. Health is key for Vegas’ surge.

Detroit Red Wings at No. 7 (62.5%) feature John Gibson’s stunning turnaround. From negative fantasy points pre-December to leading all goalies post-Dec. 1 with 82.0, only Connor McDavid tops him overall. Gibson’s revival anchors fantasy defenses.

Montreal Canadiens maintain No. 8 (61.5%), Noah Dobson leading the blue-line trio of Lane Hutson and Mike Matheson—and the entire team—in fantasy points. Dobson’s productivity highlights Montreal’s defensive depth.

Buffalo Sabres climbed to No. 9 (60.9%), Alex Tuch’s consistency trumping Tage Thompson. Tuch’s elite return builds on last season’s top-11 skater finish.

Washington Capitals hold No. 10 (56.3%), Tom Wilson leading despite missing games, ahead of Jakob Chychrun’s forward-like 15 goals from defense.

For deeper analysis on early-season shifts like these, check our ESPN NHL power rankings 2025-26 1-32 poll with reasons for hope for each team.

Fantasy standouts across the league

New York Islanders at No. 11 (60.6%) boast teenage defenseman Matthew Schaefer, pacing for top-10 blueliner status despite high school last year.

Edmonton Oilers at No. 12 (56.3%), Connor McDavid’s 2.3 points per game since December threatens to eclipse MacKinnon.

Boston Bruins surged to No. 13 (58.3%), David Pastrnak on track to match last season’s 210.2 points, linking with Elias Lindholm, Morgan Geekie, and Marat Khusnutdinov.

Toronto Maple Leafs at No. 14 (57.4%), Auston Matthews thrives with shot blocks, top-20 despite absences.

Pittsburgh Penguins at No. 15 (58.7%), Sidney Crosby aging like fine wine, pacing past 186.3 points.

These MVPs span positions, emphasizing multi-category producers. For instance:

• Goalies shining: Bussi (Carolina), Gibson (Detroit)
• Defensemen dominating: Dobson (Montreal), Schaefer (Islanders)
• Forwards firing: MacKinnon (Colorado), Kucherov (Tampa Bay)

Lower rankings and potential turnarounds

Philadelphia Flyers dropped to No. 16 (56.5%), Trevor Zegras’ trade resurgence as MVP, if he stays healthy.

Florida Panthers at No. 17 (56.7%), Brad Marchand’s revival from 158th last year.

Utah Mammoth up to No. 18 (54.2%), Mikhail Sergachev leading over Clayton Keller in fantasy boxes.

Seattle Kraken No. 19 (55.4%), Eeli Tolvanen’s all-around game with hits and blocks.

San Jose Sharks No. 20 (55.4%), teen Macklin Celebrini third in scoring, earning Olympic nod.

Los Angeles Kings No. 21 (53.3%), Adrian Kempe’s physical edge over Kevin Fiala.

Teams like Winnipeg Jets (No. 30, Kyle Connor) and Vancouver Canucks (No. 32, Elias Pettersson’s blocks) lag but have fantasy bright spots amid struggles.

Recent rankings like NHL 2025-26 power rankings week 6 showed early Avalanche dominance, now solidified at midseason.

Key fantasy takeaways and looking ahead

Midseason reveals MacKinnon, Celebrini, and Boldy as elite forwards, while goalies like Gibson offer waiver upside. Defensemen like Dobson and Werenski (Columbus, No. 25) provide stability.

Trade rumors swirl for assets like Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson (No. 31 MVP). Playoff pushes for Pittsburgh and Nashville hinge on MVPs like Crosby and Roman Josi.

Fantasy leagues can still join via ESPN fantasy hockey. Watch schedules: Colorado faces tough foes, while bottom teams seek sparks. These rankings signal contenders, but second-half surges loom large.