The NHL landscape has shifted this offseason. Let us take a look at the NHL Power Rankings of the most competitive divisions.
This offseason has seen some of the biggest trades and free-agent signings in recent memory, leading to Stanley Cup contenders coming from all over the league. Preseason NHL power rankings reflect this fact, as the consensus best teams come from all four divisions.
However, while every division has at least two legitimate cup contenders, they also all have one or two teams that are currently in a rebuilding stage, as well as a few other teams that are stuck on the playoff bubble right now.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
Because of that, it is tough to say with any certainty which division will be the most competitive against other divisions this season. Is it the Metropolitan Division, which represents the last three Stanley Cup champions? Or could it be the Atlantic Division, now featuring John Tavares, not to mention the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs?
On the other hand, the Central Division features the defending Presidents’ Trophy winners, as well as a preseason Stanley Cup favorite. But do not forget the Pacific Division, whose teams have added Erik Karlsson and Max Pacioretty.
Without any further ado, here is a preseason NHL Power Rankings of each division from least competitive to most competitive.