NHL Power Rankings Ahead of Regular Season Start

12. Los Angeles Kings

The Kings returned to the postseason last spring by virtue of young players improving and veteran players remaining relevant.

This year, LA will hope for Drew Doughty and Viktor Arvidsson to stay healthy to give the club a boost. Los Angeles will also get a boost from the recently acquired Kevin Fiala as it hopes to take advantage of an underwhelming Pacific Division.

11. Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh was able to bring back key players like Kris Letang, Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, and more this summer, keeping the team’s championship window open. Of course, the Pens will have to prove that having not won a playoff series since 2018, they are capable of doing so in 2023.

The second and third positions in the Metro feel attainable for a number of teams, and with their core intact once again, the Penguins should be in contention once again for the postseason.

10. New York Rangers

The fact that the Rangers eliminated the Penguins last year is the only reason that they’re higher on this list. The reality for New York is that this offseason did not go well, as they lost more players than they added.

Still, the talent is there for the Blueshirts, and if the “Kid Line” can progress this season, fans can expect 2022 to be the first of many deep playoff runs for this group.

9. Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers made a trip to the Western Conference Final last season after otherworldly performances by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. With Jack Campbell now in goal, Edmonton has to feel confident coming into the new season.

This team has every reason to make the postseason again, but is there enough depth on the roster to help it find sustained success?

8. Minnesota Wild

Without question, the Wild are talented. However, nothing about this version of the team feels any different than previous versions.

Minnesota did well to bring Marc-Andre Fleury back, but will that be enough to propel this team beyond round one? For now, with the focus on the regular season, the Wild will be just fine and will be a playoff again, as we’ve come to expect.

7. Florida Panthers

Last year’s Presidents’ Trophy winners look different and a lot less deep this season.

The Panthers scored over four goals per game during the 2021-2022 season, but don’t expect that to be the case again this year. There may also be a goaltending controversy in Sunrise worth keeping an eye on.

All in all, Florida lost ground over the summer, but just how much ground did they lose?