NHL Power Rankings Ahead of Regular Season Start

6. St. Louis Blues

St. Louis proved last season that it was capable of scoring goals, and now this season, the questions are about goaltender Jordan Binnington.

With a roster in place that is similar to that of last season, the Blues should be favored to finish in the top three in the Central. If Binnington can bounce back from a difficult 2021-2022 campaign, this team could find itself higher than sixth sooner than later.

5. Toronto Maple Leafs

The playoffs don’t treat the Maple Leafs well, but that’s not the stage of the season for which we’re preparing.

Toronto has been a great regular season team for years, and I see no reason that that will change now. Yes, Matt Murray has a lot to prove, but the pure talent on this team will be enough to keep them in a good position for the next several months.

4. Calgary Flames

No team had a crazier offseason than the Flames.

After losing both Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk, the Flames managed to still come out of the summer as a winner. Huberdeau signed a long-term contract, Andrew Mangiapane re-signed with the team, and Kadri came over from Colorado in free agency.

In a Pacific Division that has very few impressive teams, the Flames may cruise to a second straight division title and could be in Presidents’ Trophy contention as well.