An early summer power ranking of the 32 NHL teams
The National Hockey League is now firmly in summer mode. This is where the 32 teams stand.
27. Chicago Blackhawks - 2023-24 Result: Missed Playoffs
If the Chicago Blackhawks are 27th 27th-best NHL team in 2024-25, that will be a wildly impressive improvement for them.
Chicago made a lot of moves during the summer and Connor Bedard is poised to be one of the top NHL players. Still, this upcoming season isn't the one where they are going to take a huge step into the playoffs.
28. Columbus Blue Jackets - 2023-24 Result: Missed Playoffs
The Columbus Blue Jackets are stuck. They have some outstanding young talent but bad luck and inconsistency from certain players is a big reason that they aren't a good team.
Unless there is some sort of miracle that takes place for them, this is not going to be a good year for the Jackets.