NHL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, biggest offseason decisions

Another week nearer to the top of the common season — and begin of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs — and we have now one other new staff sitting atop the throne of the NHL Power Rankings.

But along with a brand new order to our listing, this week we took a break from the playoff (and draft lottery) race to take a look at a crucial offseason resolution that every membership must make, whether or not it is pending free brokers, a coach (or GM) rent or a doable commerce.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 ballot based mostly on the video games by Wednesday, which generates our grasp listing right here.

Note: Previous rating for every staff refers back to the earlier version, published March 22. Points percentages are by Thursday’s video games.

Previous rating: 6
Points proportion: 69.86%

This offseason will embrace (one other) resolution to make on pending RFA Kaapo Kakko. The 23-year-old’s expiring two-year deal had a “prove it” undertone for leverage main into one other negotiation. What GM Chris Drury involves the desk with ought to point out how extremely the Rangers worth Kakko into the long run.

Next seven days: @ ARI (March 30), vs. PIT (Apr. 1), vs. NJ (Apr. 3)

Previous rating: 9
Points proportion: 68.24%

Who’s going to spherical out the underside two defensive pairs? Jani Hakanpaa and Chris Tanev are each free brokers; Nils Lundkvist and Thomas Harley are up-and-coming RFAs. The Stars have had their points getting it proper on the blue line. Targeting the best personnel there transferring ahead is essential.

Next seven days: @ SEA (March 30), vs. EDM (Apr. 3)

Previous rating: 2
Points proportion: 66.89%

Boston is already speaking an extension with pending RFA Jeremy Swayman — and his deal could have a ripple impact on Linus Ullmark‘s future. Swayman already went by one fraught negotiation with Boston final summer season; will this 12 months’s dialog be smoother? And can GM Don Sweeney work out a long-term pact to appease all events?

Next seven days: @ WSH (March 30), @ NSH (Apr. 2), @ CAR (Apr. 4)

Previous rating: 3
Points proportion: 67.12%

Colorado has an interesting incoming contract negotiation with pending RFA Casey Mittelstadt. Buffalo swapped Mittelstadt (for defenseman Bowen Byram) partly due to the ahead’s expiring deal — and the staff’s projected lack of ability to match his wants. Can Colorado discover a passable center floor with the rising star this summer season?

Next seven days: vs. NSH (March 30), @ CBJ (Apr. 1), @ MIN (Apr. 4)

Previous rating: 1
Points proportion: 66.44%

Sam Reinhart takes precedence amongst Florida’s pending free brokers. The first-time 50-goal scorer’s profession 12 months has not solely propelled the Panthers to larger heights this season however exemplified his value properly into the long run. This summer season will reveal how a lot is Florida keen — or in a position — to pay for Reinhart’s continued service.

Next seven days: vs. DET (March 30), @ TOR (Apr. 1), @ MTL (Apr. 2), @ OTT (Apr. 4)

Previous rating: 5
Points proportion: 67.12%

Vancouver can be reengineering its blue line in the summertime — a method or one other. The Canucks have Quinn Hughes and Carson Soucy signed long run on the again finish, and might both maintain acquainted faces or go looking for reinforcements elsewhere. Given how properly this season has gone, although, Vancouver may not need to wander removed from what has labored.

Next seven days: vs. ANA (March 31), @ VGK (Apr. 2), @ ARI (Apr. 3)

Previous rating: 7
Points proportion: 66.89%

Carolina should tackle its protection ahead of later. The Hurricanes have three NHL regulars signed by only one extra season; the remainder are all UFAs in July. One of Carolina’s perennial strengths is its again finish, and it will be a precedence for GM Don Waddell to keep up that established order — by inner or exterior strikes.

Next seven days: @ MTL (March 30), vs. BOS (Apr. 4)

Previous rating: 8
Points proportion: 64.79%

Edmonton might have a markedly totally different ahead group after this summer season. There’s a handful of upcoming UFAs, with the looming prospect of inking Leon Draisaitl‘s extension in a 12 months’s time, too. Holland have to be cognizant of a possible framework for Draisaitl’s deal as he handles the Oilers’ enterprise this summer season.

Next seven days: vs. ANA (March 30), @ STL (Apr. 1), @ DAL (Apr. 3)

Previous rating: 4
Points proportion: 64.38%

Could there be one other teaching conundrum this offseason? There’s a third-year choice for Rick Bowness that the Jets can select to train earlier than July 1. Bowness has undoubtedly accomplished properly this season, however he additionally has confronted well being challenges that would issue right into a mutual resolution about whether or not he stays for one more 12 months.

Next seven days: vs. OTT (March 30), vs. LA (Apr. 1), vs. CGY (Apr. 4)

Previous rating: 14
Points proportion: 63.19%

Toronto has two equally urgent priorities: protection and goaltending. Joseph Woll is its solely netminder underneath contract for subsequent season as starter Ilya Samsonov is ready to hit free company. Then there’s the again finish that by no means benefited from signing John Klingberg (a UFA) and will see a number of veterans stroll away within the offseason. The Leafs have work to do filling these holes.

Next seven days: @ BUF (March 30), vs. FLA (Apr. 1), vs. TB (Apr. 3)

Previous rating: 11
Points proportion: 61.64%

The Preds’ “deadline addition” on protection was holding Alexandre Carrier. He’s a pending UFA although, as is Tyson Barrie, leaving the Predators with gaps to fill on the blue line. Nashville’s again finish has just a few growing older vets on huge offers; will GM Barry Trotz goal an infusion of youth to assist them out?

Next seven days: @ COL (March 30), vs. BOS (Apr. 2), vs. STL (Apr. 4)

Previous rating: 13
Points proportion: 60.42%

Tampa Bay has a fragile contract scenario percolating with captain Steven Stamkos. The Lightning’s chief is a pending UFA, and the staff has ongoing wage cap constraints. Will the 34-year-old take a hometown low cost to remain within the fold? And would even that concession be sufficient for Tampa to get a strong deal accomplished, particularly with a number of different key gamers hitting free company in due time?

Next seven days: vs. NYI (March 30), vs. DET (Apr. 1), @ TOR (Apr. 3), @ MTL (Apr. 4)

Previous rating: 10
Points proportion: 60.42%

Los Angeles doesn’t have a goalie underneath contract for subsequent season. So, fixing that’s precedence one this summer season. The Kings’ different activity is assessing whether or not to maintain interim coach Jim Hiller behind the bench, or launch a bigger seek for his alternative.

Next seven days: @ CGY (March 30), @ WPG (Apr. 1), vs. SEA (Apr. 3), @ SJ (Apr. 4)

Previous rating: 12
Points proportion: 60.27%

Vegas is staring down some arduous decisions — particularly, whom to re-sign amongst pending UFAs like Chandler Stephenson, Jonathan Marchessault, Alec Martinez and extra. The Golden Knights are (in)well-known for getting inventive with the wage cap, however the logjam of contracts developing directly will put them to the check.

Next seven days: @ MIN (March 30), vs. VAN (Apr. 2)

Previous rating: 15
Points proportion: 55.41%

The Flyers can broaden on their surprisingly profitable 2023-24 by bolstering their goaltending in the summertime. Samuel Ersson would profit from a succesful veteran backup for the current, and Philadelphia also needs to be trying to stabilize that place for the long run (with a key draft prospect, maybe?).

Next seven days: vs. CHI (March 30), vs. NYI (Apr. 1)

Previous rating: 18
Points proportion: 56.25%

The main questions are in aim for the Caps. There’s veteran Darcy Kuemper signed at $5.25 million per season by 2026-27, and Charlie Lindgren inked by subsequent season at $1.1 million. Should the Capitals try to maneuver considered one of them within the offseason? Kuemper has a no-trade clause that would complicate issues, however it’s seemingly GM Brian MacLellan will discover the market to see what curiosity is on the market — and determine a good return for the Capitals.

Next seven days: vs. BOS (March 30), @ BUF (Apr. 2), vs. PIT (Apr. 4)

Previous rating: 16
Points proportion: 54.11%

GM Steve Yzerman believes within the Red Wings’ prospect pool. Now it is time to see why. This offseason ought to be about figuring out who’s able to make the soar — and parting methods with gamers within the lineup (or pending free brokers) taking over house Yzerman thinks ought to be going to the following wave of Red Wings.

Next seven days: @ FLA (March 30), @ TB (Apr. 1)

Previous rating: 17
Points proportion: 54.86%

Minnesota was buried underneath defensive accidents this season, which might encourage GM Bill Guerin to recalibrate the staff’s again finish. That would go hand in hand with addressing the Wild’s goaltending. Marc-Andre Fleury is a pending UFA who, at age 39, can be considering retirement. Who replaces Fleury alongside Filip Gustavsson?

Next seven days: vs. VGK (March 30), vs. OTT (Apr. 2), vs. COL (Apr. 4)

Previous rating: 19
Points proportion: 56.16%

St. Louis has the interim tag on head coach Drew Bannister. That leaves the Blues with choices going into the offseason. Does a powerful end imply the Blues retain Bannister behind the bench? Or do they wait to see who else may grow to be accessible across the league earlier than handing out the long-term gig?

Next seven days: vs. SJ (March 30), vs. EDM (Apr. 1), @ NSH (Apr. 4)

Previous rating: 23
Points proportion: 52.06%

New Jersey wants a secure beginning goaltender. The Devils received their stopgap grabbing Jake Allen and Kaapo Kahkonen on the deadline, however that tandem is hardly a long-term answer, particularly with Kahkonen hitting free company. New Jersey is lucky to have a core of high-level younger expertise, and it will be tragic to waste any of their years looking for constant goaltending.

Next seven days: @ BUF (March 29), vs. PIT (Apr. 2), @ NYR (Apr. 3)

Previous rating: 20
Points proportion: 53.47%

If the Islanders miss the playoffs, it is on GM Lou Lamoriello to determine — and repair — what went incorrect down the stretch. New York notably stood pat on the deadline and its outdated downside of not scoring objectives has resurfaced. It’s a well-known chorus the Islanders cannot afford to repeat once more subsequent season.

Next seven days: @ TB (March 30), @ PHI (Apr. 1), vs. CHI (Apr. 2), @ CBJ (Apr. 4)

Previous rating: 22
Points proportion: 50.00%

Buffalo did not get a third-line heart on the deadline. And the Sabres want one — badly. Filling that slot and going into subsequent season with stronger depth down the center ought to maintain GM Kevyn Adams lots busy in one other achingly lengthy offseason for the Sabres.

Next seven days: vs. NJ (March 29), vs. TOR (March 30), vs. WSH (Apr. 2)

Previous rating: 24
Points proportion: 51.39%

Are the Penguins on the precipice of monumental change? Does this disastrous season pressure GM Kyle Dubas to dismantle the Penguins’ growing older core? Is it the top of the street for head coach Mike Sullivan? How can Pittsburgh get youthful and quicker, with or and not using a full-on rebuild? It’s unfathomable (proper?) that Pittsburgh heads into subsequent season and not using a notable shift in course.

Next seven days: @ CBJ (March 30), @ NYR (Apr. 1), @ NJ (Apr. 2), @ WSH (Apr. 4)

Previous rating: 21
Points proportion: 49.31%

Calgary let issues linger with Jacob Markstrom to the purpose he wasn’t traded on the deadline and was not pleased about it. That places the Flames in an fascinating spot. Granted, Markstrom has two years left on his deal, however Calgary can (and certain ought to) revisit transferring him this summer season — maybe throughout the context of a wider roster overhaul to place the Flames again in future playoff rivalry.

Next seven days: vs. LA (March 30), vs. ANA (Apr. 2), @ WPG (Apr. 4)

Previous rating: 25
Points proportion: 50.69%

New contracts for RFAs Matty Beniers and Eeli Tolvanen are the highest precedence. Getting these over the end line satisfactorily is crucial for the Kraken’s current and future. After not doing a lot on the deadline — and seeing their postseason probabilities dwindle — it will behoove GM Ron Francis to be lively in the summertime to set Seattle up for higher success.

Next seven days: vs. DAL (March 30), @ SJ (Apr. 1), @ LA (Apr. 3)

Previous rating: 27
Points proportion: 45.89%

Arizona will want a defenseman (or six) underneath contract earlier than subsequent season to really put a lineup collectively. Currently the Coyotes have a slew of pending free brokers on the again finish, and pondering the chances — inside and outdoors the group — will occupy GM Bill Armstrong properly previous the spring. Oh, and discovering a brand new place to play in the long run is up there on the precedence listing, too.

Next seven days: vs. NYR (March 30), vs. VAN (Apr. 3)

Previous rating: 26
Points proportion: 47.22%

There had been some good moments this season, however Montreal is veering towards “identity crisis.” This offseason could possibly be the place it steers out of the skid. The Canadiens have a core of gamers approaching their prime years and so they’ll want the best support to achieve the following tier of competitiveness. GM Kent Hughes have to be strategic this summer season in how he helps advance the Canadiens — and avoids holding them in a rebuild for an excessive amount of longer.

Next seven days: vs. CAR (March 30), vs. FLA (Apr. 2), vs. TB (Apr. 4)

Previous rating: 28
Points proportion: 47.22%

Ottawa wants its subsequent answer behind the bench. We’re speaking long-term, here-to-stay, taking-us-back-to-the-playoffs coach. The Senators retooled the complete entrance workplace, and it will be on these executives to choose the best particular person to information Ottawa out of the (ideally) last section of this extended downturn.

Next seven days: @ WPG (March 30), @ MIN (Apr. 2), vs. FLA (Apr. 4)

Previous rating: 29
Points proportion: 39.73%

Half of Columbus’ roster wants new contracts, and that features many of the younger core. Prioritizing these extensions ought to be atop the Blue Jackets’ offseason to-do listing. Butt who will do the wheeling and dealing? Columbus wants a brand new basic supervisor (John Davidson has been the interim there since Jarmo Kekalainen’s firing), and putting in that particular person first earlier than making too many future decisions could be good enterprise.

Next seven days: vs. PIT (March 30), vs. COL (Apr. 1), vs. NYI (Apr. 4)

Previous rating: 30
Points proportion: 35.62%

Anaheim has a protracted summer season forward to discover transferring Trevor Zegras. The Ducks are deep right into a rebuilding section and Zegras’ finest worth may lie in what Anaheim might land in a commerce that units it up with gamers for the long run — and permits Zegras to hitch a roster nearer to win-now mode.

Next seven days: @ EDM (March 30), @ VAN (March 31), @ CGY (Apr. 2)

Previous rating: 31
Points proportion: 32.19%

There’s a handful of RFAs to take a look at this offseason, and GM Kyle Davidson will definitely get to that. But the larger activity for the Blackhawks may simply be to remain affected person and proceed specializing in constructing their tradition. It’s simpler stated than accomplished, notably with expertise like Connor Bedard in your midst — but sluggish and regular ought to stay the strategy.

Next seven days: @ PHI (March 30), @ NYI (Apr. 2)

Previous rating: 32
Points proportion: 27.78%

It’s all in regards to the draft lottery outcomes. Because the place the Sharks choose on this upcoming draft — and signing whom they choose — can be their most essential offseason resolution. After that, GM Mike Grier can reel by a landslide of pending UFAs and determine whom he needs to maintain past this season, realizing solely a small group of regulars are signed past 2024-25.

Next seven days: @ STL (March 30), vs. SEA (Apr. 1), vs. LA (Apr. 4)