NHL power rankings entering Week 7: All 32 teams ranked worst to first
· Yahoo Sports
Six weeks into the 2026-2027 NHL season, Carolina looks like the team to beat. The New Jersey Devils are one of the best stories given their hot start. Looking at individual players, the Oilers’ trio of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard are off to historic starts to the season. Entering Week 7, here are the NHL team power rankings.
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Ranks 32-26
Oct 20, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks goaltender Leevi Merilainen (31) blocks a shot during the third period by the Carolina Hurricanes at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)32. Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks have the fewest points in the league. Defensively, they are the NHL’s worst team. They are allowing the most goals per game.
31. Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks must make a change. They’re horrendous on defense and lack an identity on offense. It’s time to bring in a GM that can turn the organization around.
30. Los Angeles Kings
The Kings are having a sluggish start to the season. Their main issue is the inability to win close games. Los Angeles is struggling on home ice.
29. Philadelphia Flyers
The inability to score goals is hindering the Flyers. This major flaw must be corrected. Until then, they will lose games on a consistent basis.
28. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets are having a slow start to the season. However, the team’s production is improving. Improvements on the road are needed.
27. Pittsburgh Penguins
Winning on the road is an issue for the Penguins. Defense has been the team’s Achilles heel. The Penguins will improve as the season progresses.
26. San Jose Sharks
San Jose is being outscored by opponents. The team is having issues winning at home and on the road. Offensively, they are a sound team.
Ranks 25-18
Nov 7, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko (55) skates behind the net against the Nashville Predatorsduring the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)25. St. Louis Blues
Defense has been a surprise for the Blues. The team’s main struggle is on offense. This will be the main story of their season.
24. Calgary Flames
Calgary is mediocre on offense and defense. The Flames started the season slowly. Recently, they’ve found creative ways to win close games.
23. Winnipeg Jets
Defense is an issue. It will be difficult to immediately replace the loss of Connor Hellebuyck. The offense can use a shot in the arm.
22. Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings are starting opposite of last season. The team is struggling out of the gate. Improved offense is a must.
21. New York Islanders
The team’s issues start on offense. Defensively, they are a sound group. New York must find a true offensive weapon.
20. Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs are playing inconsistent hockey. It is known that the offense would be light years ahead of the defense. Tightening up on defense will lead to more wins.
19. Washington Capitals
The Capitals have yet to find their niche on defense. Luckily, the offense is scoring a high number of goals. The team is a work in progress.
18. Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo isn’t playing its best hockey yet. The team is still searching for the path that led to last season’s high-octane offense. It’s still early into the season.
Ranks 17-11
Nov 7, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken defenseman Vince Dunn (29) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the third period against the New York Rangers at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Blake Dahlin-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)17. Seattle Kraken
Seattle’s offense is off to a strong start. Issues on defense have hampered the team. Defensive improvements are a must.
16. Florida Panthers
Florida is a team on the rise. The offense and defense are improving weekly. By the end of the season, the Panthers will be firing on all cylinders.
15. Utah Mammoth
Utah is winning but they have work to do on defense. They are surrendering a high number of goals to opponents. Luckily, the offense is clicking.
14. Nashville Predators
Nashville’s having a surprising start to the season. They’re a tough matchup at home. The Predators’ strong offensive start is positive.
13. Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim is playing well early into the season. The Ducks’ offense has been one of the NHL’s best. There must be improvements made on defense.
12. New York Rangers
The Rangers are cruising on home ice. They’re having issues winning on the road. Still, this is a strong start for New York.
11. Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche are ironing out issues. They haven’t started as quickly as recent seasons. Still, Colorado’s offense is as good as it gets.
Top 10
Nov 7, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) and left wing David Perron (16) celebrate on the ice after the Stars victory over the San Jose Sharks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)10. Dallas Stars
The Stars are heating up. They have been one of the league’s hottest teams over the past month. All signs are pointing up.
9. Ottawa Senators
Ottawa’s start deserves high praise. The team is playing extremely well. The Senators’ defense has been one of the better units in the NHL.
8. Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay has been perfect on home ice. They’re going to be one of the league’s best throughout the season. They still have issues to fix on defense.
7. Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens are over their early struggles. They’ve been one of the league’s hottest teams over the past few weeks. They can be expected to continue flying up the rankings.
6. Vegas Golden Knights
This tough team seems to be toying with opponents. They are good and will again be in the hunt for the Stanley Cup Finals. There are still issues to address on defense.
Top 5
Nov 5, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) tends net against the St. Louis Blues during the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)5. New Jersey Devils
Connor Hellebuyck has been the difference early into the season. He has given New Jersey one of the best options between the pipes. This is the strongest start the Devils have had in recent memory.
4. Edmonton Oilers
As good as the Oilers have been at home, they’ve been even better on the road. This is scary for opposing teams. Can this be the year Edmonton conquers the mountain?
3. Boston Bruins
The Bruins continue to improve. They have been one of the league’s best through six weeks. The sky is the limit for Boston.
2. Minnesota Wild
It doesn’t matter where they play; the Minnesota Wild are winning. They currently sit at the top of the Central Division. Right now, the Avalanche and Stars are trying to catch the Wild.
1. Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes are leading the NHL in points. They are again playing as the league’s best team. The road to the Stanley Cup will go through Carolina.
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