In the ever-shifting landscape of the NHL, teams rise and fall as they navigate the challenges of building a championship-caliber roster. With the 2024-25 season on the horizon, which franchises are best positioned for success? ESPN’s NHL Future Power Rankings take a comprehensive look at each team’s outlook, weighing factors such as current roster strength, prospect pipeline, cap flexibility, and front office savvy to predict who will be leading the pack in the coming years.
Hurricanes, Rangers Lead the Charge
Topping the rankings are the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers, two teams that have masterfully blended veteran talent with rising stars. The Hurricanes boast enviable depth at all positions, with Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and newcomer Jack Roslovic leading a potent offense. Carolina’s blue line remains stout, and while questions linger about their goaltending, the emergence of young Pyotr Kochetkov provides hope for the future.
The Rangers, meanwhile, have pushed their chips in to contend now, mortgaging some of their future in the process. Still, with a core featuring Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and reigning Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox, New York’s championship window remains wide open. The continued development of youngsters like Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko only bolsters their long-term outlook.
Dallas, Minnesota Round Out Top Four
The Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild claim the third and fourth spots, respectively, thanks to a combination of elite talent and savvy roster construction. In Dallas, the dynamic duo of Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz lead a deep forward group, while Miro Heiskanen anchors a formidable defense. Budding superstar Logan Stankoven has taken the league by storm, putting the Stars squarely in the Stanley Cup conversation.
Minnesota, on the other hand, has seen its patient approach pay off in spades. The Wild’s homegrown core, led by Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, is complemented by astute veteran additions. With top prospect Jesper Wallstedt waiting in the wings, Minnesota’s future between the pipes looks bright as well.
Surprises and Question Marks
Not all teams fare as well in the rankings. The Colorado Avalanche, despite their recent success, find themselves outside the top ten due to cap constraints and a thinning prospect pool. The cost of chasing championships has left GM Chris MacFarland with tough decisions to make as he looks to keep the Avs’ window open.
The Edmonton Oilers face similar questions, as the clock ticks on maximizing the prime years of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Depth issues persist in Edmonton, and a string of early playoff exits has heightened the sense of urgency surrounding the team.
“Building a sustainable contender in the NHL is a delicate balancing act,” a league executive told ESPN. “You need a mix of elite talent, depth, cap flexibility, and a steady pipeline of prospects. The teams that can navigate those challenges are the ones that will be in the mix year after year.”
— NHL Executive
The Rebuild Blueprint
On the other end of the spectrum, several teams in the midst of rebuilds are starting to see the fruits of their labors. The Anaheim Ducks and Buffalo Sabres, in particular, have amassed an impressive array of young talent that could see them rocket up the standings in the coming years.
In Anaheim, the emergence of Trevor Zellweger and the continued development of Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson give Ducks fans reason for optimism. Buffalo, meanwhile, looks poised to end its postseason drought thanks to the likes of Owen Power, Dylan Cozens, and Devon Levi in net.
The Importance of Adaptability
As the NHL landscape continues to evolve, the teams best positioned for sustained success are those that can adapt on the fly. Whether it’s navigating the flat salary cap, identifying and developing hidden gems in the draft, or knowing when to make a bold move, adaptability is key.
“You can’t get too comfortable in this league,” a long-time NHL GM explained. “The teams that are able to pivot when needed, whether it’s due to injuries, cap constraints, or other factors, are the ones that will be in contention year after year. It’s not just about assembling talent; it’s about being able to adjust when the situation demands it.”
— Veteran NHL GM
As the 2024-25 season draws near, the NHL’s future power structure is beginning to take shape. While the likes of the Hurricanes, Rangers, Stars, and Wild look poised for success, the beauty of hockey is that there’s always room for surprises. In a league where fortunes can change in the blink of an eye, the teams that rise to the top will be those that can weather the storms and adapt to the ever-shifting winds of the NHL.
