The NHL's 2025-26 season is heating up, and we're here to bring you the latest power rankings! But first, let's talk about the NHL Winter Classic, an event that has lost some of its shine in recent years. Despite this, the upcoming edition in Miami, Florida, on January 2nd, is a must-watch for any hockey enthusiast. As a native Floridian, I can tell you that the idea of an outdoor hockey game in the Sunshine State is a unique and exciting prospect, and it's a great way to engage fans who might not usually tune in.
Off the ice, Miami delivered a vibrant and spectacular show, but on the ice, it was a one-sided affair, with the New York Rangers dominating the Florida Panthers 5-1. However, the event itself was still a thrilling experience, and for those lucky enough to attend in person, it created memories that will last a lifetime.
Now, let's shift our focus to the regular NHL schedule. This week felt like a catch-up period after the holiday break, with most teams playing three to four games and numerous back-to-back matches over the New Year's Holiday. This condensed schedule is taking its toll on the players, and with the 2026 Olympic Rosters announced, we've seen multiple future Olympians suffer injuries that could jeopardize their participation.
But the Olympics are still a month away, so we must focus on the present and the stretch of hockey ahead. This time of the season can feel a bit monotonous, with so many games that it's easy to miss the big moments. So, let's dive into the major stories and explore week 12 of THW's 2025-26 NHL Power Rankings!
32-26: The Jets' Historic Crashout Continues
- Winnipeg Jets (Previously: 30)
- Vancouver Canucks (Previously: 29)
- Chicago Blackhawks (Previously: 32)
- Utah Mammoth (Previously: 25)
- Columbus Blue Jackets (Previously: 28)
- Toronto Maple Leafs (Previously: 26)
- St. Louis Blues (Previously: 27)
At the start of 2025, the Jets were on a roll, cruising towards their first Presidents' Trophy in franchise history. While their playoffs didn't meet expectations, the future looked bright with 2025 Hart Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck leading the way. However, the 2025-26 season has been a complete disaster for Winnipeg. Despite some expected regression, they now find themselves at the bottom of the league with just 34 points and a nine-game losing streak. The playoffs are likely out of reach, and the team must consider their strategy for the trade deadline. No one saw this coming at the start of the season.
This week, I've significantly shrunk the bottom of the rankings due to the recent regression of teams in the middle of the standings and the surge of bottom-dwellers. Playoff spots are once again up for grabs after things seemed to settle in mid-December.
25-11: The NHL's Mediocre Middle Strikes Again
- Calgary Flames (Previously: 23)
- Seattle Kraken (Previously: 24)
- Anaheim Ducks (Previously: 11)
- Vegas Golden Knights (Previously: 10)
- Los Angeles Kings (Previously: 16)
- Boston Bruins (Previously: 19)
- New York Rangers (Previously: 20)
- New Jersey Devils (Previously: 18)
- Washington Capitals (Previously: 15)
- Nashville Predators (Previously: 22)
- Pittsburgh Penguins (Previously: 31)
- San Jose Sharks (Previously: 21)
- Florida Panthers (Previously: 12)
- Ottawa Senators (Previously: 17)
- Edmonton Oilers (Previously: 6)
It's becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate between teams that started hot but have since gone cold, and those that struggled initially but have found their winning ways in December. This has created a jumbled mess in the standings and rankings.
Let's start with the teams sliding down the rankings. The Ducks have a record of 2-6-2 in their last 10 games after losing five straight, the Kings are 3-6-1, and the Golden Knights are 2-5-3 with a five-game losing streak. These teams looked secure in the Pacific Division a few weeks ago, but now they have a slim lead over rivals like the Sharks and Kraken, who are turning things around.
In the Central Division, the Predators have been stockpiling points in December after a dismal start to the season. Nashville now looks like a team that could make a full recovery and challenge for a Wild Card spot. An interesting note is that legendary college football coach Nick Saban has become a minority owner of the Predators. While it may not impact on-ice performance, it's an intriguing development.
In the Metropolitan Division, the Capitals and Rangers have struggled to find consistency in December, while the Penguins have rebounded with a five-game winning streak. This, combined with the average performance of most Eastern teams in their last 10 games, has created a messy Wild Card picture. Currently, 10 teams are within a tight range of 45 to 49 points in the Eastern Conference, meaning a two-game winning or losing streak could make or break their playoff hopes.
There's still time for things to sort themselves out, but every point counts right now. They won't double in value in April, but it certainly feels like they do sometimes!
10-1: Inconsistent Stars and Their Big Moments
- Philadelphia Flyers (Previously: 14)
- New York Islanders (Previously: 8)
- Buffalo Sabres (Previously: 13)
- Dallas Stars (Previously: 4)
- Montreal Canadiens (Previously: 9)
- Detroit Red Wings (Previously: 5)
- Carolina Hurricanes (Previously: 3)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (Previously: 7)
- Minnesota Wild (Previously: 2)
- Colorado Avalanche (Previously: 1)
At the top of the rankings, the Colorado Avalanche is the clear leader, but a few weeks ago, the Dallas Stars were right in the mix. However, a recent five-game losing streak has pushed Dallas to third in the top-heavy Central Division, behind the Wild.
While it's hard to criticize a team tied for second in the league, the Stars have shown a lack of drive in some games, seemingly content with taking an overtime point. This could be a seasonal slump, but it's worth noting.
The biggest news this week is the Buffalo Sabres' impressive 10-game winning streak, which was eventually snapped by the Blue Jackets. After a season that looked doomed, this winning streak has brought Buffalo back into playoff contention.
I've also moved the Flyers and Islanders to the top of the rankings to separate them from the middle-of-the-pack teams. These teams are currently second and third in their division, which is a surprise, but it remains to be seen how long they can hold onto these positions.
As the NHL kicks off the new year, all eyes are on the upcoming 2026 Olympic Games. With rosters revealed and snubs discussed, there will be plenty of conversation surrounding events outside the NHL. However, teams must stay focused on the playoff race, and the trade market could heat up before the Olympics, leaving only a few weeks to make moves before the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline.
And there you have it, folks! Stay tuned for more NHL updates and analysis as the season progresses. Don't forget to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! Are you surprised by any of these rankings? Who do you think will make a comeback, and who will fall short? Let's discuss!
