NHL Power Rankings: Who’s the Best Team in the NHL Right Now?

The Florida Panthers became the third team this century to win back-to-back Stanley Cups, joining the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning as franchises to defend their title successfully.

For the second straight year, Florida defeated the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final, this time needing just six games after going the distance last June.

Clearly, the Panthers are the best team in the NHL right now. The only question that remains is how GM Bill Zito will retool Florida’s roster this offseason as the franchise embarks on a quest to become the first NHL team to three-peat since the New York Islanders, who won four straight Cups from 1980 to 1983.

Before the offseason heats up, see where all 32 teams rank in my NHL power rankings and check out their odds to win the 2026 Stanley Cup at the BetMGM sportsbook.

2025-26 NHL Power Rankings

Who’s the Best NHL Team Right Now?

1. Florida Panthers

After winning back-to-back Stanley Cups, it’s clear that the Panthers are the class of the NHL.

Florida’s depth was on full display this postseason, as six players recorded at least 20 playoff points, and three (Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett, and Brad Marchand) scored five or more goals in the Stanley Cup Final.

Bennett, who overcame long hockey odds to take home the Conn Smythe Trophy, and Marchand are free agents this offseason, but both key figures seem intent on staying. However, it’s difficult to read too much into their mid-celebration declarations. 

2. Edmonton Oilers

Despite falling short at the final hurdle for a second straight season, the Oilers have already been installed as the favourites to win the Stanley Cup in 2026.

And while that makes sense, since Edmonton has won the West two straight years and been to the conference finals in three of the last four, general manager Stan Bowman has some work to do this offseason to keep this team’s window open.

Star defenseman Evan Bouchard is a restricted free agent, goaltender remains a potential area to upgrade (though the options are slim), and all eyes will be on Connor McDavid, who has just a year remaining on his contract and can sign an extension as soon as July 1.

3. Dallas Stars

Dallas’ season ended at the same stage for a third straight year, prompting general manager Jim Nill to part ways with head coach Peter DeBoer.

I don’t love the move, but perhaps a new voice will be able to guide this highly talented roster to a Stanley Cup Final appearance next season.

4. Carolina Hurricanes

Like the Stars, the Hurricanes were unable to get over their conference finals bugaboo. However, Carolina at least snapped its 15-game Eastern Conference Final losing streak in Game 4 before succumbing to Florida in Game 5. 

Rod Brind’Amour’s squad will return most of its core next season, so I’ll strongly consider the Canes as one of my NHL betting picks to win the Cup in 2026.

5. Toronto Maple Leafs

Another year, another painful ending for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Original Six franchise has now lost seven straight Game 7s dating back to 2013, and Sunday’s 6-1 home defeat was its fourth Game 7 setback in the past five seasons.

Changes are likely to come for Toronto this offseason, as Mitch Marner and John Tavares will become unrestricted free agents on July 1.

6. Winnipeg Jets

A second-round exit wasn’t what the Winnipeg Jets were hoping for, but the franchise can take pride in a terrific season.

Winnipeg won the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time in its history, and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck took home NHL MVP honours.

7. Washington Capitals

The Capitals ran out of steam in Round 2, scoring just seven goals in a five-game series against the Hurricanes.

Still, Washington can look back fondly on a historic campaign in which it won the Metropolitan and Alex Ovechkin became the NHL’s all-time leading scorer.

8. Vegas Golden Knights

The Golden Knights were the biggest disappointment of Round 2, losing three games on home ice in their series against the Oilers.

Finding the back of the net proved to be a problem, as Vegas was shut out in the final two games despite ranking fifth in goals scored during the regular season.

9. Colorado Avalanche

Hollywood’s top screenwriters couldn’t have produced a more painful ending for the Avalanche, who conceded a third-period hat trick to Mikko Rantanen in Game 7 of their first-round series against the Stars.

A lesson for all 32 teams: Trading one of your top players can come back to bite you.

10. St. Louis Blues

Letting a two-goal lead slip in the final two minutes of Game 7 against the Winnipeg Jets will be a bitter pill to swallow for St. Louis. 

Still, Jim Montgomery’s Blues were one of the NHL’s best stories over the second half of the campaign, at one point winning 12 straight games to move into a playoff position.

This first-round exit will be a building block for next season.