The 11th in-season edition of theScore’s NHL Power Rankings for the 2024-25 campaign looks at the biggest surprise for each team this season.
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1. Washington Capitals (44-15-8)
Previous: 2
Aliaksei Protas has emerged as perhaps the league’s biggest surprise. The 6-foot-6 Belarusian has recorded 29 goals, 59 points, and leads the NHL with a plus-41 rating. That production represents a dramatic shift from his first 169 games, where he scored just 13 goals total.
2. Winnipeg Jets (47-17-4)
Previous: 1
Their overall dominance has exceeded expectations. While the Jets returned largely the same roster that finished second in the Central Division last season, they’ve taken a major step forward.
Winnipeg now leads the Central and has built the NHL’s best goal differential by a considerable margin.
3. Dallas Stars (42-21-3)
Previous: 3
Landing Mikko Rantanen from Colorado stands as the Stars’ most unexpected development. Dallas managed to acquire the elite winger from one of their biggest rivals, significantly strengthening an already deep forward group and bolstering their Stanley Cup chances.
4. Carolina Hurricanes (41-22-4)
Previous: 10
The Rantanen saga created a surprising sequence when Carolina acquired the star forward only to flip him days later after he wouldn’t commit to a long-term extension.
This unusual situation will likely be referenced uncomfortably for years in Carolina.
5. Vegas Golden Knights (39-20-8)
Previous: 7
Pavel Dorofeyev has unexpectedly tied for the team lead with 27 goals in 66 games. The 24-year-old Russian forward’s breakout season has come in his first full NHL campaign after playing no more than 47 contests in previous years.
6. Florida Panthers (41-24-3)
Previous: 6
Brad Marchand’s arrival in Florida creates one of the most unexpected playoff storylines. The former Bruins captain, who battled the Panthers numerous times and publicly criticized Matthew Tkachuk after the 4 Nations Face-Off, now joins forces with him to form a nightmare combination for opponents.
7. Colorado Avalanche (41-24-3)
Previous: 9
Trading Rantanen shocked the hockey world. Despite his pending unrestricted free agent status and stalled extension talks, few expected Colorado to move the two-time 100-point scorer in late January, well before the trade deadline.
8. Los Angeles Kings (36-20-9)
Previous: 12
Warren Foegele has shown unexpected offensive production. The third-line forward has recorded 19 goals and 18 assists through 65 games, putting him on pace for career highs of 24 goals and 23 assists over 82 games.
That’s solid value from a player the Kings signed for $3.5 million annually.
9. Tampa Bay Lightning (38-23-5)
Previous: 5
Brandon Hagel has elevated his game to new heights. While the winger has scored 25+ goals before, he’s now on pace for 38 this season. Hagel ranks among Tampa’s offensive leaders while contributing on the penalty kill and providing key intangibles.
He also played a crucial role in Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off victory.
10. Edmonton Oilers (39-24-4)
Previous: 8
Not upgrading in goal stands as Edmonton’s biggest surprise. Despite Cup Final aspirations, the Oilers continue to rely on Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, both of whom have posted lackluster numbers this season.
While goaltending options were limited, acquiring John Gibson from Anaheim could have provided a meaningful upgrade.
11. Toronto Maple Leafs (39-24-3)
Previous: 4
Anthony Stolarz has unexpectedly seized Toronto’s starting goaltender role. The 31-year-old netminder has performed well in previous seasons but never as a team’s primary option. Stolarz has outplayed Joseph Woll to become a dependable No. 1 for the Maple Leafs.
12. Ottawa Senators (36-25-5)
Previous: 19
Their power play improvement has helped fuel Ottawa’s playoff push. The Senators have jumped from 23rd in the league last season (18% success rate) to just outside the top 10 (23.7%) this year.
This special teams upgrade has contributed significantly to the team’s overall success.
13. New Jersey Devils (36-26-6)
Previous: 11
Johnathan Kovacevic has far exceeded expectations after arriving from Montreal for just a fourth-round pick. Originally projected as a depth defenseman, the 27-year-old has averaged a career-high 19:45 per game and earned a $20-million contract extension.
14. Minnesota Wild (37-25-5)
Previous: 13
Staying competitive without Kirill Kaprizov has been Minnesota’s biggest surprise. The Wild have posted an 8-8-1 record in their last 17 games without their superstar, who still leads the team with 23 goals despite his extended absence.
Minnesota remains in playoff position though no longer in contention for the league’s top spot.
15. St. Louis Blues (33-28-7)
Previous: 16
Dylan Holloway has become one of the league’s best value contracts at $2.3 million. The 23-year-old has flourished in St. Louis with 22 goals and 51 points after arriving via offer sheet from Edmonton, who received only a third-round pick as compensation.
His development has likely left the Oilers regretting their decision not to match.
16. Vancouver Canucks (31-25-11)
Previous: 23
Elias Pettersson’s struggles have been Vancouver’s most unexpected development. The Swedish forward has underperformed on ice while his rift with J.T. Miller resulted in Miller being traded to the Rangers.
Pettersson is on pace for just 19 goals and 34 assists, both career lows for a full season.
17. Calgary Flames (30-24-11)
Previous: 17
Their playoff contention defies preseason expectations. The Flames were widely predicted to sell assets and compete for the top draft pick. Despite ranking last in goals per game, Calgary remains in the playoff hunt thanks largely to Dustin Wolf’s goaltending.
18. Montreal Canadiens (32-27-7)
Previous: 18
Their post-break surge has kept Montreal’s playoff hopes alive. The Canadiens have gone 7-1-2 in their last 10 games since the 4 Nations break.
Continued strong defensive play will be essential if Montreal hopes to reach the postseason.
19. New York Rangers (33-29-6)
Previous: 20
Their midseason 4-15 collapse severely damaged New York’s Cup aspirations. Despite this extended slump, the Rangers still cling to a wild-card position with 14 games remaining.
20. Columbus Blue Jackets (31-27-8)
Previous: 14
Zach Werenski’s Norris-caliber season has been Columbus’s biggest surprise. The defenseman ranks second among all blueliners in goals (20) and points (69) while leading the NHL in average ice time (26:58).
The Blue Jackets wouldn’t be in playoff contention without Werenski’s exceptional performance.
21. Utah Hockey Club (30-26-11)
Previous: 22
Karel Vejmelka’s resurgence has provided stability in net. The goaltender has posted a .909 save percentage, on track to finish above .900 for the first time in his career. Vejmelka has already set a personal best with 19 wins and ranks eighth league-wide in goals saved above expected (21.87).
22. Detroit Red Wings (32-29-6)
Previous: 15
The Petr Mrazek reunion created an unexpected goaltending situation. With Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon already on the roster, bringing Mrazek back seemed unnecessary. However, he’s performed well in his second Detroit stint, posting a .920 save percentage through three games.
23. New York Islanders (30-28-8)
Previous: 21
Lou Lamoriello trading Brock Nelson represented a departure from the GM’s typical approach. Lamoriello rarely moves pending unrestricted free agents at the deadline, but he sent the veteran center to Colorado while keeping his other expiring contracts.
24. Anaheim Ducks (29-31-7)
Previous: 25
Jackson LaCombe has emerged as Anaheim’s breakout defenseman instead of more heralded prospects Pavel Mintyukov or Olen Zellweger. LaCombe has developed into an impact top-four blueliner with 11 goals and 35 points, more than doubling the production of any other Ducks defender still on the roster.
25. Boston Bruins (30-30-8)
Previous: 24
Their competitive collapse has been Boston’s biggest shock. The Bruins fired head coach Jim Montgomery in November after a poor start, but interim coach Joe Sacco hasn’t stabilized the situation.
Management ultimately traded several key players, including captain Brad Marchand, as the perennial contender floundered throughout the season.
26. Pittsburgh Penguins (28-31-10)
Previous: 28
Rickard Rakell’s resurgence has been Pittsburgh’s bright spot. The 31-year-old Swede has bounced back with 31 goals and 59 points through 68 games after managing just 37 points last season.
Rakell is approaching his career high of 34 goals, set seven years ago with Anaheim.
27. Nashville Predators (25-33-8)
Previous: 30
Their offensive struggles have been Nashville’s biggest disappointment. Despite adding Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei, the Predators rank among the NHL’s bottom two in scoring.
Nothing has gone according to plan in what’s become a disastrous season for Nashville.
28. Seattle Kraken (29-34-5)
Previous: 29
Shane Wright’s midseason transformation shows promising development. In his first full NHL campaign, Wright struggled with just seven points in his first 22 games but has since produced 31 points in his last 43 contests, more than doubling his point-per-game rate.
29. Philadelphia Flyers (28-32-8)
Previous: 26
Travis Konecny’s scoring drought has been Philadelphia’s biggest surprise. The Flyers star has scored just once in his last 21 games.
Before this slump, Konecny was on pace for approximately 37 goals. Now he’s tracking to finish below 30 after exceeding that mark in each of his previous two seasons.
30. Buffalo Sabres (26-33-6)
Previous: 27
Their predictable mediocrity is Buffalo’s only surprise. The Sabres have regressed since narrowly missing the playoffs in 2022-23, and hiring Lindy Ruff hasn’t improved their fortunes.
There are few indicators suggesting positive change on the horizon.
31. Chicago Blackhawks (20-38-9)
Previous: 31
Ryan Donato’s breakout provides a positive amid another difficult Chicago season. The 28-year-old forward has already set career highs with 23 goals and 51 points.
Donato wasn’t moved at the trade deadline, suggesting he might remain with the Blackhawks going forward.
32. San Jose Sharks (18-41-9)
Previous: 32
Macklin Celebrini’s maturity has impressed beyond expectations. While the 2024 first overall pick’s production (50 points in 56 games) was anticipated, his seamless NHL transition at just 18 years old – making him the league’s youngest player – demonstrates remarkable poise.
