The 2025-26 NHL regular season is coming to a dramatic close. With less than a week remaining, the playoff bracket is nearly set, and the league’s power balance has shifted significantly since October. In our final NHL Power Rankings 2025-26, we look at how the 32 teams stack up heading into the postseason and identify the most critical free agent each franchise must address this summer.
The Elite Tier: Avalanche and Hurricanes Lead the Pack
As we hit the home stretch, the Colorado Avalanche remain the team to beat. Holding the pole position for the President’s Trophy with an impressive 119.9-point pace, Colorado has weathered a late-season dip to remain the gold standard of the Western Conference. Their depth and high-end talent make them the odds-on favorite as the chase for the Stanley Cup begins.
Following closely behind are the Carolina Hurricanes. Currently ranked second, the Hurricanes have maintained a dominant 68.4% points percentage. However, the front office faces a looming decision in the crease. While Brandon Bussi has emerged as the goaltender of the future, veteran Frederik Andersen is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA). Whether Carolina retains Andersen for another run or fully commits to the youth movement will be a defining story of their offseason.
Surprises and Contract Stakes: Sabres and Stars
The biggest story of the 2025-26 season has undoubtedly been the Buffalo Sabres. For the first time in 16 years, Buffalo has seized first place in their division, fueled by an incredible 29-5-2 run over their last 36 games. A massive part of that success is Alex Tuch, who is currently the league's most high-profile pending UFA. With a projected asking price in the $10 million to $11 million range, the Sabres must decide if they are ready to break the bank to keep their core intact.
The Dallas Stars also find themselves in the top four, nipping at the heels of the Avalanche. While they boast veteran depth with players like Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn, their primary focus is Jason Robertson. The goal-scoring ace is set to become a restricted free agent (RFA), and securing his long-term future is the franchise's top priority.
Key Free Agents to Watch Across the League
While the top teams are focused on the playoffs, the rest of the league is already calculating their salary cap space for the 2026 offseason. Here are some of the most notable free agent situations highlighted in this week's rankings:
- Washington Capitals: After extending their goaltending duo, the Caps must now decide on defenseman Jakob Chychrun, who is having a career year as he approaches UFA status.
- Edmonton Oilers: While Connor McDavid isn't a free agent this year, he becomes extension-eligible in five months, a looming shadow over an Oilers team that has struggled with a 90.2-point pace.
- Florida Panthers: Two-time champion Sergei Bobrovsky hits the market at age 37, leaving the Panthers with a massive hole to fill in net if he departs.
- Anaheim Ducks: Captain Radko Gudas and young star Mason McTavish both require new deals, representing the balance of veteran leadership and youthful potential in Anaheim.
- Minnesota Wild: The focus in the Twin Cities remains squarely on Kirill Kaprizov and a potential long-term extension.
The Playoff Bubble and Postseason Outlook
The final NHL Power Rankings 2025-26 reveal a league of haves and have-nots. The Utah Mammoth have been a revelation in their second year, pacing for a 92.7-point finish and a likely playoff berth. Conversely, traditional powerhouses like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets are expected to miss the postseason entirely, leading to what could be a summer of massive upheaval for both Canadian franchises.
With the salary cap projected to rise significantly to approximately $104 million, the 2026 free agency period promises to be one of the most volatile in recent memory. Whether it's Brent Burns chasing the ironman record in what could be his final season or Matthew Schaefer likely skating away with the Calder Trophy for the Islanders, the storylines heading into the summer are as compelling as the playoff races themselves.
Sources & Original Reporting
