The NHL trade deadline has passed, all NHL teams have between 13-16 games remaining, and one week separates us from April, meaning the home stretch of the NHL regular season has arrived. As always, recency bias and future expectations will have a big role in the criteria. However, projected playoff matchups will also be taken into account for my rankings. My honorable mentions are the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, LA Kings, and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

8-Dallas Stars (Previously Ranked 3)

This season I believe there is not a huge difference between the top 8 teams. That being said I can easily see the Stars going on a run and winning the cup. Through 69 games this season the Stars have an impressive 45-21-4 record which is good for second place in the central division and are 6-2-2 in their last 10 games. For me what holds the Stars back from being higher is that they are very likely to play the Avalanche in the first round who have been very active in improving their team throughout the season. In addition to this one of the NHL’s top defenders, Miro Heiskanen who has been sidelined with a knee injury since February 4th is expected to miss the first round of the playoffs. Despite my concerns the Stars should not be taken lightly by any means and will be a huge threat to win the cup if they make it past the Avalanche.

7-Winnipeg Jets (Previously Ranked 5)

The Jets have continued to do well throughout their strong season. Through 71 games they have a 48-19-4 record which is good for second in the NHL just trailing the Washington Capitals by 2 points and are 6-4 in their last 10 games. The Jets are poised to have a favorable first round matchup as they are very likely to win the Western Conference. Despite their excellent play this season I still question their Stanley Cup aspirations as their core has failed to put up much of a challenge to their first-round opponents in the past couple of postseasons. 

6-Edmonton Oilers (Previously Ranked 1)

Leading up to the trade deadline this season the Oilers have been active in improving their roster by acquiring puck-moving defenseman Jake Walman and John Klingberg and depth forward Trent Frederic. The Oilers are 41-25-5 through 70 games this season which is good for 3rd place in the pacific division and are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games this season. They are poised to play LA for a third straight season but unlike in years past they might not get home ice advantage with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl missing time. While Edmonton is the favorite the Kings have had a good season and have been hot as of late. In addition to this I am concerned about the goaltending situation as Stuart Skinner has struggled with consistently playing well this season. However, if he performs at the level, he did the second half of last postseason I can see the Oilers going on another postseason run.

5-Tampa Bay Lightning (Previously Not Ranked (NR))

With the Lightning’s big deadline deal with the Kraken, acquiring Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde it feels like their team has it all; high end scorers, elite goaltending, veteran leaders, and with their newest additions the best depth they have had since the 2021-22 season. Since February first the Lightning have been one of the hottest teams in hockey and are sitting in 3rd place in the Atlantic division with a 40-25-5 record. 

4-Colorado Avalanche (Previously Ranked 8)

The Avalanche have continued to upgrade their roster throughout the season, and they are better for it. Through 71 games they are 43-25-3 which is good for third place in the central division. Since the deadline the Avalanche have been hot and have had an 8-1-1 record in their last 10 games. Similarly to the Lightning it feels like they have it all. While the Stars will be a tough matchup, I believe they are the favorites to win it.

3-Washington Capitals (Previously Ranked 2)

To my surprise the Capitals have continued to be dominant this season. They are 47-15-8 which is good enough for first place in the league and have won 9 of their last 10 games. While I question if their success will translate to the playoffs, they have been excellent this season and have earned being this high up.

2-Carolina Hurricanes (Previously Ranked Honorable Mention (HM))

While having to flip Mikko Rantanen at the deadline wasn’t ideal, I think the Hurricanes are more than fine. Overall, this season they have been solid with a 43-23-4 record through 70 games which is good enough for 2nd place in the metro and they have recently been one of the hottest teams in hockey, winning 9 of their last 10 games. They have gotten streaky at the right time and will look to ride that into the playoffs and will have a favorable first round matchup, likely playing an injury-decimated Devils team.

1-Vegas Golden Knights (Previously Ranked 4)

Coming in at the number one spot I have the Golden Knights. Through 70 games they are 42-20-8 which is good for first place in the pacific division and are 6-2-2 in their last 10. The Golden Knights have good offensive/defensive depth with some star power throughout their lineup. While not elite, Adin Hill is a solid starting netminder who can be relied on.