NHL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, biggest February games

"The NHL calendar ticks one week closer to the start of the 2026 Olympic Games. And the flow of player trades continued recently, as the New York Islanders made deals with both of their nearby Metro Division rivals, adding Carson Soucy from the New York Rangers and Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils. But with another week in the books it's also time for another set of ESPN NHL Power Rankings! Along with this week's updated list, a big February game upcoming -- either before or after the Olympic break -- has been identified for each club."

"How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday. Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Jan. 23. Points percentages are through Thursday's games. Feb. 26 vs. the Wild: Both of these clubs are all but officially playoff-bound, and this will be another measuring stick as postseason projections come into sharper focus. Next seven days: @ DET (Jan. 31), vs. DET (Feb. 2), vs. SJ (Feb. 4)"

"Feb. 1 vs. the Bruins: For the second time this season, the NHL will be staging an outdoor game in Florida -- but this one will have pirates! (At least, we have to hope so, based on the shoulder patch on the Lightning's Stadium Series uniforms.) Next seven days: vs. BOS (Feb. 1), vs. BUF (Feb. 3), vs. FLA (Feb. 5) Feb. 26 vs. the Lightning: The Eastern Conference playoff picture is pretty chaotic -- except at the very top, where the Canes and Bolts are both looking dominant again. If all goes to their respective plans, this game will be a preview of the Eastern Conference finals. Next seven days: @ WSH (Jan. 31), vs. LA (Feb. 1), vs. OTT (Feb. 3), @ NYR (Feb. 5) Feb. 27 at the Mammoth: It appears that the Wild are well-positioned in one of the Central Division's top three playoff slots. However, a rising threat from the Beehive State has emerged -- and the Mammoth beat the Wild, 6-2, back in October."

The NHL calendar is one week closer to the 2026 Olympic Games while recent trades saw the New York Islanders acquire Carson Soucy and Ondrej Palat from nearby Metro Division rivals. ESPN released updated NHL Power Rankings based on a 1-32 poll submitted by a panel of commentators, analysts, reporters and editors, with results reflecting games through Wednesday and points percentages through Thursday. Each team has a highlighted February game, including measuring-stick matchups like Feb. 26 vs. the Wild and a Florida outdoor game Feb. 1 featuring the Bruins and Lightning. The rankings also list upcoming seven-day schedules and playoff implications for several teams.

Read at ESPN.com