The 2022-23 NHL regular hockey season is only 10 days old. However, it’s time now to look at what all 32 teams have accomplished so far — for good or ill.
We also selected the most promising newcomer to each team for this week’s Power Rankings.
How do we rank? An ESPN hockey panel consisting of analysts, reporters, journalists, and commentators rates each team against the other — taking into consideration game results, injuries, and upcoming schedules — and tabulates those results to create this list.
Notice: Each team’s previous ranking refers to its last edition. published Oct. 10. Points paces are for Thursday’s game.
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage 0.750
Next seven days: @ CGY (Oct. 22, @ VAN (Oct. 24,)
Brent Burns He seems to be a perfect fit for the Hurricanes, and not just because he enjoys storm surge celebrations. The blueliner veteran stepped into a top-pairing spot with Jaccob Slavin. He can still play for over 22 minutes per match, score through traffic, and play physically. It’s a great energy source for the Canes.
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage 0.750
Next seven days: vs. CAR (Oct. 22, vs. CAR (Oct. 22), vs.
Nazem Kadri He scored his first goal in Flamehood by traveling coast-tocoast through the Oilers while heating up the ever-feisty Battle of Alberta. This is just one way to say hello. Kadri is a great fit for Calgary early on, thanks to his talent and perseverance.
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage 0.700
Next seven days: vs. CBJ(Oct. 23), vs. COL(Oct.25), @ NYI [Oct. 26]
Vincent Trocheck Can be the Rangers’ jack of all trades: A high-speed contributor, special-teams veteran and top-line contributor. Trocheck was slow to feel comfortable during the preseason, and Trocheck is more confident every game.
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage 0.875
Next seven days: @ MTL (Oct. 22), @ OTT (Oct. 24), @ BOS (Oct. 25), vs. WSH (Oct. 27)
Mason Marchment Dallas is off to an exciting start. He scored two goals in his Stars debut — and the top-shelf goal snipe was particularly nice. The big winger continues to radiate confidence. Dallas hopes he’ll get plenty of 5-on-5 time and be a strong player on the power play — all things Dallas wanted when Marchment signed his $18 million four-year deal.
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage 0.875
Next seven days: @ CBJ, @ EDM (Oct. 24,), @ CGY(Oct. 25,)
Jeff Petry Mike Sullivan said that Petry is at his best when he makes it “harder to beat” the Penguins. Petry set this goal in his first year of navigating his new environment. He relied on his hard-nosed hockey style to improve Pittsburgh’s defense. Petry is a player that his team believes in.
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage 0.750
Next seven days: vs. NYI [Oct. 23], vs. NYI [Oct. 21], @ CHI (“Oct. 25”), @ PHI (“Oct. 27”)
Matthew Tkachuk His signature combination of scoring skill and puck-hounding, as well as his ability to aggravate, has been able to successfully transition into the Sunshine State. In tandem with his strong defensive effort and ability to get under opponents’ skin, he had two goals in the first two games of the season. The Panthers need that Tkachuk-ian attitude.
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage 0.700
Next seven days: vs. MIN (Oct. 22), vs. DAL (Oct. 25), vs. DET (Oct. 27)
How much does A.J. Greer Are you a Boston Bruin and do you love it? It was enough to make him kiss the logo on the chest for his first goal in black & gold. Greer scored another goal in the Bruins home opener. He has also continued to raise the bar on Boston’s 3rd line with strength and defensive habits.
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage 0.800
Next seven days: vs. CO (Oct. 22), Vs. TOR(Oct. 24,), @ SJ [Oct. 25]
Bruce Cassidy, the most prominent new face to Vegas, has helped get the Golden Knights back on track. Cassidy provided that voice by helping the Golden Knights get to a 4-1 start. Change is good.
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage 0.625
Next seven days: vs. SEA [Oct. 21], @ VGK [Oct. 22], @ NYR (Oct. 24]
Alexandar Georgiev The Stanley Cup champions will be running it again with the same team that brought it to the House last season. Georgiev is the only exception. Darcy Kuemper He is the team’s starting netminder. He is off to a strong start at 2-0, with a.911SV% and 2.51 GAA.
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage 1.000
Next seven days: @ EDM (Oct. 22, @ WPG (Oct. 24,), vs. EDM [Oct. 26,], @ NSH (Oct. 27,]
Jake Neighbours He got to see the NHL in nine games last year, and the rookie fought hard to be on St. Louis’ roster right out of camp. The 20-year-old is a tough competitor who has bite to his game. He’s also showing great offensive potential and a playmaker’s edge. He’s capable of contributing to the team wherever Neighbours slots are available.
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage 0.500
Next seven days: @ WSH (Oct. 22, vs.. TB (Oct. 25, vs.. WPG (Oct. 27,)
Kevin Fiala Los Angeles is seeing results on the scoresheet. The Kings were all in on Fiala trading, and then extending Fiala’s contract to increase their forward depth. So far it has paid off. The winger had two assists and scored a goal against his former team. Minnesota WildShe has shown great chemistry with Anze Kopitar Adrian Kempe.
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage 0.600
Next seven days: @ WPG (Oct. 22, @ VGK [Oct. 24,], @ SJ (Oct. 27,)
Calle Jarnkrok He has been a valuable addition to the Leafs third line. Jarnkrok is a versatile and durable player who also makes the players around him more enjoyable. Jarnkrok has proven to be a valuable under-the-radar pick by Toronto.
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage 0.750
Next seven days: @ NSH, vs. SJ(Oct. 23), and vs. FLA (2 Oct. 27).
John Tortorella is the winner here, as he is making an impact on the Flyers like no one else. The new coach of Philadelphia is brutally honest and this attitude will continue to be the team’s defining characteristic. Tortorella seems more to have the Flyers believe in themselves than anyone else.
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage 0.500
Next seven days: @ TB, @ FLA (Oct. 22), vs. NYCR (Oct.26).
Robin Salo In his second game of this season, he scored two goals and has been a reliable performer on Islanders’ blueline. Salo, a rookie who had played 21 games in the past, looks more and more ready to be a full-time NHL skater.
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage 0.417
Next seven days: vs. PHI [Oct. 22], vs. STL [Oct. 27]
Nino Niederreiter With four goals in four of his first four games in Music City, Niederreiter started strong. Nashville had a lack of depth scoring. Niederreiter is changing that by providing timely offensive contributions and creating opportunities for his linemates and driving play.
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage 0.833
Next seven days: @ CHI 21 Oct., vs. ANA 23 Oct., vs. NJ 25 Oct. 25, @ BOS 27 Okt.
Ville Husso His tenure as Detroit’s starting pitcher began with a 29-save shutout. This memorable debut is only the beginning of Husso’s potential with Detroit’s Red Wings, who desperately need stability between the pipes. Husso looks great in tandem with Alex Nedeljkovic — are primed to give it.
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage 0.750
Next seven days: @ VAN, @ SEA (Oct. 23), vs. MTL(Oct. 27).
Eric Comrie Buffalo’s first goaltender ever to receive an assist — this was on an Alex Tuch In his Sabres debut, he scored a goal. He has shown great technique and made some important saves for the Sabres thus far. Buffalo will need all of that to get its bearings in this season’s new season.
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage 0.400
Next seven days: vs. LA, @ NJ (Oct. 24,), @ DAL(Oct. 27).
Dylan Strome He just wanted to be liked. Strome showed a lot of potential in his early playing days with the Capitals. He’s a skilled skimmer and passer who has excellent instincts and can quickly move up the ice. This seems to be what Washington needs as it weathers this season without Tom Wilson and Nicklas Backstrom.
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage 0.500
Next seven days: vs. TOR, vs. STL(Oct. 24,), @ LA (Oct. 27).
Sam Gagner It was not widely known that the September one-year deal with the Jets was discussed. Gagner has spoken on the ice to explain his intentions early in the season. He is a tireless worker who has been an excellent fit for Winnipeg’s fourth and second power play units.
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage 0.500
Next seven days: vs. STL 22 Oct. PIT (Oct. 24, @ STL (Oct. 26, @ CHI)
Dylan Holloway A great preseason and training camp turned into an opening night roster spot for him to make his NHL debut in Edmonton’s top 6. This is quite remarkable. Holloway worked hard to find his way. He will continue to learn on the job, and through some turnovers, in order to hopefully become a regular member of the Oilers’ team.
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage 0.600
Next seven days: vs. DAL, vs. MIN, vs. MIN, @ BUF (Oct. 27,)
Arber Xhekaj He had a fascinating story to tell before stepping onto NHL ice. On opening night, the undrafted blueliner made an impressive debut with the Canadiens and scored an assist. Xhekaj is a constant presence and continues to prove why Montreal has chosen him for the lineup.
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage 0.250
Next seven days: @ FLA, vs. NYI(Oct. 22),@ LA (Oct. 25),@ ANA (Oct.26)
Vladislav Namestnikov Although he has played for Tampa in the past, from 2013-14 to 2017-18, the Lightning may need him more than ever. Namestnikov is part of Tampa Bay’s revamped third-line and has had some impressive early returns. The veteran’s lack of flash can be made up for by his reliability and consistency. These are two qualities Tampa could really use.
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage 0.500
Next seven days: vs. ARI(Oct. 22), vs. DAL (2 Octt. 24), vs. MIN (3 Octt. 27).
Jake Sanderson He has slid in perfectly to Ottawa’s backend and appears poised for a top-four position. The rookie has confidence and can play at a controlled pace. He is not afraid to take calculated risks. That energy is what Senators need to feed off.
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage 0.400
Next seven days: vs. vs.
Johnny Gaudreau He is a great talent and can drive Columbus’ offense. The Blue Jackets will need to make that happen as Patrik laine is out of action for up to four weeks. Gaudreau continues to settle into his top-line position while still giving Columbus more than 21 minutes per match with high returns on the scoresheet.
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage 0.250
Next seven days: @ BOS (Oct. 22), @ MTL (Oct. 25), @ OTT (Oct. 27)
Sam Steel He is Minnesota’s only new face this season and has been a big hit with the fans. The 24-year-old is a member of the Wild’s third and fourth lines. He has provided some offensive help (including a crucial goal that tied the game) and has proven to be reliable defensively.
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage 0.500
Next seven days: vs. SJ (Oct. 22), vs. WSH (Oct. 24), @ DET (Oct. 25)
Alexander Holtz The Devils have known him for nine seasons, but he is now looking to play a larger role. The 20-year old has already achieved his first career goal and could play a versatile role in New Jersey’s bottom six. Lindy Ruff, coach, has already shuffled him around the New Jersey lineup.
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage 0.300
Next seven days: @ DET (Oct. 23), vs. TB (Oct. 26)
Ryan Strome Anaheim’s new top-line center, Strome, made a three point debut to help fuel the Ducks’ victory over Seattle. Anaheim was hoping for that kind of impact when Strome signed a $25 million, five-year contract as a free agent.
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage 0.200
Next seven days: vs. BUF, Oct. 22, vs. CAR (Oct. 24, vs.
Andrei Kuzmenko Take a look at this shot Alex Ovechkin Bruce Boudreau, his coach, says so. The 26-year old rookie scored in his NHL debut. He also showed some early chemistry with the center Elias Pettersson. Kuzmenko still needs to adjust from the KHL, but there is an assurance and ease about him that he will be fine.
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage 0.333
Next seven days: vs. DET (Oct. 21), vs. SEA (Oct. 23), vs. FLA (Oct. 25), vs. EDM (Oct. 27)
Jason Dickinson A fresh start was needed in Chicago, and Dickinson scored a goal and assisted two others in his debut game against the Red Sharks. Dickinson was barely aware that he would be wearing a suit, but it didn’t matter because the 27-year old played instinctively and connected with his new team.
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage 0.400
Next seven days: @ COL 21 Oct., @ CHI 23 Oct., vs. BUF 25 Oct., vs. VAN 27 Okt.
Matty Beniers The future and present of this Kraken squad. With four points in five games, the 19-year old is already at the center of Seattle’s top line.
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage 0.250
Next seven days: @ OTT (Oct. 22, @ CBJ [Oct. 25,]
Dylan Guenther While Guenther might not be a consistent fixture with Arizona all season, the 19-year old is making the most his time. Guenther, who was playing a second-line position in the NHL, had an assist and seems more mature than his years. This is a fantastic start.
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage 0.167
Next seven days: @ NJ (Oct.22), @ PHI(Oct.23), vs. VGK [Oct.25], vs. TOR (“Oct.27”)
Luke Kunin As an addition to his existing role, went straight to a top-line Sharks role. Tomas Hertl Timo Meier. Kunin was acquired from Nashville by San Jose in a summertime deal to maximize its scoring potential. Kunin responded with two points in his five first games. Kunin is able to offer more than the rest in San Jose’s lineup.