Hold onto your hockey helmets, because the 2025-26 NHL season is already flipping the script! Canadian teams are dominating the early Power Rankings, but not in the way you might expect. And this is the part most people miss: while traditional powerhouses like the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Los Angeles Kings are struggling, underdogs like the Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings, and Utah Mammoth are stealing the spotlight. But here's where it gets controversial: are these early surprises sustainable, or will the usual suspects reclaim their throne? Let’s dive into the Canadian teams making waves and what their futures might hold.
Welcome to the first edition of the 2025-26 NHL Power Rankings, powered by Sportloqiq. With nearly a month of the season in the books, we’re already seeing some jaw-dropping developments. Canadian teams, in particular, are making their presence felt, with the Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens leading the charge. But before we crown them champions, let’s break down their performances and what lies ahead.
Winnipeg Jets: Proving the Doubters Wrong
The Jets are on fire, determined to show that those who favored divisional rivals like the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars as Stanley Cup contenders were dead wrong. Mark Scheifele is lighting up the scoreboard with a league-best 20 points in 12 games, while Connor Hellebuyck has been nothing short of spectacular in goal. Despite ranking eighth in save percentage (.921), Hellebuyck’s performance is even more impressive when you consider the quality of shots he’s facing. He’s second in goals saved above expected (12.6), keeping the Jets near the top of the standings despite key injuries and defensive lapses. Here’s the kicker: Winnipeg ranks in the bottom five in slot shots, cycle chances, rebound chances, and high-danger chances against, yet they’re third in goals-against average. Is Hellebuyck single-handedly carrying the team, or is this a sign of deeper issues?
Montreal Canadiens: The Comeback Kids
Montreal is back, and they’re must-watch hockey. Cole Caufield is tied for the league lead with 10 goals, Nick Suzuki leads the NHL in assists (16), and the Canadiens match the Jets with a .750 points percentage. Ivan Demidov has been electrifying, tied for the rookie scoring lead with 10 points, while Jakub Dobes is off to a 6-0-0 start with the fourth-best save percentage in the league. But here’s the catch: Montreal’s goal differential (sixth) far outpaces their expected goal differential (18th). Can they sustain this pace, or is a reality check coming? One thing’s for sure: this team is a legitimate threat in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference.
Edmonton Oilers: Process Over Results
The Oilers are the third Canadian team in our top 10, sitting at number nine. Unlike the Jets and Canadiens, Edmonton’s process has been stronger than their results. They’re fourth in expected goals but 18th in actual goals per game. The Oilers dominate in offensive-zone puck possession and cycle chances but surprisingly rank 25th in rush scoring chances—an area they led the league in last season. Is this a temporary slump, or a sign of deeper offensive struggles? The return of Zach Hyman could be the spark they need to start converting chances into goals.
Ottawa Senators: The Enigma
Sitting at 16th in our rankings, the Senators are a team of contrasts. Without captain Brady Tkachuk, they’ve managed to stay competitive in the Atlantic Division. However, their underlying numbers raise questions. Ottawa ranks eighth in goals per game but 24th in expected goals, suggesting their offense might not be sustainable. On the flip side, they’re eighth in expected goals against but 30th in actual goals against. Linus Ullmark has had a rough start, and the team’s record would be better with even average goaltending. Can Ullmark turn it around, or will the Senators continue to tread water?
Toronto Maple Leafs: A Star-Studded Struggle
The Maple Leafs sit at 25th in our rankings, a far cry from their usual lofty expectations. Despite stars like John Tavares, Matthew Knies, and William Nylander averaging over a point per game, and Auston Matthews on pace for 41 goals, the team’s depth is lacking. Defensively, they’ve taken a step back, ranking 28th in goals against and struggling to defend the rush. Is this a temporary slump, or a sign of deeper systemic issues?
Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames: The Strugglers
The Canucks (31st) and Flames (32nd) are having tough seasons. Vancouver’s record would be worse if not for Thatcher Demko, whose 12.8 goals saved above expected ranks first in the NHL. Meanwhile, Calgary’s struggles are across the board, ranking last in goals per game and 27th in expected goals. Can either team turn it around, or is this the start of a long season?
NHL Power Ranking: Nov. 3
| Rank | Team | Points % | Goal Differential | xG Differential |
|------|-------|----------|---------------|-------------------|
| 1 | Col | .731 | 1.08 | .98 |
| 2 | Wpg | .750 | 1.25 | -.08 |
| 3 | TB | .583 | .17 | .69 |
| 4 | Mtl | .750 | .67 | -.04 |
| 5 | VGK | .682 | .73 | .39 |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
| 32 | Cgy | .286 | -1.21 | -.49 |
Thought-Provoking Question: With Canadian teams dominating early, is this the year a Canadian franchise brings home the Stanley Cup, or will the usual suspects reclaim their throne? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
