NHL Power Rankings: Each team's biggest shock of 2026-27

With just over two weeks into the 2026-27 NHL season, ESPN’s NHL Power Rankings have reached the point where teams are approaching a 10-game schedule and surprise factors—good and bad—are showing up across the league. ESPN’s panel ranks teams 1-32 using games through Wednesday, with point percentages through Thursday. Carolina Hurricanes stay at No. 1 despite an injury-hit week: captain Jordan Staal is out one to two months with a torn calf muscle, and Taylor Hall is also lost with an upper-body injury, according to coach Rod Brind’Amour. Vegas remains high after a home sellout streak ended on Oct. 8. Edmonton’s surprise is defenseman Evan Bouchard’s 14 points in six games. The piece then continues down the top ranks, including major goalie-injury news for the New York Rangers.