NHL power rankings entering Week 6: All 32 teams ranked worst to first

Five weeks of the 2026-2027 NHL season are complete. The biggest headlines are certain teams struggling and high-profile players requesting early-season trades.

Connor Hellebuyck (dealt), Dylan Larkin, and Nikita Kucherov round out the big names who have made their displeasure known early in the season. Hellebuyck was an instant upgrade for the New Jersey Devils.

If Larkin and Kucherov are traded, the teams acquiring them will get massive upgrades. Entering Week 6, here are the NHL team power rankings.

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Ranks 32-25

Oct 29, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Vancouver Canucks left wing Liam Ohgren (92) celebrates scoring a goal during the second period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

32. Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver continues to be dominated by opponents. The main issue is defense, as the Canucks are allowing the most goals per game. Their offense is below average but continues to play from behind.

31. Chicago Blackhawks

This isn’t the start the Blackhawks hoped for. They’re allowing a lot of goals and struggle to score consistently. Chicago ranks last in power play percentage.

30. Philadelphia Flyers

Throughout five weeks, the Chicago Blackhawks are the only team scoring fewer goals than the Philadelphia Flyers. The team’s inability to stop opponents’ scoring chances is a nightly issue. The Flyers’ defensemen and goaltenders must improve.

29. Los Angeles Kings

Los Angeles is slowly turning a corner following its dreadful start to the season. The Kings are more than ready for the calendar to change. Los Angeles desperately needs playmakers, as it has the 4th–lowest total of assists this season.

28. Columbus Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets are receiving a boost on defense. They’re keeping games close but often lose the matchups. Offensive struggles are hindering Columbus.

27. Winnipeg Jets

The Jets are amid a rough stretch. They’re surrendering too many goals. Winnipeg must improve on defense.

26. Anaheim Ducks

The offense is clicking, but the same isn’t true on defense. The Ducks are allowing the 2nd–most goals per game. Defensive woes were their Achilles heel last season.

25. Calgary Flames

After a woeful start to the season, the Flames’ increased production has led to victories. The team is at least showing the ability to compete. This will be their highest rank of the season.

Ranks 24-17

Oct 31, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell (67) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

24. Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins are searching for the correct pairing on defense. Offensively, Pittsburgh is scoring enough goals. The team must find a way to keep opposing teams off the score sheet.

23. Nashville Predators

The Predators are searching for consistency. They have not won back-to-back games this season. Offensive struggles will be present throughout the season.

22. St. Louis Blues

The Blues are winning a handful of consecutive games followed by a stretch of consecutive losses. They’re inconsistent, to say the least. However, the team’s defense is off to a healthy start.

21. Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres seem to be figuring things out. They’re amid their best stretch of the early season. Still, Buffalo needs to be better on defense.

20. San Jose Sharks

San Jose is another team searching for consistency. The offense has a long way to go to get to mid-season form. The team’s defense will need to pick up the slack while the offense is ironing out flaws.

19. Detroit Red Wings

This is the tale of two stories. The Red Wings are better than average defensively, but the offense has been putrid. The team needs to move Dylan Larkin and start rebuilding with a fresh slate.

18. New York Rangers

After losing their top goaltender, the Rangers will have highs and lows throughout the season. New York has done its best to continue moving forward but hit a rough stretch of games. There is a need for increased offensive production.

17. Dallas Stars

The Stars’ defensemen and goaltending have been one of the league’s best tandems. Dallas’ main issue is offense. The team is too talented to see its offense struggle for long.

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Ranks 16-11

Oct 31, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri (91) and left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) and center Martin Necas (88) and left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) and center Nathan MacKinnon (29) look on from the bench in the third period against the Calgary Flames at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

16. Colorado Avalanche

Colorado is starting to play better overall. The offense is still producing the most goals per game. It’s been a slow start, but the Avalanche are starting to click.

15. New York Islanders

New York is holding its own defensively. However, the team still doesn’t score many goals per game. They will continue playing nail-biters throughout the season.

14. Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto is having a strong start to the season. There was never a question regarding production from its offense. Defense will be the key to the Maple Leafs’ season.

13. Washington Capitals

The Capitals’ offense is firing on all cylinders. They’re winning the games they’re supposed to win. However, they’ve shown struggles against top-tier teams.

12. Seattle Kraken

Seattle’s offense has started strong. The team has struggled to keep opposing teams off the score sheet. Defensive improvements are a must.

11. Ottawa Senators

The Senators have been one of the bigger surprises this season. They’ve started the season very well. They’ve played consistent hockey on both sides of the ice.

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Top 10

Oct 31, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against the Nashville Predators during the second period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

10. Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay’s offense has been as good as any team in the NHL. The team’s defense and goaltending have started slower than recent seasons. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy needs to improve his performance in net.

9. Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens

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