The 2025-2026 NHL season is through the first three weeks. Still in the infancy stages, the power rankings will move generously for a few more months. Early on, Utah and New Jersey have taken the hockey world by storm with their hot starts. The opposite can be said with early-season struggles by Calgary and San Jose. However, the season is still new, and every team will continue to progress from week to week. Here are the 2025-2026 NHL Team Power Rankings heading into the fourth week of the season.

1. New Jersey DevilsOct 9, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (7) celebrates his goal with center Jack Hughes (86) against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

New Jersey is off to one of the best starts in the NHL. The team currently ranks 1st in goals per game and 4th in goals against per game. The Devils are getting production throughout their roster and are looking to build off last season’s 91-point finish.

2. Utah Mammoth

Utah is tied for 1st with the most points through three weeks. The Mammoth are 7th in goals against per game, but it’s their offense and 2nd–ranked goals per game. The team’s offense has kept them in every game, and they are looking to build off last season’s 89 points.

3. Colorado Avalanche

Colorado’s goaltending has performed well, even with number one goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood yet to make his season debut. Nathan McKinnon, tied with the 2nd–most points in the league, has led the Avalanche through the first three weeks of the season. Colorado has finished atop the Central Division in two of the past four seasons.

4. Montreal Canadiens

Montreal’s defense and goaltending have played well, but its offense has been the headliner early in the season. Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield have been standouts and among league leaders in points and goals. Montreal’s hot start gives the team an edge playing in a division that features Toronto, Florida, and Tampa Bay.  

5. Las Vegas Golden KnightsOct 18, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mitch Marner (93) congratulates goaltender Adin Hill (33) after the Golden Knights defeated the Calgary Flames 6-1 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Since 2018, Las Vegas has won the Pacific Division four times and won the Stanley Cup in 2023. This season, Las Vegas’ hot start is thanks in part to a 5th–ranked offense in goals per game. Center Jack Eichel is tied for the NHL’s points lead and is the team’s driving force.

6. Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh’s veterans aren’t finished yet. Evgeni Malkin is leading the team in points, and the team’s goaltending has played well. There wouldn’t be a better story than Sidney Crosby adding a fourth Stanley Cup in his 21st season.

7. Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina is 3rd in goals per game, with center Seth Jarvis leading the team. The Hurricanes’ goaltenders finished last season 10th in goals against per game and are posting better numbers early in the season. They will be a Stanley Cup contender throughout the season.

8. Winnipeg Jets

Winnipeg’s combination of scoring and goaltending has led to a hot start. Veteran center Mark Scheifele is leading the Jets and 1st among NHL goal scorers and has the 3rd–most points. The team has their sights set on the Stanley Cup.