The trade deadline looms large as we head into the final few weeks of the regular season. The playoff hunt is catching fire with each team battling and jockeying for position each and every game. Some teams are getting hot while others turn ice cold. If you’re excited now, keep watch, the best is still yet to come. That being said, let’s take a look at how each team is doing right now.
32. Chicago Blackhawks (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The bottom two spots could easily be interchangeable between Chicago and San Jose. Both teams are in the absolute worst position to be in, with no real assets to sell in order to acquire more. Hence both are reliant on good draft capital which could take years to heed any results. That being said, San Jose does have slightly more depth than Chicago.
31. San Jose Sharks (Previous rank: Unchanged)
As stated before, these bottom two spots are interchangeable. While San Jose lacks anyone with the star power or talent that Connor Bedard has, they also have slightly more depth than the barren Chicago roster. That’s barely enough to keep them ahead of the Blackhawks for now, but it is enough.
30. Anaheim Ducks (Previous rank: Unchanged)
While they may not be in as bad of a position as the two teams below them in the standings, Anaheim has still had a rough season nonetheless.Their inability to score goals can easily be pinpointed as a cause to this, but the problem goes deeper. Inconsistent goaltending has also hindered the Ducks quite a lot this year.
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29. Columbus Blue Jackets (Previous rank: Unchanged)
Who would’ve guessed that this was the future for Johnny Hockey? You can’t entirely blame him. It’s hard to play your best hockey on this team, especially when you have little chance of escape. Gaudreau isn’t the only player locked into a massive contract, Columbus is full of them. That makes it hard for any real change to happen in this organization.
28. Montreal Canadiens (Previous rank: 27)
The Habs’ season has consisted of them slowly but surely falling towards the bottom of the league. They’re there now with playoffs no longer really an option, but with a decent draft pick and some big moves at the deadline they can set themselves up decently for the future. Especially with their decent prospect pool.
27. Arizona Coyotes (Previous rank: 28)
The Coyotes finally ended what was a fourteen game losing streak. They’ve won two in a row now, but their playoff chances have taken a massive hit in this long skid. Without a single win in the month of February, this team may no longer have much hope to salvage this season with a playoff berth. Disappointing for sure, but not hopeless. This is on the right track.
26. Ottawa Senators (Previous rank: Unchanged)
Ottawa was the team that Arizona used to end their losing streak, which wasn’t a great look for the Sens. A team that has no idea what they want to be, and has little value to offer anyone else. The big name to be eyed is Vladimir Tarasenko, but given his no trade clause, it may be unlikely he gets moved in time for the deadline.
25. Buffalo Sabres (Previous rank: Unchanged)
Buffalo had some holes exposed this season. The blue line has suffered drastically, and the goaltending hasn’t been what it was hoped to be. Lukkonnen hasn’t been bad to his credit, but he’s been far from the stud goalie he was hoped to be. With multiple contracts expiring at the end of this season, don’t be surprised if Buffalo makes some big moves to help iron out that defense.
24. Pittsburgh Penguins (Previous rank: 23)
What a rough road trip for the Pens. A back breaker for a team that was struggling to carry the load all season. With their playoff hopes looking slim at best, the possibility they can stave off a rebound going with those hopes. Crosby has done his best to his credit, as has the goaltending, but it’s safe to say this team will have to make some changes.
23. Minnesota Wild (Previous rank: 20)
The Wild have been pretty hopeless. They can score without much issue, but they can’t stop other teams from scoring, nor can they stop themselves from taking penalties. With their glaring salary cap issues (they’re still paying for buying out Parise and Coyle), there’s not much hope for this team moving forward.
22. Seattle Kraken (Previous rank: 21)
The Kraken have been able to win games consistently and yet still find themselves nine points outside of a playoff spot. With their offense struggling the way it has this season, it seems unlikely they’ll be able to climb over that hill. A step back from last season for sure, but nothing they can’t work with. No reason to fully give up on this team fully.
21. Washington Capitals (Previous rank: 24)
With a boost in scoring and some timely wins, Washington has found themselves right back in playoff contention. While it’s still hard to say the future is bright for this team, this does show that they have some left in the tank. There’s obviously the depressing news surrounding the waiving of Evgeny Kuznetsov, but one can only look towards the future.
20. New Jersey Devils (Previous rank: 18)
The Devils are in limbo. With three goaltenders all having sub .900 save percentages heading a list of issues, this team is far from the team they were expected to be when the season began. As playoffs drift further and further away, one can only guess what New Jersey will do moving forward. Head coach Lindy Ruff has already been fired, what’s the next move?
19. St Louis Blues (Previous rank: 16)
It appeared St Louis was on the right track towards a playoff spot. Now they find themselves falling quickly behind in the race. They’re still far from out of it, but they may want to refind that spark quickly before the other teams completely leave them in the dust.
18. New York Islanders (Previous rank: 19)
Once again the Islanders have pulled themselves from the brink and back into playoff contention. It’s so hard to get a read on this team. With the race as close as it is, all it might take is for one team to slip and the Islanders can find themselves sneaking into a playoff spot.
17. Calgary Flames (Previous rank: 22)
Similar to the Islanders, the Flames have clawed their way back as well. Jakob Markstrom looks similar to his old self, and the changes Calgary has been making appear to have bolstered the team a bit. While it’s obvious Calgary is still looking to improve their future more so than anything, this is a team that’s still very much in the playoff race.
16. Tampa Bay Lightning (Previous rank: 15)
The Bolts can’t seem to decide whether they want to stay their old selves, or fall off into oblivion. Every time it seems like they have it together, they seemingly fall back into pieces for no reason at all. That being said, the one constant has been Nikita Kucherov. The man is the first in the league to break 100 points and is the frontrunner for this year’s Hart trophy. Man, has he been a treat to watch this year.
15. Philadelphia Flyers (Previous rank: 14)
The Flyers are clinging onto a playoff spot like their lies depend on it. No matter what you think of this team, be it they’re overperforming, or if they’ve truly come into their own, they have shown nothing short of stupendous heart this season. I expect more moves to be made at the deadline and in the offseason. This team is committed to the future.
14. Detroit Red Wings (Previous rank: 13)
All things considered it has been relatively refreshing to see Detroit back in playoff contention. While they’ve certainly had their scares this season, they’ve more or less managed to stay consistent and keep themselves in the playoff race. Their spot is far from locked in however, and they have very little room for error if they want to keep that spot.
13. Vegas Golden Knights (Previous rank: 12)
Vegas is struggling at the absolute worst possible time. While key injuries have certainly played a part, you could also chalk it up to the West being far more competitive this year than the last. However, with plenty of cap room, it’s entirely possible Vegas makes a couple of massive moves in order to bolster an already deep roster and resolidify themselves as the champs.
12. Nashville Predators (Previous rank: 17)
Just a few weeks ago it appeared as though Nashville would be forced to watch their playoff berth slip away. Now they’re holding down a wild card spot while also quickly gaining on the third place Avalanche. It just goes to show that it never is truly over until it’s over. This team has grit and they’re showing it now.
11. Los Angeles Kings (Previous rank: Unchanged)
Despite a couple of tough losses to the Alberta teams, LA jumped back in style by earning a couple of 5-1 victories over New Jersey and more importantly Vancouver. With key guys refinding their scoring touches such as Fiala and Kopitar, to the goaltenders finding their stride (Talbot has been great his last few starts), it appears the Kings have refound their identity.
10. Colorado Avalanche (Previous rank: 8)
Colorado has struggled greatly down the stretch. They now find themselves in the third place spot in the division, with Nashville quickly gaining on them to take even that away from them. Injuries have certainly hindered them a fair share (they sure are missing Landeskog) they should have enough depth to make sure they make the playoffs. That doesn’t quite mean they will have success when they get there though.
9. Edmonton Oilers (Previous rank: 6)
The Oilers certainly didn’t have a perfect February, but they have managed to pull themselves into second place in the Pacific. Vancouver still has a sizable lead over them, and LA is nipping at the heels. You can’t count out Vegas either. All this combined and you have a tough spot for Edmonton. No room for error anymore.
8. Winnipeg Jets (Previous rank: 9)
The Jets managed to end their skid and pull themselves right up there with Dallas, battling for that number one spot. A big contributor to that has been Sean Monahan, who has fit perfectly into his new home. Top that off with a Vezina caliber season from Connor Hellebuyck and you have a team that’s primed and ready to finally make a splash in the playoffs.
7. Carolina Hurricanes (Previous rank: 10)
The Canes spent most of this season underperforming, but were still able to hold onto a playoff spot. Now they’ve gotten hot, and it appears they’re putting the rest of the league on notice. There’s still one big red flag on this team though, and that’s goaltending. As stated before, Antti Raanta has been dreadful all year long, and Frederik Andersen can’t stay healthy. That means they have to rely on Pyotr Kochetkov to carry them through, but will he be enough?
6. Toronto Maple Leafs (Previous rank: 7)
This is the hottest the Leafs have been all season and boy has it been fun to watch. Be it Auston Matthews scoring goals like no body’s business, or the fact that Joseph Woll has been extremely solid since returning from injury, this team wants to make sure they enter the postseason with as much momentum as possible. That being said, hopefully they have other deadline ideas outside of just reacquiring Ilya Lyubushkin.
5. Dallas Stars (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Stars may very well be the hottest team in the West right now. Despite Vancouver holding onto the number one spot, Dallas has looked far better in their last ten games. They’ve been unable to pull away from Winnipeg for the lead in the Central, but if they keep going down this route it’s inevitable that they will. They may even be looking at another deep playoff run if they can keep this form.
4. Boston Bruins (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Bruins recent struggles have caused them to give up the lead in the Atlantic. Injuries have played a key part in this, as many of Boston’s top guys are now currently out of the lineup. Given that Boston no longer has the depth they did last season, it’s understandable that they would struggle a little bit.
3. Vancouver Canucks (Previous rank: 2)
The Canucks may be ranked the number one team in the West right now, but they’ve not been playing like it. Cracks have started to show in the armor a little bit, and the team has to find a way to stop the bleeding before playoffs arrive. They’ve been a force to be reckoned with all season long, they just need to find that form again and fast.
2. New York Rangers (Previous rank: 3)
It looked like the Rangers were going to burn out and fizzle away at the All-Star Break. Fast forward a month later and they’ve been playing outstanding hockey. A big reason for that is the improved play of goalie Igor Shesterkin, who was struggling massively with consistency all season long. They also just resigned Jonathan Quick, who had a surprising revival this season, to another one year deal.
1. Florida Panthers (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Panthers are the best team in the league right now. Their style of play is not only frustrating for opposing teams, but extremely effective. Top that onto the fact that Sergei Bobvrosky has seemingly refound his Vezina winning form, and you have a team that looks primed to make another deep run this year.
