Welcome Back to The Hockey News’ NHL Power Rankings
Welcome back to The Hockey News’ NHL power rankings, where we undertake the task of ranking all 32 teams based on their recent performance. The 4 Nations Face-Off may have just concluded, but the hockey world is already buzzing about the upcoming Olympics and the World Cup in 2028. International hockey, especially when it’s a best-on-best tournament, continues to captivate fans and players alike. Two major takeaways from the 4 Nations are worth highlighting: the notable absence of players from non-participating countries and the potential final appearances of some seasoned veterans. This got us thinking: which player from each team who did not participate in the 4 Nations would we most like to see in the next major international competition?
Highlighting the Top Teams
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Winnipeg Jets (41-14-3, +70. Previous: 1)
The Danish national team has already secured a spot for the 2026 Olympics, a historic moment for NHL players from Denmark. For Nikolaj Ehlers, this is a significant opportunity to showcase his talents on a global stage. Ehlers, who has been a cornerstone for the Danish team, scored four points in three games during the qualifying rounds. Many hockey analysts believe he has the potential to be a go-to scorer in the most competitive international hockey tournaments. His participation in the Olympics could solidify his status as one of the premier Danish players in NHL history. - Washington Capitals (38-12-8, +63. Previous: 2)
No discussion of international hockey can omit Alex Ovechkin, especially considering this may be his final Olympic appearance. Alongside Evgeni Malkin, Ovechkin represents the last of a generation of Russian stars who have dominated the sport. Despite the ongoing ban on Russian athletes by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has maintained its stance through May 2026. If Russia is allowed to compete, seeing Ovechkin and Malkin one last time, possibly alongside younger stars like Kirill Kaprizov and Kirill Marchenko, would be a bittersweet but electrifying moment for fans.
Rising Stars to Watch
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Dallas Stars (37-19-2, +44. Previous: 5)
Thomas Harley’s impressive performance in the 4 Nations has him on the radar for future Team Canada opportunities. However, the Canucks will need more than just defensive talent. Enter Wyatt Johnston, a 21-year-old forward who plays beyond his years. Johnston’s versatility and all-round scoring ability make him an ideal candidate to fill depth roles, much like Chris Kreider, Ryan Malone, and David Backes did in previous tournaments. His inclusion could provide a much-needed boost to Team Canada’s roster. -
Toronto Maple Leafs (36-20-2, +20. Previous: 6)
Finding a spot for Joseph Woll in Team USA’s net might be challenging due to the team’s crowded goaltending depth. However, a power forward with Matthew Knies’ skill set is exactly what the team needs. Knies, known for his physical play and offensive creativity, could fill a role similar to those of Chris Kreider, Ryan Malone, and David Backes. His presence on the team would add a new dimension to USA’s forward lines, making them more formidable. -
Florida Panthers (35-21-3, +29. Previous: 8)
Sergei Bobrovsky, at 37 years old, is on the cusp of achieving the coveted Triple Gold Club status, having already won gold at the 2014 World Championship and the Stanley Cup last June. No Russian goalie has ever accomplished this feat, and doing so would almost certainly secure his place in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Given Russia’s current goaltending landscape, Bobrovsky’s experience and skill would be invaluable. - Tampa Bay Lightning (33-20-4, +50. Previous: 12)
Both Andrei Vasilevskiy and Nikita Kucherov have yet to represent Russia at the Olympics, a glaring omission given their status in the NHL. With the crease in Russia’s net expected to be crowded, Kucherov, who is arguably the best Russian player in the world right now, is the more intriguing candidate. A line featuring Kucherov and Kucherov, with no need for a center, would be a formidable offensive weapon for Russia.
Underrated Teams with Hidden Gems
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Carolina Hurricanes (33-21-4, +23. Previous: 4)
Andrei Svechnikov, a player who has not represented Russia since the world juniors despite his impressive international resume, is poised to become a key player for his country. Turning 25 next month, Svechnikov is in the prime of his career and could be a linchpin for a talented Russian team. His inclusion would add much-needed depth and scoring power. - Edmonton Oilers (34-20-4, +20. Previous: 3)
Leon Draisaitl is a no-brainer for the German national team, which has already qualified for the 2026 Olympics based on its top-eight ranking. Draisaitl has amassed 54 points in 53 international games and will likely lead one of the most talented German teams ever assembled. His presence would provide a significant boost to Germany’s chances of making a deep run in the tournament.
Opportunities for the Mid-Range Teams
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Los Angeles Kings (31-17-7, +20. Previous: 16)
While Anze Kopitar is an obvious choice, Slovenia’s failure to qualify for the Olympics means we turn our attention to Kevin Fiala. Despite his frustrating performance in the NHL, Fiala has historically been very effective for the Swiss national team, earning two silver medals at the World Championships. His experience and skill could be crucial for Switzerland’s success in the upcoming international tournaments. - Vegas Golden Knights (34-18-6, +29. Previous: 9)
Kirill Kaprizov, the Golden Knights’ star center, is a must-see for the Russian national team. He’s on a different level compared to his NHL teammates and could dominate in international play. A line featuring Kaprizov and Nikita Kucherov, with their elite scoring ability, doesn’t even need a traditional center. Kaprizov’s inclusion would be a major asset for Russia’s offense.
Young Talent and National Pride
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New Jersey Devils (32-21-6, +36. Previous: 10)
Nico Hischier, a mainstay for the Swiss national team, has never represented Switzerland at the Olympics. With nine other Swiss players currently in the NHL, the Swiss team is poised to be an underdog with a lot of hidden talent. Hischier’s presence would be crucial, given his ability to play versatile roles and his leadership on the ice. - Colorado Avalanche (33-24-2, +9. Previous: 7)
Gabriel Landeskog is a player whose return to the NHL and potential Olympic appearance could be highly motivational. He’s just one gold medal away from joining the Triple Gold Club, having won two World Championships and a silver medal at the 2014 Olympics. Landeskog’s experience and leadership would be invaluable for the Avalanche and the national team, providing a bridge to the next generation of players.
Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects
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Detroit Red Wings (30-22-6, -10. Previous: 11)
Moritz Seider, at 23 years old, might already be the best German defenseman ever. Christian Ehrhoff had some high peaks, but Seider’s game-changing and defensive abilities set him apart. He has the potential to anchor Germany’s defense for at least the next decade, ensuring that the team has a strong foundation. - Minnesota Wild (34-20-4, +4. Previous: 14)
For Latvia, Arturs Silovs was a hero during the 2023 World Championship, backstopping the team to a bronze medal, the country’s first in this competition. His performance was so celebrated that it even led to a national holiday. With a tough season in the NHL, Silovs will have a year to re-find his game and potentially supplant Elvis Merzlikins as Latvia’s starting goalie. A repeat of his 2023 performance would be a dream come true for Latvian fans.
The world of international hockey is full of excitement and anticipation, and these players represent the future and legacy of the sport. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from The Hockey News, and share your thoughts in the comments below on THN.com.
