NHL Power Rankings: Each team’s biggest shock of the 2026-27 season

ESPN has updated its NHL Power Rankings slightly more than two weeks into the 2026-27 season, identifying the biggest surprise or shock for every club. The Carolina Hurricanes hold the top spot despite losing captain Jordan Staal to a torn calf muscle for one to two months and Taylor Hall to an upper-body issue, while the New York Rangers face the loss of goaltender Igor Shesterkin to a season-ending injury.

Other notable developments include Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard returning early from shoulder surgery and Alex DeBrincat signing a seven-year, $91 million extension with the Detroit Red Wings. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights ended a nine-year home sellout streak, and the Columbus Blue Jackets traded Kirill Marchenko to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Matthew Knies.