Top 10 NHL Teams Right Now | Hockey Playoffs Edition

As the National Hockey League 2023-2024 season has concluded and playoffs are underway, certain teams have surged to the forefront, captivating fans with their skill, strategy, and pursuit of the Stanley Cup. This Top 10 Best NHL Teams 2024 Rankings will highlight the teams who have dominated the regular season and have high hopes of making a playoff run and hoisting the Stanley Cup in June.

Honorable Mention

New York Islanders

Previous Rankings: Unranked

The Underdogs: If I had written this article a month ago, the New York Islanders would not have crossed my mind when I had completed this list.

However, under the new head coach Patrick Roy, the Islanders finished the regular season 8-0-1 and secured the 3rd seed in the Metropolitan Division.

New York has their hands full as they face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round, but their stars Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat and goalie tandem in Ilya Sorokin and Semyon Varlamov will give the underdogs a shot to pull off the upset.

Top 10 Best NHL Teams 2024 Rankings

10. Winnipeg Jets

Previous Ranking: 6

Northern Resilience: The Winnipeg Jets have showcased resilience and teamwork, key attributes that have seen them perform consistently well in the Central Division.

With the Vezina trophy favorite Connor Hellebuyck in net and a solid team effort across the board, the Jets are poised to make their presence felt in the playoffs as they have home-ice advantage against the Colorado Avalanche.

9. Colorado Avalanche

Previous Ranking: 3

The High-Altitude Threat: Colorado Avalanche remains a formidable force, thanks to their depth and star power, including Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.

Their fast-paced, aggressive style has overwhelmed opponents, securing them a 50-win season and the 3rd spot in the Central Division. Colorado will look to win their second Stanley Cup in three seasons, but their struggling goaltending will make it challenging for the Avs.

8. Edmonton Oilers

Previous Ranking: 10

High-Octane Hockey: The Edmonton Oilers, driven by the unparalleled Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, continue to threaten with their high-octane offense. While defense has been a concern, recent improvements suggest they are becoming a more balanced team just in time for a serious playoff push.

If not for a disastrous start to the season, the Oilers might have ended this season at No. 1. Regardless, the Oilers are one of the scarier teams in the West and have high hopes of defeating the Los Angeles Kings and making a deep run.

7. Toronto Maple Leafs

Previous Ranking: Unranked

Breaking the Curse?: Year after year, the Toronto Maple Leafs strive to end their long-standing championship drought. With a solid core led by Auston Matthews and John Tavares, the Leafs have shown they can compete at the highest levels.

This season, their improved defense might finally complement their explosive offense enough to make a deep playoff run, but they’ll have a full plate facing the Boston Bruins in the first round.

6. Vancouver Canucks

Previous Ranking: Unranked

The Western Surprise: The Vancouver Canucks have been the surprise powerhouse of the Pacific Division. With a rejuvenated roster and standout seasons from players like forward Elias Pettersson and defenseman Quinn Hughes, the Canucks have exceeded expectations.

Their ability to outperform and outlast in critical games positions them as dark horses in the playoffs. However, goalie Thatcher Demko has recently been ruled out and is week-to-week with an undisclosed injury. Vancouver will have to rely on Casey DeSmith in net for the foreseeable future.

5. Carolina Hurricanes

Previous Ranking: 9

Precision and Power: The Carolina Hurricanes have mastered the art of precision hockey under coach Rod Brind’Amour. Their strategic gameplay, coupled with Sebastian Aho’s and Andrei Svechnikov’s star performances, has kept them neck and neck with the Rangers at the top of the Metropolitan Division.

The Hurricanes’ disciplined approach could lead them to advance past the Islanders and beyond. Although the Canes got off to a poor start, primarily due to subpar goaltending, Frederik Andersen has shown flashes of superb play and benefits from Carolina’s top defense.

4. Boston Bruins

Previous Ranking: 2

A Blend of Experience and Youth: With the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci and the departures of Dmitri Orlov and Tyler Bertuzzi, the Boston Bruins appeared to transition into a new era, focusing on their blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent.

Despite these seemingly drastic changes, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak continue to provide the offensive spark, while Charlie McAvoy anchors a resilient defense.

This mix has kept the Bruins competitive in a tough Atlantic Division, demonstrating their ability to adapt and thrive. Their rich tradition and renewed team dynamics make them strong contenders, poised to make a deep playoff run with a refreshed lineup.

3. New York Rangers

Previous Ranking: 8

Tradition Meets Talent: The New York Rangers blend a storied tradition with contemporary talent, making them a formidable force in the Metropolitan Division.

With Artemi Panarin having a revived season with a career-high 49 goals and 120 points and Igor Shesterkin among the best goaltenders in the league, the Rangers have the star power and depth to challenge for the Cup.

However, although the Rangers rely heavily on their dominant special teams, they must improve their five-on-five numbers to take down the Washington Capitals and advance further.

2. Dallas Stars

Previous Ranking: 5

Lone Star Brilliance: The Dallas Stars shine with a well-rounded team that excels in offensive and defensive aspects. Led by center Joe Pavelski and defenseman Miro Heiskanen, the Stars have a blend of experience and youth that has propelled them to the top of the Central Division.

Dallas finished the NHL regular season winning 8 of their final ten games. As recent additions of defenseman Chris Tanev and rookie forward Logan Stankoven settle in further to their new home, many consider the Stars the team to beat in the West.

1. Florida Panthers

Previous Ranking: 4

Leaders of the Pack: The Florida Panthers have consistently impressed with their high-energy gameplay and tactical prowess. Despite facing early-season injury setbacks, the Panthers emerged as the top team in the NHL for an extended period.

Leading the Atlantic Division, they’ve balanced a potent offense led by stars Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau with a disciplined defense. The Panthers’ ability to dominate both ends of the ice makes them the top seed and a favorite to win the Stanley Cup.

How would you rank the best NHL Teams going into the 2023-2024 season? Rank below to be added in the NHL Power Rankings.

Related Links:

• Top 10 NHL Draft Grades 2023 Rankings
• Top 10 Best NHL Teams 2023-2024 Rankings
• Top 10 Best NHL Players 2023-2024 Rankings
• Top 10 Best NHL Rookies 2023-2024 Rankings