First NHL Power Rankings of the 2026-27 Season
The 2026-27 NHL season began on Sept. 29 with an expanded 84-game schedule. The first weekly power rankings divide teams into tiers, from top contenders to clubs already focused on the draft. Chicago and Calgary sit at the bottom after winless starts, though the rankings caution against overreacting to a few games.
The 2026-27 campaign opened Sept. 29, roughly a week earlier than usual, as the league moved to an 84-game schedule for the first time since 1993-94, aside from lockout and pandemic-shortened years. Week 1 rankings group clubs into tiers rather than simply reflecting early standings.
Chicago and Calgary occupy the bottom after failing to win, while Philadelphia also lost its first three. Vancouver allowed a league-high 18 goals but showed competitive signs under Manny Malhotra, and Ilya Sorokin led in goals saved above expected.
Early power rankings may shape fan conversation, media narratives, and expectations for teams such as Chicago, Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto. Players and coaches could face added scrutiny, while supporters may temper or raise hopes based on a few games. In hockey markets, sustained poor starts might affect attendance, merchandise, and game-day spending, though Week 1 results alone are unlikely to create lasting social or economic change. The league’s expanded schedule could also influence how audiences pace their attention across a longer season.