NHL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, fantasy MVP for each team

With one other week within the books of the 2023-24 NHL season, it is time for an up to date set of Power Rankings. As one other deal with this week, we have introduced again ESPN fantasy hockey analysts Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash, who’ve recognized the present projected fantasy MVP of each team, and provided insights into whether or not that projection will maintain.

The projections are decided by each participant’s fantasy factors per sport and what number of remaining video games they’re anticipated to play. For goaltenders, this contains an estimate based mostly on their crease share to this point. The projection has modifiers utilized that account for current efficiency in addition to for power of schedule of upcoming matchups. Note that Sean dealt with the Eastern groups, whereas Victoria tackled the West.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors each ship in a 1-32 ballot based mostly on the video games by Wednesday, which generates our grasp listing right here.

Note: Previous rating for each team refers back to the earlier version, published Dec. 1. Points percentages are by the video games of Dec. 7. It’s not too late to enroll for ESPN Fantasy Hockey, create your team and play for free in the present day.

Previous rating: 1
Points proportion: 77.08%
Next seven days: @ WSH (Dec. 9), vs. LA (Dec. 10), vs. TOR (Dec. 12)

Jacob Trouba, D | Projected fantasy factors: 227.19 | Projected total rank: 13

While Trouba does admirable work with counting stats, we should not depend out Artemi Panarin from taking the highest Rangers spot for fantasy due to his shoot-first-ask-questions-later angle this season. An Igor Shesterkin scorching streak might additionally put him within the combine.

Previous rating: 3
Points proportion: 72.22%
Next seven days: @ DAL (Dec. 9), vs. SJ (Dec. 10), vs. CGY (Dec. 12)

Adin Hill, G | Projected fantasy factors: 225.09 | Projected total rank: 14

Hill’s present damage — whereas reportedly not that severe — is a hassle, as is the lack of defensemen Shea Theodore and Alec Martinez. Don’t be shocked if Jack Eichel, who has discovered his productive stride of late, takes over because the Knights’ main fantasy star by season’s finish.

Previous rating: 4
Points proportion: 76.09%
Next seven days: @ NYI (Dec. 9), @ NYR (Dec. 10), vs. WPG (Dec. 13)

Cam Talbot, G | Projected fantasy factors: 278.62 | Projected total rank: 1

The 36-year-old hasn’t performed greater than 49 video games since 2017-18. Wear and tear might come into play, and backup Pheonix Copley is settling in after a mediocre begin. However, contemplating the Kings’ balanced scoring depth — a very good factor altogether — Talbot continues to be prone to emerge because the membership’s fantasy frontrunner.

Previous rating: 2
Points proportion: 74.00%
Next seven days: vs. ARI (Dec. 9), @ NJ (Dec. 13)

David Pastrnak, RW | Projected fantasy factors: 257.36 | Projected total rank: 4

This one was sealed earlier than the season started, as Pastrnak is in a league alone on the Bruins. The race for second is intriguing although, with Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman at the moment projected to complete forty third and forty fourth total.

Previous rating: 5
Points proportion: 65.38%
Next seven days: vs. PHI (Dec. 9), vs. CGY (Dec. 11), vs. BUF (Dec. 13)

Cale Makar, D | Projected fantasy factors: 278.08 | Projected total rank: 2

Unless his present lower-body damage is a much bigger deal than believed — he returned Thursday night time — Makar might conceivably end high 3 in fantasy manufacturing by season’s finish — even forward of teammate Nathan MacKinnon. The Avs’ star defender is placing up Bobby Orr/Paul Coffey-like numbers.

Previous rating: 7
Points proportion: 66.00%
Next seven days: vs. VGK (Dec. 9), vs. DET (Dec. 11)

Joe Pavelski, RW | Projected fantasy factors: 211.24 | Projected total rank: 29

Until Pavelski provides us actual trigger to imagine he is working out of fuel, there isn’t any purpose to imagine he would not have loads left. The 39-year-old reigns as Dallas’ high fantasy royalty — with Jason Robertson serving as eventual inheritor — notably with goaltender Jake Oettinger stumbling of late.

Previous rating: 6
Points proportion: 64.81%
Next seven days: vs. CAR (Dec. 9), vs. TB (Dec. 12), vs. FLA (Dec. 14)

J.T. Miller, C | Projected fantasy factors: 248.76 | Projected total rank: 6

Miller’s objective tempo has dropped lately, as has his power-play manufacturing. That suggests the door is open for Norris Trophy contender Quinn Hughes to overhaul the red-hot ahead in fantasy supremacy — if solely by a smidge, and in leagues that do not reward faceoff wins.

Previous rating: 12
Points proportion: 64.00%
Next seven days: vs. OTT (Dec. 9), @ DAL (Dec. 11), @ STL (Dec. 12), vs. CAR (Dec. 14)

Moritz Seider, D | Projected fantasy factors: 213.66 | Projected total rank: 25

Seider is a secure guess to remain as the very best of the Red Wings, however Alex DeBrincat is in place to problem — particularly if the Patrick Kane bump continues to be as helpful because it was when the pair performed collectively in Chicago simply two seasons in the past.

Previous rating: 8
Points proportion: 64.00%
Next seven days: vs. PIT (Dec. 8), @ CBJ (Dec. 10), @ SEA (Dec. 12), @ VAN (Dec. 14)

Sam Reinhart, RW | Projected fantasy factors: 231.99 | Projected total rank: 12

A shocking frontrunner for Florida, and his scorching begin might even be sufficient to insulate Reinhart’s lead when Matthew Tkachuk remembers he is a celebrity. Bonus: As linemates, Tkachuk rising from hibernation will even assist Reinhart’s totals.

Previous rating: 11
Points proportion: 65.22%
Next seven days: vs. NSH (Dec. 9), @ NYI (Dec. 11), @ NYR (Dec. 12), vs. CBJ (Dec. 14)

Auston Matthews, C | Projected fantasy factors: 248.13 | Projected total rank: 7

William Nylander is scorching on his heels, projected for 235.52 fantasy factors. The Leafs higher hope there is no such thing as a correlation between fantasy stats and common annual worth on contracts if Nylander surpasses Matthews.

Previous rating: 10
Points proportion: 64.00%
Next seven days: @ ANA (Dec. 10), @ SJ (Dec. 12), @ LA (Dec. 13)

Connor Hellebuyck, G | Projected fantasy factors: 215.07 | Projected total rank: 22

Despite the current lull, Kyle Connor is a prolific objective scorer. He’ll surpass 45 by season’s conclusion, amassing a powerful shot complete within the course of. Still, it is robust for the winger to surpass Hellebuyck, even with competent backup Laurent Brossoit accessible to function an occasional substitute.

Previous rating: 9
Points proportion: 55.77%
Next seven days: @ VAN (Dec. 9), @ OTT (Dec. 12), @ DET (Dec. 14)

Sebastian Aho, C | Projected fantasy factors: 173.51 | Projected total rank: 82

With Aho as high Cane projected to be solely 82nd total, the door continues to be open for anybody on the roster to problem this fantasy crown. I’m most likely not alone in wishing Andrei Svechnikov would rediscover his mojo quickly sufficient to take action.

Previous rating: 13
Points proportion: 51.79%
Next seven days: @ SEA (Dec. 9), @ VAN (Dec. 12), @ EDM (Dec. 14)

Nikita Kucherov, RW | Projected fantasy factors: 274.59 | Projected total rank: 3

It hasn’t been the fearsome threesome on offense for the Bolts this season, as Brayden Point and Steven Stamkos each lag nicely behind Kucherov’s manufacturing. If anybody can catch him, it might be Andrei Vasilevskiy discovering his classic kind in objective.

Previous rating: 15
Points proportion: 53.85%
Next seven days: @ TOR (Dec. 9), @ MTL (Dec. 10), vs. PHI (Dec. 12)

Filip Forsberg, LW | Projected fantasy factors: 224.96 | Projected total rank: 15

While no different Predator will catch Forsberg within the fantasy race when he is wholesome, defenseman Roman Josi could be counted on to provide it a very good go. Enhanced contributions from each have performed a big half in Nashville’s current climb up the standings.

Previous rating: 17
Points proportion: 57.69%
Next seven days: @ COL (Dec. 9), @ NSH (Dec. 12), vs. WSH (Dec. 14)

Travis Sanheim, D | Projected fantasy factors: 163.8 | Projected total rank: 105

Interestingly, Nick Seeler is projected to complete lower than a fantasy level behind Sanheim, so it is arguably a toss-up at this stage. That stated, one Travis Konecny scorching streak might rapidly re-write this pecking order.

Previous rating: 19
Points proportion: 56.00%
Next seven days: @ BOS (Dec. 9), @ BUF (Dec. 11), @ PIT (Dec. 12)

Connor Ingram, G | Projected fantasy factors: 223.63 | Projected total rank: 16

Count us as believers in Ingram. He’s been too strong all season, for a visibly improved team, to low cost as the actual deal. Unless the Coyotes’ No. 1 stumbles, or will get harm, there isn’t any different member of André Tourigny’s balanced squad to catch him. Not even the spectacular Clayton Keller.

Previous rating: 18
Points proportion: 56.25%
Next seven days: @ CGY (Dec. 9), @ EDM (Dec. 10), vs. BOS (Dec. 13)

Jack Hughes, C | Projected fantasy factors: 242.9 | Projected total rank: 9

Hughes’ full arrival as a celebrity is on show this marketing campaign and there is no suspense over him main the Devils for fantasy. What will probably be attention-grabbing to observe is simply how excessive into the highest 10 total he can push by the tip of the season.

Previous rating: 14
Points proportion: 58.70%
Next seven days: vs. NYR (Dec. 9), @ CHI (Dec. 10), @ PHI (Dec. 14)

John Carlson, D | Projected fantasy factors: 182.21 | Projected total rank: 65

It’s telling of how “meh” the Capitals are that Carlson is well main the tempo at a price that might end sixty fifth total. It’s unlikely something will change to make Alex Ovechkin problem him, however Max Pacioretty returning to the ice might be an X issue.

Previous rating: 22
Points proportion: 58.00%
Next seven days: vs. LA (Dec. 9), vs. TOR (Dec. 11), vs. ANA (Dec. 13)

Noah Dobson, D | Projected fantasy factors: 244.73 | Projected total rank: 8

Dobson including physicality to his sport within the type of blocks and hits makes him deserving of the fantasy crown for the Isles. It would not appear like Ilya Sorokin, his solely actual competitors, will probably be making a push.

Previous rating: 20
Points proportion: 50.00%
Next seven days: @ FLA (Dec. 8), vs. ARI (Dec. 12), @ MTL (Dec. 13)

Tristan Jarry, G | Projected fantasy factors: 202.78 | Projected total rank: 37

Jarry is nice, however this season will not be successful for the Penguins if he leads the team in fantasy scoring. Sidney Crosby is correct behind him (198.79), however Erik Karlsson is approach again at 157.67 projected factors. The Pens want Karlsson within the combine.

Previous rating: 16
Points proportion: 54.00%
Next seven days: @ CBJ (Dec. 8), @ CHI (Dec. 9), vs. DET (Dec. 12), vs. OTT (Dec. 14)

Justin Faulk, D | Projected fantasy factors: 161.32 | Projected total rank: 111

Any considered one of Faulk, Robert Thomas, Pavel Buchnevich, Brayden Schenn, or Colton Parayko might end atop the Blues’ fantasy podium. That speaks loudly to St. Louis’ lack of star energy and mediocre report. In reality, rookie Jake Neighbours is the team’s most enjoyable participant this December.

Previous rating: 24
Points proportion: 45.65%
Next seven days: vs. MIN (Dec. 8), vs. NJ (Dec. 10), vs. CHI (Dec. 12), vs. TB (Dec. 14)

Connor McDavid, C | Projected fantasy factors: 249.36 | Projected total rank: 5

Without a lot query, a wholesome McDavid will next-level himself into fantasy supremacy on his personal team. But let’s spare an appreciative second for the membership’s different members of the league’s projected high 25 fantasy gamers: Zach Hyman, Evander Kane and Leon Draisaitl, whereas offering a stick faucet to defenseman Evan Bouchard who’s shut.

Previous rating: 23
Points proportion: 48.08%
Next seven days: vs. NJ (Dec. 9), @ COL (Dec. 11), @ VGK (Dec. 12), @ MIN (Dec. 14)

MacKenzie Weegar, D | Projected fantasy factors: 204.19 | Projected total rank: 35

The Flames aren’t scoring a lot. Which basically cements Weegar — who contributes properly throughout the fantasy board — because the team’s chief by a prairie mile. And most likely drives coach Ryan Huska bananas.

Previous rating: 30
Points proportion: 45.83%
Next seven days: @ EDM (Dec. 8), @ SEA (Dec. 10), vs. CGY (Dec. 14)

Joel Eriksson Ek, C | Projected fantasy factors: 204.38 | Projected total rank: 34

A sustained upswing in scoring by Kirill Kaprizov — on a team that lastly seems headed in the best route — might topple Eriksson Ek from Minny’s fantasy throne. But take nothing away from all the things the massive heart does, together with the fantasy-friendly bodily stuff, that makes his membership higher throughout.

Previous rating: 27
Points proportion: 47.62%
Next seven days: @ DET (Dec. 9), vs. CAR (Dec. 12), @ STL (Dec. 14)

Brady Tkachuk, LW | Projected fantasy factors: 205.2 | Projected total rank: 33

It’s going to return all the way down to Tkachuk or Tim Stutzle main the Sens in fantasy factors. They have been taking part in on separate strains recently and completed final season solely eight factors aside, so that is an intriguing race.

Previous rating: 25
Points proportion: 48.08%
Next seven days: @ BUF (Dec. 9), vs. NSH (Dec. 10), vs. PIT (Dec. 13)

Mike Matheson, D | Projected fantasy factors: 201.27 | Projected total rank: 39

The Canadiens most likely want it was Cole Caufield claiming the highest spot for fantasy, however Matheson’s robust even-strength and power-play work have him nicely out in entrance. In reality, his closest competitors on the membership is sophomore blueliner Kaiden Guhle.

Previous rating: 21
Points proportion: 44.44%
Next seven days: vs. MTL (Dec. 9), vs. ARI (Dec. 11), @ COL (Dec. 13)

Rasmus Dahlin, D | Projected fantasy factors: 212.66 | Projected total rank: 27

The Sabres are hoping that with Tage Thompson coming back from damage this week he can have a few of his signature massive video games to shut the hole with Dahlin. If anybody can, it is the ahead that had 4 hat tips final season.

Previous rating: 26
Points proportion: 40.74%
Next seven days: vs. TB (Dec. 9), vs. MIN (Dec. 10), vs. FLA (Dec. 12), vs. CHI (Dec. 14)

Eeli Tolvanen, LW | Projected fantasy factors: 172.94 | Projected total rank: 85

Good for Eeli Tolvanen, who’s off to his greatest season but. But certainly the Kraken would relatively one other skater lead the fantasy cost, and with higher gusto. Maybe final season’s star, Jared McCann, who appears again in a scoring groove?

Previous rating: 29
Points proportion: 37.50%
Next seven days: vs. STL (Dec. 8), vs. FLA (Dec. 10), @ TOR (Dec. 14)

Boone Jenner, C | Projected fantasy factors: 191.75 | Projected total rank: 48

When the team that has Johnny Gaudreau, Patrik Laine and Adam Fantilli has Jenner simply main the way in which for fantasy scoring, you recognize one thing is not going as hoped. Surprisingly, Ivan Provorov is the subsequent greatest Blue Jacket for fantasy this season.

Previous rating: 28
Points proportion: 38.46%
Next seven days: vs. WPG (Dec. 10), @ NYI (Dec. 13)

Frank Vatrano, RW | Projected fantasy factors: 216.2 | Projected total rank: 20

While his scoring is drying up some, Vatrano’s proclivity for capturing on internet and blocking photographs ought to nonetheless carry him by because the Ducks’ No. 1 fantasy star. How shut rookie Leo Carlsson would’ve come, if he performed a full first season, is the extra urgent query.

Previous rating: 32
Points proportion: 33.33%
Next seven days: @ VGK (Dec. 10), vs. WPG (Dec. 12)

Mario Ferraro, D | Projected fantasy factors: 165.08 | Projected total rank: 100

Following a lackluster first stretch, Tomas Hertl is ramping up his fantasy swagger. That development ought to suffice in surpassing Ferraro, and all others, on a team missing distinguished belongings. Getting a wholesome Logan Couture again — ultimately — will even assist Hertl in that regard.

Previous rating: 31
Points proportion: 34.00%
Next seven days: vs. STL (Dec. 9), vs. WSH (Dec. 10), @ EDM (Dec. 12), @ SEA (Dec. 14)

Connor Bedard, C | Projected fantasy factors: 150.64 | Projected total rank: 139

Defender Seth Jones has the long-game fantasy edge on a team the place the star ahead is not but surrounded by a robust sufficient supporting forged. No doubt, accidents and different organizational strikes have not helped.