NHL Developments and Olympic Hiatus
In recent weeks, the NHL has seen some significant developments, highlighted by the Columbus Blue Jackets’ resurgence under the leadership of new head coach Rick Bowness. However, with the league currently on Olympic hiatus, it’s crucial to turn our eyes toward the forthcoming Winter Games, a highly anticipated event for NHL players as this marks the first inclusion of NHL athletes in the Olympics since 2014. Each NHL team will feature at least one player at the event, ensuring all but Italy will be represented by an NHL competitor.
USA TODAY Sports NHL Power Rankings
To encapsulate the current landscape of the league, below are the updated USA TODAY Sports NHL power rankings, where each team’s performance is evaluated alongside an Olympian from their roster who could play a pivotal role in the Games.
- Colorado Avalanche (No change)
Olympian to Watch: Brock Nelson, USA
With an impressive season tally of 29 goals, Nelson joins fellow teammates Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, both Hart and Norris Trophy contenders respectively, as a key offensive contributor for the U.S. team, especially since high-profile players such as Cole Caufield and Jason Robertson were omitted. - Tampa Bay Lightning (No change)
Olympian to Watch: Victor Hedman, Sweden
Back on the ice following two injury stints this season, Hedman, a skilled rearguard and team alternate captain, will need to deliver his best performance in the Games. - Minnesota Wild (+2 spots)
Olympian to Watch: Quinn Hughes, USA
Due to injury, Hughes missed the chance to compete in the 4 Nations Face-Off, but his return will bolster the U.S. squad that narrowly missed the championship in the last tournament. - Carolina Hurricanes (-1 spot)
Olympian to Watch: Nikolaj Ehlers, Denmark
Ehlers, a dynamic forward with 43 points this season, is one of only three regular NHL players on the Danish roster, bringing much-needed firepower. - Dallas Stars (+1 spot)
Olympian to Watch: Miro Heiskanen, Finland
After sidelining himself during the 4 Nations due to injury, Heiskanen’s offensive capabilities are crucial for a Finnish team that missed his talents in the last tournament. - Pittsburgh Penguins (+3 spots)
Olympian to Watch: Sidney Crosby, Canada
The legendary captain, who netted a golden goal during the 2010 Games and scored again in 2014’s final, remains a crucial scoring threat at the age of 38. - Montreal Canadiens (+3 spots)
Olympian to Watch: Juraj Slafkovsky, Slovakia
As the MVP of the 2022 Olympics—where NHL players were absent—Slafkovsky continues to shine with 45 points, making him the top Slovakian scorer in the league. - Detroit Red Wings (-4 spots)
Olympian to Watch: Moritz Seider, Germany
Seider is the only representative from Germany’s NHL defensemen and he’s on track for an impressive season as he heads to the Olympics. - Buffalo Sabres (-2 spots)
Olympian to Watch: Tage Thompson, USA
Having been considered for a spot at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Thompson brings crucial size and skill that will be essential for Team USA at the Olympics. - Boston Bruins (+1 spot)
Olympian to Watch: David Pastrnak, Czechia
As the most reliable Czech scorer, Pastrnak’s role is even more critical without teammate Pavel Zacha in the tournament due to injury. - Vegas Golden Knights (-3 spots)
Olympian to Watch: Mitch Marner, Canada
Marner’s playmaking abilities were on full display during the 4 Nations, where he assisted on a pivotal goal. - New York Islanders (No change)
Olympian to Watch: Bo Horvat, Canada
Horvat’s place on Team Canada solidified after a standout performance prior to injury, recently showcasing his skills with five points in three games. - Columbus Blue Jackets (+9 spots)
Olympian to Watch: Zach Werenski, USA
With 20 goals this season, Werenski not only leads the defensive pack but also stands out among U.S. Olympic candidates. - Utah Mammoth (No change)
Olympian to Watch: Karel Vejmelka, Czechia
While Lukas Dostal is the likely starter, Vejmelka’s consistent performance this season grants him a spotlight. - Seattle Kraken (+5 spots)
Olympian to Watch: Philipp Grubauer, Germany
Grubauer is rebounding this season, presenting promising potential for the German team. - Anaheim Ducks (+1 spot)
Olympian to Watch: Mikael Granlund, Finland
Leading Team Finland in the absence of captain Aleksander Barkov, Granlund’s performance will be pivotal as other forwards step up. - Ottawa Senators (-8 spots)
Olympian to Watch: Brady Tkachuk, USA
Tkachuk showcased his offensive capability during the 4 Nations Face-Off and will bring his disruptive playing style to the Olympics. - Edmonton Oilers (-3 spots)
Olympian to Watch: Connor McDavid, Canada
A critical player for Canada, McDavid’s recent overtime goal in the 4 Nations gives him a slight edge over his country’s roster. - Washington Capitals (+5 spots)
Olympian to Watch: Tom Wilson, Canada
Wilson’s scoring and physical play were key factors in earning his Olympic spot, although he may need to adjust his play style under international standards. - Toronto Maple Leafs (+1 spot)
Olympian to Watch: Auston Matthews, USA
Newly named captain of Team USA, Matthews aims to establish his reputation after a less-than-stellar playoff run. - Philadelphia Flyers (-5 spots)
Olympian to Watch: Dan Vladar, Czechia
While Vladar’s participation isn’t guaranteed, his solid prior performance could earn him ice time in the Olympics. - Los Angeles Kings (-3 spots)
Olympian to Watch: Drew Doughty, Canada
Doughty’s Olympic credentials include past gold medals, even if his current scoring numbers don’t match his earlier career highs. - Florida Panthers (-10 spots)
Olympian to Watch: Matthew Tkachuk, USA
Tkachuk’s impressive credentials include two Stanley Cup wins, yet injury setbacks have affected his recent performance. - San Jose Sharks (-6 spots)
Olympian to Watch: Macklin Celebrini, Canada
Celebrini’s impressive season has him in talks for MVP as he trains alongside McDavid ahead of the Olympics. - Nashville Predators (+1 spot)
Olympian to Watch: Juuse Saros, Finland
Tasked with defending Finland’s goal, Saros will be the key player aiming to make a strong Olympic mark. - New Jersey Devils (-3 spots)
Olympian to Watch: Nico Hischier, Switzerland
Hischier, the captain for both his team and Scotland, delivers reliable two-way play at the NHL level. - Chicago Blackhawks (No change)
Olympian to Watch: Teuvo Teravainen, Finland
After Connor Bedard’s omission from Team Canada, Teravainen emerges as the only representative from his team for Finland. - Calgary Flames (+2 spots)
Olympian to Watch: Martin Pospisil, Czechia
Pospisil steps up as the Flames’ sole Olympian amid recent roster changes, despite struggling to find his form. - Winnipeg Jets (-1 spot)
Olympian to Watch: Connor Hellebuyck, USA
A former top American goalie, Hellebuyck’s inconsistency will be scrutinized as he heads into the Olympics with a mixed season behind him. - New York Rangers (-1 spot)
Olympian to Watch: Mika Zibanejad, Sweden
After a frustrating season for the Rangers, Zibanejad has remained standout with record performances in recent games. - St. Louis Blues (No change)
Olympian to Watch: Jordan Binnington, Canada
Binnington’s success in past tournaments questions if he can overcome his current season struggles at the Olympics. - Vancouver Canucks (No change)
Olympian to Watch: Elias Pettersson, Sweden
Pettersson’s recent performances have dipped, making his potential Olympic rebound crucial for re-establishing his image.
