NHL Metropolitan Division power rankings: Examining each teams’ pros and cons ahead of the 2024-25 season

The 2024-25 NHL season is set to begin on October 8 with a full slate of matchups. Fans have waited several months for their favorite teams and stars to hit the ice.

So, a great way to kick things off is to look at the power rankings for the Metropolitan Division ahead of the 2024-25 NHL season.

NHL Metropolitan Division power rankings for the 2024-25 NHL season

#8. Columbus Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets head into this season struggling to stay above the cap floor. Still, the team boasts a mix of talented young players like Adam Fantilli, Kirill Marchenko, and Cole Sillinger. Plus, the addition of savvy veterans like Sean Monahan, James van Riemsdyk, and team leader Zach Werenski provides a solid foundation for the team.

However, the biggest story heading into this season is the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau. His unfortunate departure leaves a gaping hole in fans’ hearts and the Blue Jackets’ scoresheet. As such, picking up the slack scoring-wise will be a major hurdle.

Additionally, the goaltending situation could be a major factor. Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov must exceed expectations if the Blue Jackets are to finish outside of the basement this season.

#7. Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers are in the midst of a “rebuild.” While the club doesn’t want to openly acknowledge it, the Flyers are going through a transition phase. The biggest bright spot figures to be Matvei Michkov. He’s already garnering Calder Trophy attention.

While Philly has one of the league’s best coaches in John Tortorella, consistency will be the biggest key. Last season, the Flyers faded down the stretch after spending much of the season in a playoff spot. Philly will need to live up to expectations for the entire 82-game schedule if they plan to stay ahead of their rebuild.

#6. Washington Capitals

The Caps invested heavily this offseason in Jean-Luc Dubois. Dubois joins the Caps hoping to fill the void left by Nick Backstrom alongside superstar Alex Ovechkin. The Caps also added Jakob Chychrun, hoping he can anchor the blue line along with John Carlson.

The downside for the Caps is that Dubois seems to be trending in the wrong direction. While Chychrun should be as good as advertised, Carlson is on the decline. Moreover, there are questions in goal with Charlie Lindgren likely getting the bulk of the starts.

Washington will be tough this season. Unfortunately, it looks like the NHL playoffs may be out of reach.

#5. Pittsburgh Penguins

Pens fans breathed a huge sigh of relief when Sidney Crosby inked a two-year extension right before training camp. Crosby will headline a team loaded with talented veterans like Evgeni Malkin, Erik Karlsson, and Kris Letang.

However, the Pens are one of the oldest teams in the NHL. Karlsson regressed last season, while starting goaltender Tristan Jarry has not wowed anyone. This combination could force GM Kyle Dubas to raise the white flag and retool his roster. But if there’s anyone who can pull off a major in-season overhaul, it’s Dubas.

#4. New York Islanders

The Islanders will be the biggest wildcard in the Metro Division. If they can get the elite-level play expected from Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat, and Noah Dobson, the Isles could score a ton this season. Russian import Maxim Tsyplakov has looked better than expected, while the team seems to have bought into Patrick Roy’s old-school, tough-love approach.

Nevertheless, the biggest question mark is elite goalie Ilya Sorokin. Sorokin had unexpected offseason back surgery. While he seemed poised to join the team for NHL Opening Night, he’ll need to provide solid goaltending to keep the team afloat. Otherwise, the Isles will rely on Semyon Varlamov to keep the ship sailing.

#3. New Jersey Devils

The Devils were expected to be among NHL playoff contenders last season. They had the pieces in players like Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, and Dougie Hamilton. However, that was not enough to earn a playoff spot.

Fast-forward to this season, there is a sheriff in town in Sheldon Keefe, a new NHL-caliber starting netminder in Jacob Markstrom, and a returning cast of characters that should be tough to beat.

However, consistency will be the biggest key. Keefe preaches a fast-paced, high-octane style. If the Devils can consistently play up-tempo hockey, they could sail into the playoffs this season.

#2. Carolina Hurricanes

What can be said about the Canes that hasn’t already been said? They have one of the best coaches in the league, an elite NHL center in Sebastian Aho, and a talented defense corps. The Canes proved they were among the top of the class in the Eastern Conference last season.

Unfortunately, Carolina ran out of gas in the second round of the playoffs against the New York Rangers. The Canes’ tight-checking, low-scoring style can be taxing over a long season.

Depth will be key for the Canes. As long as their depth players can take the burden off their stars, Carolina should be in contention for the top spot in the Metro.

#1. New York Rangers

Speaking of the Rangers, the Presidents’ Trophy winners should be among the best in the Eastern Conference this season. They have arguably the best NHL goalie in Igor Shesterkin, and a front-loaded group of scorers led by The Breadman Artemi Panarin.

The biggest question mark for the Rangers will be their defense. Jacob Trouba was under a great deal of scrutiny last season. Plus, Adam Fox played injured throughout the postseason.

Therefore, the Rangers’ blue line must stay healthy for the long haul if the Blue Shirts are to repeat as Presidents’ Trophy winners and potentially take the next step toward a Stanley Cup.