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With the 2024-25 NHL season set to begin, fans are getting ready to see their favorite teams and players in action. But speculation is underway regarding the ranks of teams.
So, here’s a look at the NHL Pacific Division power rankings ahead of the 2024-25 NHL season.
NHL Pacific Division Power Ranking ahead of the 2024-25 season
#8 San Jose Sharks
The Sharks had an eventful offseason, landing last season’s top prospect in Macklin Celebrini. They have made some changes around the fringes but are yet to add any major players. The biggest change came behind the bench with David Warsofsky taking over.
While Sharks fans have plenty to look forward to, the results won’t be there this season. The Sharks should improve on last year’s numbers but might not escape the cellar in the NHL’s Pacific Division.
#7 Anaheim Ducks
Like San Jose, Anaheim is in the midst of a rebuild. While the Ducks’ rebuild seems to have dragged on for decades, the fact is that the Ducks have landed cornerstone players over the last couple of seasons. Players like Mason MacTavish and Trevor Zegras make up a solid starting point.
The Ducks could have a chance at being competitive with an NHL-caliber goalie in John Gibson. Unfortunately, Gibson has proven that he can’t turn the Ducks into contenders by himself, so therest of the club will need to stand out to turn the team around.
#6 Seattle Kraken
After making the playoffs in their second season, hopes were high in Seattle. But a disappointing campaign last season led to major changes behind the bench. New coach Dan Bylsma promises to take a largely talented core of players like Matty Beniers and transform the Kraken’s fortunes.
However, there's cause for concern with the Kraken. The lack of a solid number-one goaltender and scoring can evaporate at times. Unless Phillip Grubauer can channel his former self, the Kraken will need to play much better in front of Grubauer to get back into the playoff conversation.
#5 Calgary Flames
The Flames seemed destined for a rebuild, especially after selling off major team players like Jacob Markstrom, Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov. However, the Flames have a talented lineup with Nazem Kadri, Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar leading the way.
Nevertheless, the Flames will rely on Dan Vladar and Dustin Wolf to take over the reins in goal. If they can put up serviceable numbers, the Flames might escape the cellar. A good winning streak could even propel them into the fringes of the playoff race.
However, several things need to go right for the Flames to contend. The likeliest outcome is another trade deadline filled with plenty of assets to sell.
#4 Los Angeles Kings
The Kings made the playoffs last season despite a coaching change and turnover in players. This season, much of the drama should be out the door, leaving a solid team in its place.
Captain Anze Kopitar headlines a team loaded with talent like Quinton Byfield, Kevin Fiala and Adrian Kempe up front. Moreover, Darcy Kuemper gives the Kings an NHL-caliber goalie to take over the crease.
However, the loss of Drew Doughty for an extended period could prove costly. The rest of the blue line will need to pick up the slack if the Kings are to return to the playoffs. The formula will be to avoid inconsistency, especially during the middle of the season.
#3 Vegas Golden Knights
The Knights have a talented team with Jack Eichel, Mark Stone and Alex Pietrangelo leading the way. The Knights have star power but must be consistent throughout the year. The good news is that coach Bruce Cassidy knows how to get the best from his players.
Vegas should contend for at least a wildcard spot but may struggle to find scoring, especially following Jonathan Marchessault’s departure. Tomas Hertl and Noah Hanifin will need to chip in from their positions to give the Knight the boost they need to make it back to the playoffs. Otherwise, it could be a long season in Vegas.
#2 Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers seemed to have taken a step back due to the loss of several players and a seeming overhaul in the blue line. But who can bet against Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard and an enviable support cast? Jeff Skinner should score a ton this year, while Bouchard could enter the Norris Trophy conversation.
Unfortunately, the Achilles heel for the Oilers is goaltending. Stuart Skinner can be inconsistent at times, making it tough to rely solely on him stealing games. The Oilers will score like no tomorrow, but they must also play solid defense to return to the Stanley Cup Final.
#1 Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks don’t have any glaring holes in their lineup. They have a mix of high-end NHL talent with solid depth players. Elias Petterson, J.T. Miller, Brock Boeser and Quinn Hughes will all lead the offensive charge. The blue line is solid, with prospects like Aatu Raty graduating to the big team.
However, the biggest question mark surrounding Vancouver is Thatcher Demko. Demko is one of the NHL’s best netminders. But his injury casts doubt on the Canucks’ chances. While Arturs Silovs looks poised to become a full-time NHL starting netminder, there’s no telling if he can sustain that role for the entire season.
Barring the questions surrounding Silovs, the Canucks should be the class of the Pacific Division for the second straight season.
