Carolina Hurricanes Hold No. 1 Spot in Latest NHL Power Rankings

The Carolina Hurricanes maintained their No. 1 ranking with a 75% points percentage as defenseman Jaccob Slavin recorded 18 fantasy points without a goal.

The defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes retained the No. 1 position in the latest ESPN NHL Power Rankings, holding a 75% points percentage through Thursday's games. Defenseman Jaccob Slavin has anchored a defense allowing only 22.4 shots per game, contributing 18 fantasy points despite recording no goals or significant power-play time. The Hurricanes are scheduled to face the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 24 before home games against Boston and Columbus.

The Edmonton Oilers climbed to the No. 2 spot with an 85% points percentage. Under new coach Mike Babcock, the Oilers have established the second-best defense in the league, supported by goaltender Devon Levi's 4.82 goals saved above expected (GSAx) through six appearances. The Vegas Golden Knights dropped to No. 3 despite goaltender Adin Hill carrying a 4-0 record and a 2.21 GAA into Thursday.

Significant movement occurred elsewhere in the top 10, as the Tampa Bay Lightning jumped to No. 4 and the Boston Bruins reached No. 7. Bruins rookie James Hagens has recorded three goals in 10 games while averaging under 13 minutes of ice time per night. In New York, the Rangers' trio of Gabe Perreault, Mika Zibanejad, and Alexis Lafreniere has outscored opponents 4-0 at 5-on-5 across 96 minutes of shared ice time.

Several teams are managing significant roster changes and injuries. The Minnesota Wild, ranked No. 8, expect the return of Jared Spurgeon to a blue line currently missing Brock Faber. The Winnipeg Jets at No. 18 are utilizing Neal Pionk on the top power-play unit while Josh Morrissey remains sidelined week-to-week. Additionally, the Dallas Stars recently signed 38-year-old veteran David Perron to bolster an offense that ranks in the bottom quarter of league scoring.