Canadiens and 31 others: optimistic NHL power rankings set hopeful tone

As the 2026-27 NHL season arrives with unusual speed and an expanded 84-game schedule, a new power ranking paints a decidedly upbeat picture of the league. Rather than dwelling on potential pitfalls, the ranking assigns two positive predictions to each of the 32 teams, capturing the mood of optimism that typically surrounds opening week.

The piece lands just as regular-season games return to the September calendar, something the NHL has done only once before. Against that backdrop, the rankings function less as strict forecasts and more as a catalogue of best‑case scenarios: who could break out, which trades might finally happen and where teams might find unexpected internal help.

Canadiens highlighted through Kreider fit and Reinbacher–Hutson pairing

The Montreal Canadiens receive an especially rosy outlook. The ranking envisions Chris Kreider as a near-ideal addition on the top line, with goal production that reflects both his experience and his finishing ability. On defence, attention shifts to 2023 fifth-overall pick David Reinbacher, who is projected to spend some early time developing in the AHL before ultimately settling in as a right-shot partner for Lane Hutson by the end of the season.

Taken together, those predictions suggest confidence in Montreal’s emerging depth at forward and on the blue line. If they come to pass, the Canadiens could see their young core solidify without needing to rely heavily on outside help in the short term, reinforcing the notion that internal growth remains central to the team’s trajectory.

Stars, trades and comebacks headline league‑wide optimism

Around the league, several teams are tied to potential milestone seasons and significant moves. One scenario has a top-tier defenceman like Cale Makar reaching a rare offensive benchmark for his position. Goaltending storylines are prominent as well, with clubs such as Edmonton and the Utah Mammoth imagined finally stabilizing the crease — Utah in particular is linked to a bold push for Connor Hellebuyck.

The ranking also dwells on splashy moments and rebound campaigns, from a projected home-opener goal by Patrick Kane in Chicago to a 40-goal season for Connor Bedard despite a delayed start. Elsewhere, it speculates on new contracts, trades of established skaters and the rapid emergence of young talent in markets across the league.

Rebuilding teams are not left out. Vancouver, for example, is portrayed benefiting from a strong return by Thatcher Demko that could ultimately draw a significant trade offer from a contender. Other clubs, including San Jose, Anaheim and Columbus, are framed around steps forward from recent high draft picks and newcomers. Collectively, the predictions underline a common theme: with a longer schedule and a clean slate, every fan base can point to at least two reasons for genuine optimism as the puck drops on 2026-27.