The Panthers are last in the East? The Rangers were shut out again? Nearly everything's going well for the Penguins? This week's NHL power rankings features no shortage of surprises as the list continues to change.

As the Canadiens jump into the top five, here are the latest NHL Power Rankings.

Connor Bedard netted his first NHL hat trick and added an assist in the victory, improving to 12 points in 10 games. He's on pace to score 49 goals and compile 98 points, each of which would smash career highs of 23 and 67, respectively.

USA TODAY Sports' NHL points projections saw pretty much the status quo from the 2024-25 playoff field. Mark Scheifele has passed Blake Wheeler as the franchise's all-time point leader and is the NHL's top scorer this season.

The Winnipeg Jets are off to a blazing start as they look to prove that those who favoured divisional rivals Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars as Stanley Cup picks were wrong.

Jack Eichel. Eichel has many accomplishments in his career, but has yet to hit the 100-point benchmark in a single season, coming closest in 2024-25 with 94. The NHL's current scoring leader had 16 through seven games, which is a 187-point pace; it's unlikely he hits that lofty mark, but triple digits does seem in play.

We’ve rounded up our favorite Halloween costumes from around the league for our first-ever power rankings costume contest.

Forwards have Mammoth, Blackhawks climbing ranking early in season The torch to start the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will be lit in 99 days. The men's hockey tournament will begin soon after that,

But in honor of the spooky costumed occasion on Friday, this week's Power Rankings include a Halloween costume or identity for all 32 teams. How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our list.