NHL power rankings as 2026-27 season opens: Who will challenge for Stanley Cup?

Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck and Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin made the trade requests and that will be hanging over their teams early this season. Fellow U.S. Olympian Brady Tkachuk was moved to the Florida Panthers .

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers made an offer sheet to the Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson that changed the salary structure for younger players. Carlsson's deal, which was matched, was topped by Mackllin Celelbrini and Cale Makar , who became the NHL's first $20 million player .

How does that change the power structure in the NHL? USA TODAY provides its season-opening power rankings: