NHL Power Rankings: Rating the Stanley Cup Favorites for 2011-12

1 of 32

VANCOUVER, BC - JUNE 15: Nathan Horton #18 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with the Stanley Cup after defeating the Vancouver Canucks in Game Seven of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Arena on June 15, 2011 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

With most of the major moves made this NHL offseason, it's time to start looking ahead toward next season.

Soon training camp will begin and every team will have the same goal in mind: to win the Stanley Cup.

Given the moves of this summer, some teams have positioned themselves as contenders, while others became casualties of free agency and salary restrictions.

Here are NHL power rankings based on each team's chance of hoisting hockey's holy grail.

30. Ottawa Senators

OTTAWA, CANADA - APRIL 07: Bobby Butler #16 of the Ottawa Senators celebrates his goal against the Montreal Canadiens with his teammates on the bench in a game at Scotiabank Place on April 7, 2011 in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Ima

Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images

The Ottawa Senators didn't make any substantial moves this offseason and their best players are not getting any younger. Stalwarts such as Chris Neil, Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson are aging past their primes.

The Senators will need some of their younger players to make great strides this season. Look for Nick Foligno and Erik Karlsson to continue their growth.

29. Edmonton Oilers

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 23: Taylor Hall #4 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates his second period goal against the Colorado Avalanche with Sam Gagner #89 and Ladislav Smid #5 of the Oilers at the Pepsi Center on February 23, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

With several early first-round picks, the Edmonton Oilers are filled with tons of young talent.

Fans get to look forward to seeing Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi and possibly Ryan Nugent-Hopkins playing this season.

However, they're still at least a year away from being contenders.

28. Phoenix Coyotes

GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 20: (L-R) Radim Vrbata #17, Shane Doan #19 and Keith Yandle #3 of the Phoenix Coyotes react after being defeated by the Detroit Red Wings in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs a

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

As ownership is still in limbo, the Phoenix Coyotes are limited to what they can do.They took a big hit this offseason when they lost Ilya Bryzgalov to the Philadelphia Flyers; at least they were able to get a draft pick out of it.

Another positive, emerging defenseman, Keith Yandle, was signed to a long-term contract. It will be unlikely that the Coyotes return to the postseason this year.

27. Winnipeg Jets

GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 20: Fans dressed in Winnipeg Jets uniforms attend Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals between the Detroit Red Wings and the Phoenix Coyotes during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Jobing.com Arena on April 20, 2011

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The city of Winnipeg once again has an NHL team. However, that team is unlikely to see the postseason this year.

The Jets have a great core with the likes of Evander Kane, Dustin Byfuglien and Co., but they are still missing a few pieces.

26. Minnesota Wild

EDMONTON, CANADA - JANUARY 18: Magnus Paajarvi #91 and Taylor Hall #4 of the Edmonton Oilers collide with Mikko Koivu #9, Nick Schultz #55 and Brent Burns #8 of the Minnesota Wild as well as linesmen Bryan Pancich #94 at Rexall Place January 18, 2011 in E

Dale MacMillan/Getty Images

The Minnesota Wild certainly shook things up this offseason. They have a new head coach in Mike Yeo and some new talent on the ice as well. Their new additions include Darroll Powe, Dany Heatley and Devin Setoguchi.

The Wild are now a little thin at defense and likely won't have enough to make a run.

25. Colorado Avalanche

DENVER, CO - MARCH 31: The Colorado Avalanche celebrate a third period goal by Paul Stastny #26 of the Colorado Avalanche against goalie Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators at the Pepsi Center on March 31, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Nashville P

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

The Colorado Avalanche addressed their goaltending issue in a serious way. They gave up a first-round pick to acquire Semyon Varlamov from the Washington Capitals.To top it off, they added J.S. Giguere as a veteran backup.

Although one major void has been filled, the Avalanche still need to groom some of their young players such as Matt Duchene, Erik Johnson and Ryan O'Reilly before they are once again a Western Conference powerhouse.

24. New York Islanders

UNIONDALE, NY - MARCH 31: P.A. Parenteau #15 of the New York Islanders celebrate a goal by Matt Moulson #26 of the New York Islanders at 8:38 of the third period against the New York Rangers at the Nassau Coliseum on March 31, 2011 in Uniondale, New York.

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The New York Islanders have greater concerns than simply just trying to qualify for the playoffs. However, as they search for a new home, they must remain focused on the NHL season.

Like a lot of teams on the bottom third of this list, the Islanders have an excellent core of young, emerging talent. They simply must stay patient and stay the course.

23. Dallas Stars

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 02: Brenden Morrow #10 and Jamie Benn #14 of the Dallas Stars discuss a face off against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on April 2, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

It's no surprise that the Dallas Stars were one of the major losers of this offseason as they lost Brad Richards.

The Stars came within one game of making the playoffs last season, but don't expect them to come as close this season as they made no significant additions to offset the departure of Richards.

22. St. Louis Blues

GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 22: T.J. Oshie #74 of the St. Louis Blues awaits a face off during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on March 22, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Blues 2-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The St. Louis Blues quietly made some solid moves this offseason. By signing Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner, the Blues gave themselves a good mixture of veteran leadership and core talent.

Unfortunately, the Western Conference is a very deep league, so the Blues will likely have trouble breaking into the top eight. However, if Jaroslav Halak can get hot at the right time, who knows what could happen?

21. Florida Panthers

SUNRISE, FL - MARCH 10: David Booth #10 of the Florida Panthers skates against the Ottawa Senators at the BankAtlantic Center on March 10, 2011 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

There wasn't a team this offseason that made more moves than the Florida Panthers, as they overhauled nearly half of their roster to reach the cap ceiling.

Although the Panthers are a much improved team, they still haven't done enough to become a playoff team. They may get off to a slow start as they start to develop chemistry with one another.

20. Carolina Hurricanes

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 04: (L-R) Bryan Allen #5, Eric Staal #12, Erik Cole #26 and Cory Stillman #61 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrate a 1st period goal by Staal against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on March 4, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (P

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The Carolina Hurricanes just narrowly missed the playoffs last year. With most of their key pieces still intact and the addition of Tomas Kaberle, they should be in the running for the eighth spot again this year.

Also, look for the continued development of young talent such as Jeff Skinner.

19. Toronto Maple Leafs

OTTAWA, CANADA - APRIL 2: Tyler Bozak #42 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his third period goal with team mates Phil Kessel #81Carl Gunnarsson #36 against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place on April 2, 2011 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo b

Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images

Toronto Maple Leafs fans have been starving for a playoff berth. The Maple Leafs haven't been in the postseason in the post-lockout era.

Again, this season, the Maple Leafs will be on the outside looking in. The Leafs have made some nice additions bringing in Tim Connolly and John-Michael Liles, but the teams Toronto will be competing with also have gotten better.

18. Calgary Flames

CALGARY, CANADA - APRIL 6:Jarome Iginla #12 of the Calgary Flames is congratulated by teammates Alex Tanguay #40 and Mark Giordano #5 on his hat trick goal against the Edmonton Oilers in third period NHL action on April 6, 2011 at the Scotiabank Saddledom

Mike Ridewood/Getty Images

The Flames have an aging core so the time to win is now in Calgary. Unfortunately, they may not have enough to make the postseason. They traded Robyn Regehr to Buffalo and made no significant additions.

They will once again be on the outside looking in unless Mikka Kiprusoff can carry the team into the playoffs.

17. Columbus Blue Jackets

COLUMBUS, OH - MARCH 09: Jakub Voracek #93 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates his second-period goal with teammates Fedor Tyutin #51 and Rick Nash #61 while playing the St. Louis Blues on March 9, 2011 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

The Columbus Blue Jackets were very aggressive this offseason. They traded for defenseman James Wisniewski's rights and were able to sign him. They also gave up the eighth overall pick, a third-round pick and Jakub Voracek for Jeff Carter.

Rick Nash finally has a top-line center to play with and overall, the Columbus Blue Jackets are a much improved hockey team. However, they will be on the outside looking in unless Steve Mason can return to his rookie form.

16. New Jersey Devils

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Andy Greene #6, Ilya Kovalchuk #17, and Anssi Salmela #29 of the New Jersey Devils celebrate Kovalchuk's goal at 9:18 of the first period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on April 9, 2011 in New York City. (P

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The New Jersey Devils were in unfamiliar territory last season when they didn't qualify for the playoffs. A healthy Zach Parise and having no salary cap issues should help the Devils scrap their way back to the postseason.

Also, look for Ilya Kovalchuk to bounce back and have a more productive season.

15. Montreal Canadiens

MONTREAL, CANADA - APRIL 26: Brian Gionta #21, P.K. Subban #76, Tomas Plekanec #14, Scott Gomez #11 and Michael Cammalleri #13 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrate a goal against the Boston Bruins in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during

Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images

The Montreal Canadiens should once again find themselves in the playoffs. Minus James Wisniewski, the Canadiens have the same core players coming back and have added Erik Cole.

How far can the Canadiens go? That will depend on the play of Scott Gomez, Mike Cammalleri and Brian Gionta. They need to increase their productivity.

14. New York Rangers

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 20: The New York Rangers celebrate after Brandon Dubinsky #17 scored a second period goal against the Washington Capitals skates off in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Mad

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The New York Rangers reeled in the big fish this offseason when they signed coveted free agent Brad Richards. They were also able to lock up restricted free agents Ryan Callahan and Brandon Dubinsky.

The Blue Shirts still haven't passed the Flyers or Penguins, but they should find themselves in the playoff mix and will be a tough first-round opponent.

13. Anaheim Ducks

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 15: Ryan Getzlaf #15 of the Anaheim Ducks skates against the Nashville Predators in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 15, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

The Anaheim Ducks arguably have the best first line in hockey with Bobby Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry.

The Ducks are certainly a playoff team, but their fate will lie with their goaltending. That was the difference in last year's series with the Nashville Predators.

If Teemu Selanne decides to return after having knee surgery, that will give the Ducks' secondary scoring a big boost.

12. Chicago Blackhawks

VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 26: Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks is congratulated by Marian Hossa #81 and Brent Seabrook #7 after scoring the game tying goal during the third period in Game Seven of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during th

Rich Lam/Getty Images

The Chicago Blackhawks will have much less roster turnover to contend with this season. They added some depth with the signings of Dan Carcillo and Jamal Mayers. They also signed Steve Montador to replace Brian Campbell, who was traded to the Florida Panthers.

The Blackhawks may not be division champs this year, but they shouldn't wait until the final day of the regular season to get into the playoffs.

11. Philadelphia Flyers

BOSTON, MA - MAY 06: Sean O'Donnell #6, Claude Giroux #28, Kris Versteeg #10, and Sergei Bobrovsky #35 of the Philadelphia Flyers defend the net against the Boston Bruins in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Pl

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

A lot of hockey people will be watching the Philadelphia Flyers with interest this season after they overhauled a roster that didn't seem too far from a Stanley Cup.

At the very least, they finally solidified their goaltending by signing Ilya Bryzgalov. They've also added size up front and positioned themselves well for the future.

As for this season, they may not perform as well in the regular season, particularly early on as they develop chemistry, but they should be better suited for the playoffs.

10. Tampa Bay Lightning

TAMPA, FL - MAY 25: Martin St. Louis #26 celebrates his third period goal with Steven Stamkos #91 and Mike Lundin #39 of the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Bruins during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playof

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

The panic in Tampa Bay is over, as the Lightning were able to re-sign Steven Stamkos.

The Lightning should be able to build off last year's strong postseason and may even be able to challenge the Capitals for the Southeast Division crown. Excitement and anticipation should be this season with a new look and new expectations.

9. Buffalo Sabres

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 26: Tyler Myers #57 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrates his third period goal against the Philadelphia Flyers with teammates Jochen Hecht #55 and Andrej Sekera #44 in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 201

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The Buffalo Sabres felt the full impact of the new regime under Terry Pegula. Instead of suffering from the free agency period, the Sabres salivated. They acquired Robyn Regehr, Christian Ehrhoff and Ville Leino.

While they may not be in the elite class just yet, they certainly improved their team. They should return to the postseason for the third consecutive year and maybe even advance this year.

8. San Jose Sharks

VANCOUVER, CANADA - MAY 24: (L-R) Joe Pavelski #8, Patrick Marleau #12, Dan Boyle #22 and Joe Thornton #19 of the San Jose Sharks celebrate Marleau's goal in the second period in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals during the 2011 Stanley Cup Pla

Rich Lam/Getty Images

The San Jose Sharks shook things up this offseason by dealing away Devin Setoguchi and Dany Heatley for Brent Burns and Martin Havlat in separate trades.

While it remains to be seen how these deals will impact the team, they should once again be contenders in the Western Conference.

7. Detroit Red Wings

SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 12: Henrik Zetterberg #40, Pavel Datsyuk #13, and Nicklas Lidstrom #5 of the Detroit Red Wings talk to each other before a face off against the San Jose Sharks in Game Seven of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NHL Stan

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

If there was any doubt, the Red Wings will once again be in the mix in the west. The Wings did lose Brian Rafalski to retirement, but they will look very similar to last year's team.

Eventually, age may catch up to the Red Wings, but it shouldn't happen this year. Look for another strong run.

6. Nashville Predators

BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 20: Ryan Sutter #20 of the Nashville Predators shoots against the Buffalo Sabres at HSBC Arena on March 20, 2011 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

For some, the Nashville Predators were the surprise team of the 2010-2011 season. They have a lot of depth and a great goalie in Pekka Rinne which are two vital ingredients for a Stanley Cup run.

They will build off last season's success and challenge Detroit and Chicago for the Central Division title.

5. Boston Bruins

VANCOUVER, BC - JUNE 15: Adam McQuaid #54 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with his teammates Brad Marchand #63, Tyler Seguin #19, Tim Thomas #30 and Zdeno Chara #33 after defeating the Vancouver Canucks in Game Seven of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Final at

Harry How/Getty Images

The Boston Bruins are Stanley Cup Champions so they must be given their due respect.The Boston Bruins lost defenseman Tomas Kaberle, but were able to replace him with Joe Corvo.

With all of the main pieces intact, look for the Boston Bruins to make a legitimate run as they try to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 1997-98.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins

MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 12: Alex Goligoski #3 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates his third period goal with team mate Evgeni Malkin #71 during the NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on January 12, 2011 in Montreal, Quebec, C

Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

Consider this, the Pittsburgh Penguins were without their two best players (Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby) for most of the season and still finished fourth in the Eastern Conference. Not many teams would be able to do that.

Provided everyone comes back healthy and returns to old form, the Penguins should make another run at a Stanley Cup. Additionally, the Penguins added some depth with signings such as Jason Williams and Steve Sullivan.

3. Vancouver Canucks

BOSTON, MA - JUNE 13: Kevin Bieksa #3 of the Vancouver Canucks takes a shot against the Boston Bruins during Game Six of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden on June 13, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Harry How/Getty Images

The Vancouver Canucks were able to sign one of their free-agency eligible defensemen in Kevin Beiksa, but had to let go of Christian Ehrhoff. Although Ehrhoff will be missed, the Canucks have enough depth at defense to absorb the loss.

They, like a lot of other well-positioned contenders, made some depth signings. Some of the acquisitions include Marco Sturm, Byron Bitz and Mike Mancari.

2. Los Angeles Kings

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 25: Drew Doughty #8 speaks with Willie Mitchell #33 of the Los Angeles Kings in the first period of game six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the San Jose Sharks during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples C

Harry How/Getty Images

That's right, the Los Angeles Kings are the top-ranked Western Conference team on this list. The Kings were already growing quickly into a contender. Add the acquisitions of Mike Richards and Simon Gagne, and that just expedites the process.

Jonathan Quick is becoming a solid goaltender, Drew Doughty should contend for the James Norris Memorial Trophy and there is a ton of offensive talent up front. Don't be surprised when the Kings come out on top in the West.

1. Washington Capitals

TAMPA, FL - MAY 03: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals scores a power play goal at 17:27 of the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at St Pete

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

For the last few seasons, the Washington Capitals have not lived up to lofty expectations. However, they're again expected to contend for the Stanley Cup.

What's different about this year's team? They are deep at the goaltending position, and Tomas Vokoun finally gives them a proven veteran between the pipes. They've also gotten a lot tougher.

The Capitals are a lot better equipped for the postseason with the additions of Joel Ward, Roman Hamrlik and Troy Brouwer.

Begin Slideshow