Way-too-early NHL Power Rankings for the 2024-25 season

The end of the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs ran right up to draft week, as the Florida Panthers won the Cup less than four full days prior to the start of the selection process at Sphere. And less than two days after the final draft pick was made, the free agency frenzy began.

And yeah, we also got the full NHL schedule release, too.

It's been a jam-packed calendar, but now it's time to take a step back and assess just how we feel about all 32 teams, looking ahead to the fall. Who will be the top Cup contenders? Who will be in the running for the draft lottery? Here's how the winds are blowing as of early July.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on where they rank each club, which generates our master list here.

Note: The previous ranking for each team refers to the final regular-season edition, published April 12.

1. Florida Panthers

Previous ranking: 7