Edmonton Oilers begin season power rankings in unprecedented territory

According to Sportsnet's new power rankings, the Edmonton Oilers are the top ranked team in the NHL heading into the 2024-25 season - it's the first time it's happened in the Connor McDavid era.

The Oilers lost a few quality players this offseason: Warren Foegele, Ryan McLeod, Dylan Holloway, Vincent Desharnais, Philip Broberg, and Cody Ceci. However, they were also able to go out and make high-value additions with Jeff Skinner, Victor Arvidsson, Ty Emberson, and more. These quality additions along with the hunger from Connor McDavid and the team to improve upon last season sets the Oilers apart from any other team in the league right now. With a full season under coach Knoblauch and playing in the weakest division in the NHL, the Oilers could contend for the President's Trophy.

The second ranked team heading into the season is the Dallas Stars, followed by the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, and New Jersey Devils to round out the top five. The Toronto Maple Leafs ranked 8th, and the Vancouver Canucks ranked 9th for other Canadian teams in the top ten.

So many major analysts have the Edmonton Oilers pegged as the top NHL team heading into next season. Fans should be pumped for the upcoming year and hopefully, another long run in spring.