Colorado's Elite Defense Separates Them From the Pack in Early Projections

Welcome to the preseason power rankings, where the slate is clean but the underlying metrics already tell us who's built to win. The Avalanche sit atop our board not by accident—their +0.6 net rating leads the league, powered by a stingy 2.4 defensive rating that's the best in hockey. When you can suppress opponent scoring like that while maintaining a respectable 3.0 offensive output, you're the team to beat.

Dallas deserves more respect than their 31st alphabetical listing suggests. The Stars boast a +0.3 net rating anchored by a league-best 2.7 defensive rating. They'll grind opponents into dust and cash tickets in tight games all season long. Tampa's +0.2 net rating and 2.8 defensive mark puts them in the same conversation—championship pedigree meeting elite underlying numbers is a recipe for success.

The surprise? Buffalo and Utah cracking the top tier with +0.1 net ratings and sub-3.0 defensive ratings. The Sabres have been rebuilding forever, but these metrics suggest the foundation is finally solid. Utah's expansion debut looks more promising than anyone anticipated.

On the flip side, Vancouver's -1.8 net rating screams trouble. That 3.8 defensive rating is brutal—worst in the league—and a 2.0 offensive output won't dig them out of holes. Chicago and Nashville share identical -1.3 net ratings with the same offensive anemia, making them prime fade candidates despite Original Six and market appeal.

The Maple Leafs' -0.6 net rating and 3.6 defensive rating? Classic Toronto—all offense, no structure. They'll score in bunches and lose games they shouldn't. Meanwhile, Washington, Carolina, and the Golden Knights all sit at +0.1 or better with defensive ratings under 3.0. That's your value bet territory right there—teams the public will underestimate until the wins pile up.