Kristen Shilton, ESPN NHL reporterFeb 16, 2024, 07:00 AM ET
CloseKristen Shilton is a national NHL reporter for ESPN.
With the Stadium Series on tap this weekend in New Jersey — Flyers-Devils 8 p.m. Saturday on ABC/ESPN+, and Rangers-Islanders 3 p.m. Sunday on ABC/ESPN+ — that means we are also closing in on the March 8 NHL trade deadline. And beyond that, the final push to the playoffs.
There are some captivating players we all have our eyes on when it comes to the potential wheeling and dealing over the next few weeks. This week as part of our NHL Power Rankings, we’ve identified one player from each team that is under the closest watch — whether it’s a player that could be traded, someone chasing a milestone, or a player carrying his team’s playoff hopes on his shoulders.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list here.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Feb. 9. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 72.73%
Quinn Hughes. Vancouver’s top defenseman already owns the franchise record for most points from a blueliner (76), but can he smash through that mark and hit 100 this season? Would that be an opening salvo to Quinn winning his first Norris Trophy? Both milestones feel possible for Hughes, and we’ll be watching to see how his excellent campaign plays out.
Next seven days: vs. WPG (Feb. 17), @ MIN (Feb. 19), @ COL (Feb. 20), @ SEA (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 68.52%
Sam Reinhart. Florida is one of the NHL’s best teams in part because of Reinhart’s dynamic play this season, particularly on the power play. He’s already set and surpassed franchise records for special teams scores, and there are still weeks to go in this campaign. In a contract year, Reinhart is putting on a show that’s well worth watching, especially to see just how…
Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39531825/nhl-power-rankings-2023-2024-best-teams-standings-players
Author : Kristen Shilton
Publish date : 2024-02-16 11:14:11
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