Injuries to key players like Auston Matthews and Jack Hughes have reshaped the NHL's week 6 power rankings. The Toronto Maple Leafs have plummeted due to a five-game losing streak and roster issues. Despite the challenges, teams like the Colorado Avalanche remain dominant at the top.
The 2025-26 NHL season has been marked by a condensed schedule due to the upcoming 2026 Olympic Games, increasing injury risks in the violent sport. This week saw major disruptions, with superstars Auston Matthews and Jack Hughes sidelined—Hughes out for eight weeks after an off-ice accident at a team dinner. Other notable injuries include Thatcher Demko, Charlie McAvoy, Nick Foligno, Valeri Nichushkin, Tomas Harley, Victor Hedman, Drew Doughty, and Chris Tanev.
In The Hockey Writers' week 6 power rankings, the Toronto Maple Leafs dropped sharply to 29th place from 20th, fueled by a five-game losing streak and poor performance across offense, defense, and goaltending. The team, now without Mitch Marner who was traded to Vegas, holds a 9-9-2 record, placing 15th in the Eastern Conference. Key contributors like John Tavares, William Nylander, and Matthew Knies provide scoring, but depth issues persist, with defensemen Jake McCabe and Brandon Carlo struggling at five-on-five.
At the bottom, the Calgary Flames sit at 32nd, followed by Nashville Predators at 31st and St. Louis Blues at 30th. The Vancouver Canucks (27th) and Washington Capitals (26th) have faltered with 4-4-2 and 2-6-2 records in their last 10 games, respectively. The Vegas Golden Knights fell to 15th after a 3-3-4 stretch, hemorrhaging chances despite an early hot start.
On the rise, the New York Islanders climbed with a four-game winning streak that ended Sunday, showing offensive shine. Veteran teams like the Los Angeles Kings and Boston Bruins have taken first in their divisions with balanced play. The Colorado Avalanche hold the top spot at No. 1, unbeaten in regulation over their last 10 games with an 8-0-2 record through 19 games.
Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks hit speed bumps with three-game losing streaks, but the season's early 20-game mark approaches, potentially prompting changes for struggling franchises.