As the NHL approaches its holiday break, Week 11 power rankings reflect a dynamic week marked by blockbuster trades and shifting team performances. The Colorado Avalanche hold the top spot, while teams like the Detroit Red Wings surge upward. Recent deals, including the Vancouver Canucks' trade of Quinn Hughes, have sparked renewed hope for some franchises amid roster freezes and schedule pauses.
The NHL's 2025-26 season enters a quieter period with a roster freeze from December 20 through December 28 and no games scheduled from December 24 to 26. Despite the upcoming lull, Week 11 brought excitement through last-minute trades and unexpected streaks that reshuffled the standings, as detailed in The Hockey Writers' power rankings published on December 23, 2025.
At the bottom, the Pittsburgh Penguins dropped to 32nd after trading goaltender Tristan Jarry to the Edmonton Oilers last week. The Penguins lost eight straight games before a narrow win on Sunday, erasing early-season goodwill. Jarry, meanwhile, suffered an injury just three games into his time with Edmonton, potentially souring the deal for both sides. The Vancouver Canucks, ranked 27th after climbing from 32nd, traded defenseman Quinn Hughes but acquired impactful pieces that have ignited a cultural shift and winning momentum, though it may come too late for playoffs.
Mid-tier teams show mixed results. The Philadelphia Flyers fell to 16th with a 3-3-4 record in their last 10 games, missing a chance to solidify their Metropolitan Division playoff spot despite the New York Islanders' regression. In the Atlantic Division, mediocrity prevails: the Tampa Bay Lightning struggle with injuries, the Boston Bruins alternate streaks, and the Ottawa Senators ride a four-game win streak back into contention.
The Detroit Red Wings jumped to 4th with a 7-2-1 record over their last 10, including back-to-back victories over the Washington Capitals, signaling an end to their prolonged rebuild under general manager Steve Yzerman. The Buffalo Sabres climbed to 20th on a six-game winning streak following a long-awaited leadership change, fostering optimism in the weak Atlantic.
Top teams remain stable. The Colorado Avalanche stay at 1st with only two regulation losses this season. The Carolina Hurricanes sit at 5th despite blowing two three-goal leads in Florida over the weekend. Quinn Hughes has contributed three points in five games with the Minnesota Wild, ranked 3rd, while logging heavy ice time.
Looking ahead, the holiday break offers respite before a packed schedule including the 2026 Winter Classic, Olympics, and trade deadline.
