The reigning Stanley Cup champions top the inaugural Super 16 Power Rankings for the current NHL season, earning the No. 1 spot from a majority of participating voters. With 11 out of 15 NHL.com pollsters placing them at the summit, the team’s dominance in early preseason assessments reflects strong expectations heading into the campaign. The rankings highlight their status as favorites among analysts and fans alike, setting a high bar for their rivals. Whether they can sustain this momentum remains a key question as the season unfolds.

The defending Stanley Cup champions are the No. 1 team in the first edition of the Super 16 Power Rankings for this season. The Hurricanes are ranked No. 1 by 11 of the 15 participating NHL.com voters ...