A new analysis breaks down the 32 NHL teams into competitive tiers ahead of the Stanley Cup playoffs, assessing their chances based on recent performance and playoff potential. The rankings consider factors like regular-season success, depth of roster, and historical consistency to project which squads stand out as true title contenders. Teams are grouped from elite front-runners to those fighting for playoff spots, offering a clear snapshot of the league’s current power structure. Fans and analysts can use the breakdown to gauge which squads pose the biggest threats in the postseason.

Stanley Cup contender tiers: Where do all 32 NHL teams fit in?  ESPN