NHL Power Rankings: Avalanche Remain Atop Super 16 Amidst Playoff Push
As the NHL regular season nears its conclusion, the battle for playoff positioning intensifies. A consensus among NHL.com staff members consistently places the Colorado Avalanche at the top of the Super 16 rankings, though other teams are vying for contention. This analysis examines the current landscape, drawing from the assessments of multiple journalists and analysts.
Dominance of the Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche consistently hold the number one spot in the Super 16 rankings compiled by Jean-Francois Chaumont, Guillaume Lepage, Nicolas Ducharme, Sébastien Deschambault, John Ciolfi, Hugues Marcil, Philippe Landry, Gabriel Duhamel, and Marc Tougas. This widespread agreement underscores their strong performance throughout the season. As of April 10, 2025, Nathan MacKinnon leads the Avalanche in both goals (32) and assists (84), totaling 116 points, tying him with Nikita Kucherov for the NHL lead. Despite a recent streak-ending absence due to an undisclosed injury, MacKinnon remains a pivotal player for the team.
Contenders and Shifting Positions
While the Avalanche maintain a firm grip on the top position, the Dallas Stars consistently appear in the top two across most rankings. Other teams demonstrating notable movement and contention include the Buffalo Sabres, frequently appearing in the top five, and the Carolina Hurricanes. Several teams experienced fluctuations in rankings, with the Tampa Bay Lightning showing a decline in some assessments. The Anaheim Ducks have also seen a rise in rankings, particularly in the assessment of Sébastien Deschambault, who places them eighth.
Key Player Updates
Recent developments impacting team dynamics include Nathan MacKinnon’s potential rest before the Stanley Cup Playoffs due to an undisclosed injury. Colorado saw the return of forwards Martin Necas and defenseman Samuel Girard on Thursday, bolstering their roster. The Colorado Avalanche signed Alex Barré-Boulet to a one-year, two-way deal on July 4, 2025, adding depth to their forward lines.
Olympic Spotlight: Lehkonen’s Family Moment
Artturi Lehkonen of Finland experienced a unique Olympic moment during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. His father, Ismo Lehkonen, a TV analyst for Finland’s national broadcaster, was covering a different game (Canada vs. Czechia) when Artturi scored the overtime goal in Finland’s 3-2 victory against Switzerland. Ismo Lehkonen learned of his son’s winning goal while on air, highlighting the challenges of balancing professional obligations with family pride during the Olympics.
Looking Ahead
As the regular season concludes, the focus shifts to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Colorado Avalanche, despite potential injury concerns, remain the team to beat. The coming weeks will determine which teams can maintain their momentum and contend for the championship.