The Carolina Hurricanes continue to lead the NHL, holding the number one position in the ESPN Power Rankings for another week. While the Hurricanes maintain their dominance, the rest of the league has seen notable movement. Teams have swapped positions in the top five and beyond, reflecting the volatile nature of the early 2026-27 season. The rankings are based on a poll of ESPN hockey experts and are updated through games played on Thursday, November 5.
A major theme in this week's report is the identification of fantasy hockey surprises. Analysts Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash have highlighted the most unexpected positive and negative trends for each team. These insights provide context to the standings, showing that points percentages do not always tell the whole story of a team's or player's performance.
Carolina's success is anchored by goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov, who has exceeded expectations this season. He is posting a .921 save percentage, a figure that surpasses his previous career high of .911. Kochetkov has recorded two shutouts and only one regulation loss, benefiting from a defensive system that allows just 22 shots per game. His consistency has been a key factor in the Hurricanes' 77.78% points percentage, the highest in the league.
In the Western Conference, the Minnesota Wild have emerged as a strong contender, currently ranked second with a 73.53% points percentage. However, the team's depth is being tested as center Ryan Hartman struggles to find his rhythm. Hartman, who is part of a formidable lineup under coach John Hynes, has seen his production drop, making him a difficult hold for fantasy managers who expect more from the forward.
The Edmonton Oilers, also with a 73.53% points percentage, are seeing a resurgence from veteran center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. After a slow start and a stint on the injured list, the longest-serving player in franchise history is now scoring at a pace reminiscent of the 2022-23 season. His presence on the power play with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Sam Bouchard has been instrumental in his return to form.
The Boston Bruins, ranked fourth, are benefiting from the early breakout of 20-year-old center James Hagens. Hagens is on pace to exceed his previous scoring records, earning significant power-play time and contributing to the team's strong five-on-five performance. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning, ranked fifth, are relying on defenseman Charle-Edouard D'Astous, whose power-play minutes have nearly tripled from last season, making him a valuable asset for fantasy rosters.
Several other teams have seen shifts in their standing. The Florida Panthers dropped to twelfth place, though defenseman Seth Jones continues to produce at a high level with over 24 minutes of ice time per night. The Ottawa Senators remain in thirteenth, with goaltender Linus Ullmark performing well before a recent lower-body injury. The Seattle Kraken, in fourteenth, are seeing young winger Mackie Samoskevich blossom into a key fantasy performer after leaving a stacked Florida lineup.
At the bottom of the rankings, the San Jose Sharks sit in 24th place. Center Macklin Celebrini is averaging 1.1 points per game, a figure that falls short of expectations for a top-five draft pick who recorded 115 points last season. The team hopes that recent adjustments will help steer their offensive efforts back on track as the season progresses.
The rankings serve as a snapshot of the league's current state, but fantasy managers should remain vigilant. Players like the New Jersey Devils' Arseny Gritsyuk and the Washington Capitals' Jordan Kyrou are producing well above their usage rates, suggesting potential for future regression. Conversely, veterans like the Nashville Predators' Ryan O'Reilly and the Vancouver Canucks' Viktor Arvidsson are finding new levels of productivity, offering value to those who keep them on their rosters.
As the season moves into its second month, the gap between the top teams and the rest of the league continues to define the standings. The Hurricanes' steady lead contrasts with the fluctuating fortunes of clubs like the Utah Mammoth and the Dallas Stars. For fantasy players, the key is to monitor these shifts in usage and performance, as the early surprises of the 2026-27 season may set the tone for the entire year.
