The Carolina Hurricanes experienced a whirlwind trade deadline, largely due to rumors surrounding Mikko Rantanen. Despite the off-ice distractions, the team’s performance on the ice is reaching its peak.
While discussions continue about the Hurricanes’ handling of the Rantanen trade situation, their game hasn’t suffered. In fact, several players have elevated their play.
Seth Jarvis is on track for his second 30-goal season, solidifying his status as an exciting NHL player. Sebastian Aho is close to reaching 80 points for the third time in the last four years. Jaccob Slavin continues to be recognized as a top defensive player. Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov are proving to be a formidable goalie duo.
Logan Stankoven, acquired from the Dallas Stars in the Rantanen deal, made an immediate impact by scoring in his first game with the Hurricanes. He is expected to quickly integrate into Carolina’s system.
This Hurricanes team has been striving for deep playoff runs, and while they may have initially seen Rantanen as the final piece, his move to Dallas doesn’t diminish their chances. The Hurricanes are playing well, and the path to the playoffs in their division looks favorable.
As the Hurricanes successfully navigate trade deadline drama and find their rhythm, here’s an updated look at the NHL Power Rankings.
5
Kings
6
Red Wings
|
Rk
|
Teams
|
Chg
|
Rcrd
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
 |
Amidst the Mikko Rantanen trade talks, Wyatt Johnston signed a five-year, $42 million extension. This move by Stars GM Jim Nill is considered a major success. Johnston, only 21, is third on the team with 60 points, and his $8.5 million cap hit is already seen as a great value. | 1 | 43-21-4 |
2 |
 |
John Carlson is experiencing a resurgence, contributing 42 points and a plus-14 goal differential at five-on-five, with a 55.0% expected goals share. He is performing like a top defenseman again. | 3 | 46-15-8 |
3 |
 |
The Panthers are focused on the playoffs. Matthew Tkachuk is injured, and Brad Marchand’s return is uncertain. Aaron Ekblad is suspended for 20 games. Despite challenges, the reigning champions are on a six-game winning streak. | 1 | 42-24-3 |
4 |
 |
Valeri Nichushkin scored a hat trick and has 15 goals in 27 games. While some of his five-on-five metrics lag, his scoring depth is valuable, and he is known for playoff performance. | 3 | 42-25-3 |
5 |
 |
Winnipeg leads the Central Division by eight points and aims to maintain this to avoid a tougher playoff matchup against Colorado. Their quiet trade deadline may be wise, though Colorado and Dallas appear stronger on paper post-deadline. | 4 | 48-18-4 |
6 |
 |
Tomas Hertl is performing well in Vegas with seven goals in his last nine games, totaling 27 for the year, nearing his career high. This highlights the value of acquiring players with contract term at the deadline. | 2 | 40-20-8 |
7 |
 |
Despite potential overplay in the Rantanen situation, Logan Stankoven is a valuable acquisition. He scored in his debut and is expected to be a top-six player for Carolina’s future. | 2 | 42-22-4 |
8 |
 |
Rumors suggest Mitch Marner was considered in a Rantanen trade, given his UFA status and rising cost. Marner leads the Leafs with 80 points and strong five-on-five performance. | 5 | 42-24-3 |
9 |
 |
Andrei Vasilevskiy has been the NHL’s best goalie since January 1, with a .926 save percentage and 16.2 goals saved above average, leading all goalies in that period. | 3 | 40-23-5 |
10 |
 |
Quinton Byfield is on a scoring streak with goals in four straight games. His offensive contribution could address the Kings’ season-long offensive struggles. He has potential to exceed his 2023-24 scoring pace. | 5 | 37-21-9 |
11 |
 |
Minnesota has entered a wild card spot and is trending negatively. The absence of key players has put pressure on Matt Boldy, who is currently in a scoring slump with no goals in his last eight games. | 1 | 39-25-5 |
12 |
 |
Edmonton’s lack of aggressive pursuit of secondary scoring at the deadline is questionable. Corey Perry is fifth in team scoring, highlighting potential depth issues despite McDavid and Draisaitl’s prime years. | 1 | 40-24-5 |
13 |
 |
Without Jack Hughes, the Devils need more from Jesper Bratt, who recently ended an eight-game goal drought. His goal scoring is down from previous seasons, though his playmaking has improved. | 3 | 37-27-6 |
14 |
 |
Brady Tkachuk has returned from injury and scored six goals in six games this month, trying to end the Senators’ playoff drought. He needs more offensive support from the team. | 4 | 36-27-5 |
15 |
 |
Adam Fantilli is showing increased comfort, with six goals and four assists in his last seven games. After a sometimes uneven NHL transition, he might be finding his form as the Jackets push for playoffs. | 1 | 31-29-9 |
16 |
 |
Dylan Holloway’s impact on the Blues is significant, providing speed, scoring, and a plus-15 goal differential at a low cost. Trading Holloway looks like a mistake for the Oilers and a win for the Blues. | 5 | 35-28-7 |
17 |
 |
Detroit’s playoff hopes are in danger amid a six-game losing streak. Offense has declined, and the power play is less effective, converting only three of 17 opportunities recently. | 6 | 32-30-6 |
18 |
 |
Despite poor goal and expected goal share numbers, the Canadiens are close to a playoff spot in the East. This situation opens a chance for rebuilding Montreal to gain postseason experience. | 1 | 33-27-8 |
19 |
 |
The Rangers are struggling for a playoff spot, but Artemi Panarin is performing well with 10 points in the last six games, keeping New York competitive. Team performance beyond Panarin is uncertain. | 3 | 33-31-6 |
20 |
 |
Elias Pettersson ended a scoring drought, but has only two points in his last seven games and is on pace for his worst season. Despite criticism, the Canucks are struggling to improve, and Pettersson’s form is a concern. | 1 | 32-25-12 |
21 |
 |
Rasmus Andersson, a potential trade target, is struggling with offensive production and a poor five-on-five goal differential. A change of team might benefit the top-pairing defenseman. | 1 | 32-25-11 |
22 |
 |
Utah performs well at five-on-five in shot and chance generation, but struggles to convert chances. Their 8.29% shooting percentage is low. Improved shooting could lead to a playoff push. | — | 31-27-11 |
23 |
 |
The Ducks just got their first 20-goal scorer, Frank Vatrano, highlighting the slow rebuild despite high-end prospects. Lack of on-ice results is a concern for Anaheim’s development. | 3 | 30-31-8 |
24 |
 |
Bo Horvat has struggled recently with limited points, potentially indicating a decline after a strong 2023-24 season. The Islanders face questions about whether this is a temporary slump or a longer trend. | — | 32-28-8 |
25 |
 |
Jeremy Swayman’s recent five-game performance is encouraging for the Bruins, saving 2.53 goals above average. His ability to steal games is crucial for Boston’s playoff hopes. | — | 30-31-9 |
26 |
 |
Matvei Michkov is tied for rookie goals lead with 20, despite occasional benching. His talent and underlying numbers are impressive for a rookie, suggesting a promising future. | 3 | 28-34-8 |
27 |
 |
The Kraken need to build positive momentum for next season, especially from Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour, who have a combined minus-17 goal differential, underperforming expectations. | 1 | 30-35-5 |
28 |
 |
After a scoreless streak, Steven Stamkos has rebounded with nine points in four games, improving his season stats. Signs of strong play from Stamkos offer hope for the Predators’ future. | 2 | 25-35-8 |
29 |
 |
The Sabres need to find a strong No. 2 defenseman to support Rasmus Dahlin, who is performing exceptionally. Owen Power is a potential candidate, but needs further development. | 2 | 27-34-6 |
30 |
 |
Sidney Crosby’s recent performance is commendable, reaching 70 points for the 15th time. His continued high level of play encourages calls for Pittsburgh to give Crosby another chance at a Stanley Cup. | 1 | 29-32-10 |
31 |
 |
Spencer Knight is showing star potential for Chicago, with strong early performances. Unlike Florida, Chicago will offer him consistent playing time to develop further. | — | 20-40-9 |
32 |
 |
Will Smith is improving in the NHL, with nine points in his last seven games. His 32 rookie points are starting to match his high draft expectations. | — | 18-42-9 |
