2. Vancouver Canucks (37-15-6)
Total points: 186
Last week: No. 1
"If I were the Canucks general manager, I would be patting myself on the back. I acquired forward Elias Lindholm and defenseman Nikita Zadorov in-season after bolstering the roster in free agency and have us sitting atop of the NHL standings. But to ensure we will have the best chance to win the Stanley Cup, I'm going to acquire a depth defenseman at the deadline. We are currently without Carson Soucy, and are one injury away from having potential issues on the backend." -- David Satriano, staff writer
3. New York Rangers (37-16-3)
Total points: 180
Last week: No. 5
"If I were the Rangers general manager, the one thing I wouldn't do is trade forward Kaapo Kakko. Though my team needs more scoring after the top six, trading away Kakko to get it is not the answer. He's playing well and contributing on a daily basis. If I can get more scoring without moving him, of course I would. But what I'm really looking to do is add a veteran defenseman for draft picks and prospects. I worry about my depth on the blue line, and need another solid player in case any of my top four defensemen get hurt." -- Bill Price, Editor-in-Chief
4. Boston Bruins (34-12-11)
Total points: 168
Last week: No. 2
"If I were the Bruins general manager, I would target offense. I know that Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin would be an unbelievable get, with the local kid potentially an option to acquire and sign as the Bruins did previously with Hampus Lindholm. But I'd save my pennies for him in free agency and instead try to bolster an offense that seems to have gone a bit cold. That might be recency bias, but with an offense ranked No. 13 in the NHL at 3.32 goals per game (entering Wednesday), that's where my mind is." -- Amalie Benjamin, staff writer
5. Colorado Avalanche (35-18-4)
Total points: 180
Last week: No. 6
"If I were the Avalanche general manager, I would be surveying prices for a backup goalie and depth forwards. Unlike many other GMs at this time, a little more than two weeks from the deadline, I wouldn't just be looking to make a rental deal, but perhaps a hockey deal if it were to make sense. The opportunity to win the Stanley Cup for the second time in three seasons is out there, but reinforcements are necessary even if the positivity surrounding the return of forward Gabriel Landeskog, who has been out all season, proves to be well-founded." -- Shawn P. Roarke, senior director of editorial
6. Dallas Stars (34-15-8)
Total points: 145
Last week: No. 4
"If I were the Stars general manager, I would be getting more depth at the blue line. The Stars have no problems scoring goals this season so I wouldn't touch their forwards, but they've had more issues in what they've given up; 3.02 goals allowed per game this season, compared to 2.62 last season. I know it's likely going to cost a pretty penny (i.e., a high draft pick, a prospect) but after advancing to the Western Conference Final last season, the Stars have an excellent opportunity to return to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2020. I would want to do what's necessary to push the Stars over the top." -- Tracey Myers, staff writer
7. Edmonton Oilers (33-18-2)
Total points: 128
Last week: No. 7
"If I were the Oilers general manager, I would be looking for a top-six forward and a veteran defenseman who can add depth to the blue line for a long playoff run. If available, I would also look for a goalie to backup Stuart Skinner through the rest of the season and into the playoffs, one who is capable of temporarily taking on the job of No. 1 if necessary. Edmonton has a lot of pieces in place to go on an extended run in the playoffs and this may be its best chance to win the Stanley Cup since its last championship in 1990. Winning four playoff rounds requires depth and contributions throughout the lineup and the Oilers could use more of it up front and on the blue line. The addition of forward Corey Perry will help, but eventually the 38-year-old will settle into a bottom-six role leaving a spot open for someone who can play on the top two lines with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evander Kane. I would not be afraid to move future assets to get players who can help now. Edmonton is in its championship window, meaning highly touted prospects and draft picks should be on the table. A first-round pick would be a small price to pay if it helps bring the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton." -- Derek Van Diest, staff writer
8. Winnipeg Jets (34-15-5)
Total points: 119
Last week: No. 9
"If I were the Jets general manager, I would proceed with any deadline trades with great caution and be content with making none. I would be constantly asking myself, "Are we a legitimate Stanley Cup contender as constructed?" If I think the answer is yes, I'd also be asking, "Can we increase our chances of winning now without destroying our future?" Highly debatable. Winnipeg special teams have been subpar all season but fixing that is not as easy as throwing a new guy into the mix. Sure, the Jets could use a top-four defenseman with puck moving skills like Noah Hanifin. But is the potential benefit worth the exorbitant price likely resulting from the bidding war with a dozen other teams? Probably not. More importantly, the Jets already have superb goaltending and are the League's best team at defending 5-on-5. In the playoffs, these are the things that often make the biggest difference." -- Paul Strizhevsky, staff writer
9. Carolina Hurricanes (33-17-5)
Total points: 118
Last week: No. 10
"If I were the Hurricanes general manager, I would be looking for another a forward to add to their scoring depth for the playoffs. Carolina has one of the best defenses in the NHL and, with Frederik Andersen nearing his return from a blood clotting issue, their goaltending should be solidified. The Hurricanes also have a balanced attack at forward, but as they learned last season, injuries can change that. Losing Andrei Svechnikov to a torn ACL eventually caught up to them in the Eastern Conference Final, when they were swept in four one-goal games. Having another forward that can play in the top three lines, or higher if needed, would be helpful even if the Hurricanes can stay healthy." -- Tom Gulitti, staff writer
10. Vegas Golden Knights (32-18-6)
Total points: 96
Last week: No. 8
"If I were the Golden Knights general manager, I would be inquiring around the League about the cost to acquire forward depth, preferably a winger to play in the bottom six forward group. I know we have the defense and goaltending that can take us far in the playoffs. I know that our center depth will be stronger when Jack Eichel returns to the lineup. The hope is that we'll see William Carrier and Pavel Dorofeyev soon, too. But I want to be sure we have all the ingredients necessary for a repeat run, so I'm looking for forward depth in the form of a rental player or two." -- Dan Rosen, senior writer
11. Toronto Maple Leafs (31-16-8)
Total points: 87
Last week: No. 13
"If I were the Maple Leafs general manager, I would be looking for help on defense. Toronto is in the bottom half of the NHL in goals-against per game (3.13), and it's hard to advance in the playoffs when you experience difficulty keeping the puck out of your net. Offense isn't hard to come by for the Maple Leafs, so if they can find a deal in the next two weeks that can help them defensively, they'd be in a far better situation come playoff time." -- Brian Compton, managing editor
12. Los Angeles Kings (28-16-10)
Total points: 47
Last week: Unranked
"If I were the Kings general manager, I would be patient and see if the winning continues. I'm going to need a full and honest evaluation about this team and opinions from my scouts and advisers. Can we compete in the super top heavy Western Conference against the likes of the Canucks, Golden Knights, Oilers, Avalanche, Stars and Jets? If I think we can beat one of those teams in a seven-game playoff series, than I'll try to add, likely on the defensive end. But if the writing is on the wall and this just doesn't seem to be the year, I will probably stand pat, say my team is on the ice, and go for it with what we've got. There are no gaping holes in the Kings' roster; there is just a question of if the makeup of the team is good enough to pull off a playoff upset." -- Rosen
13. Detroit Red Wings (29-20-6)
Total points: 45
Last week: No. 14
"If I were the Red Wings general manager, I would be looking for trades that could help not just now but in the future. As much as Detroit wants to end its seven-season playoff drought, this is not the time to give up assets for short-term rentals. The Red Wings still have a lot of building to do and aren't close to competing for the Stanley Cup. The prudent course is to rent your own pending unrestricted free agents. If there is a hockey trade that makes sense for the medium or long term, pounce. Otherwise, remain patient." -- Nicholas J. Cotsonika, columnist
14. Tampa Bay Lightning (30-22-5)
Total points: 41
Last week: No. 11
"If I were the Lightning general manager, I would be evaluating my own prospects and draft picks to determine if I can even make the trades I want to make. I would be calling the Flames about Hanifin, the Philadelphia Flyers about Sean Walker and Nick Seeler, the Nashville Predators about Tyson Barrie and others, too. I would be scouring the market for a defenseman to replace Mikhail Sergachev, who is likely out for the season with a broken leg, but I would be worried that I may not have enough in my arsenal of picks and prospects to make the trade. I would be trying to involve a third team and getting creative to do so. I would not be standing pat. I would be trying to put my team in position to try to win the Stanley Cup again, because the window is still open with the core and there's only so many chances you can get at this. I would be taking risks and big swings." -- Rosen
15. Philadelphia Flyers (30-20-7)
Total points: 40
Last week: No. 12
"If I were Flyers general manager, I'd be looking to add a backup goalie. Samuel Ersson has done a nice job since moving into the No. 1 role and looks like he could be a long-term starting goalie a team can build around. But he's also a 24-year-old rookie who never has played NHL games with the kind of pressure he'll be facing as the Flyers fight for a spot in the playoffs. Cal Petersen, the current backup, has played four games, two since Nov. 11, and has a sub-.900 save percentage in three of them entering Wednesday. I'd also continue listening on offers for Walker and Seeler but the return would have to significant to break up what coach John Tortorella called 'our best defense pair.' But finding a proven goalie who can thrive in a backup role and be trusted with more than a spot start to make sure Ersson is fresh for the big games that remain, and hopefully the postseason, is at the top of my to-do list ahead of the trade deadline March 8." -- Adam Kimelman, deputy managing editor
16. New Jersey Devils (28-23-4)
Total points: 13
Last week: No. 16
"If I were the Devils general manager, I would be persistent in looking to acquire depth in goal. While it would be beneficial to bring in a goalie with some playoff pedigree, it's more important to target a veteran with NHL experience. Vitek Vanecek was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury on Tuesday and while Nico Daws has performed admirably in his absence, it's hard to envision a 23-year-old rookie goaltender as the savior for a team that will have its share of defensive mishaps down the stretch. Thus, getting a goalie that will provide quality starts while Daws can get a breather every so often is paramount." -- Mike G. Morreale, senior draft writer
Others receiving points: St. Louis Blues 8, Nashville Predators 2
Dropped out: Blues (No. 15)
New Amsterdam Game of the Week
Each week, NHL.com will highlight one game that features two teams in the Super 16. This week, it's the No. 4 Bruins against the No. 2 Canucks at Rogers Arena on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; CITY, SNP, NESN).
A potential Stanley Cup Final preview? Hey, why not. Let's think big. A rematch of the epic 2011 Stanley Cup Final, won in seven games by the Bruins? Sure, we can go there. There are 13 games on the schedule Saturday and this could be the best of them all. The Canucks will be looking for some revenge too, having lost not only in the 2011 Final, but also 4-0 in Boston on Feb. 8. The recency bias matters more, of course, and the Canucks have to get going. They've lost three in a row. -- Rosen
HERE'S HOW WE RANKED 'EM
AMALIE BENJAMIN
1. Florida Panthers; 2. Vancouver Canucks; 3. New York Rangers; 4. Boston Bruins; 5. Dallas Stars; 6. Colorado Avalanche; 7. Edmonton Oilers; 8. Winnipeg Jets; 9. Carolina Hurricanes; 10. Vegas Golden Knights; 11. Toronto Maple Leafs; 12. Los Angeles Kings; 13. Detroit Red Wings; 14. Tampa Bay Lightning; 15. Philadelphia Flyers; 16. St. Louis Blues
BRIAN COMPTON
1. Florida Panthers; 2. Vancouver Canucks; 3. New York Rangers; 4. Dallas Stars; 5. Boston Bruins; 6. Carolina Hurricanes; 7. Edmonton Oilers; 8. Winnipeg Jets; 9. Vegas Golden Knights; 10. Toronto Maple Leafs; 11. Colorado Avalanche; 12. Los Angeles Kings; 13. Detroit Red Wings; 14. Tampa Bay Lightning; 15. New Jersey Devils; 16. Philadelphia Flyers
NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA
1. Florida Panthers; 2. Vancouver Canucks; 3. New York Rangers; 4. Boston Bruins; 5. Winnipeg Jets; 6. Dallas Stars; 7. Colorado Avalanche; 8. Edmonton Oilers; 9. Carolina Hurricanes; 10. Toronto Maple Leafs; 11. Vegas Golden Knights; 12. Los Angeles Kings; 13. Detroit Red Wings; 14. Philadelphia Flyers; 15. Tampa Bay Lightning; 16. St. Louis Blues
TOM GULITTI
1. Florida Panthers; 2. New York Rangers; 3. Vancouver Canucks; 4. Boston Bruins; 5. Dallas Stars; 6. Winnipeg Jets; 7. Carolina Hurricanes; 8. Colorado Avalanche; 9. Edmonton Oilers; 10. Vegas Golden Knights; 11. Toronto Maple Leafs; 12. Los Angeles Kings; 13. Detroit Red Wings; 14. Philadelphia Flyers; 15. Tampa Bay Lightning; 16. New Jersey Devils
ADAM KIMELMAN
1. Vancouver Canucks; 2. Florida Panthers; 3. Dallas Stars; 4. Colorado Avalanche; 5. Boston Bruins; 6. New York Rangers; 7. Vegas Golden Knights; 8. Edmonton Oilers; 9. Winnipeg Jets; 10. Toronto Maple Leafs; 11. Carolina Hurricanes; 12. Tampa Bay Lightning; 13. Philadelphia Flyers; 14. Los Angeles Kings; 15. Detroit Red Wings; 16. Nashville Predators
MIKE G. MORREALE
1. Florida Panthers; 2. New York Rangers; 3. Boston Bruins; 4. Colorado Avalanche; 5. Dallas Stars; 6. Vancouver Canucks; 7. Carolina Hurricanes; 8. Winnipeg Jets; 9. Toronto Maple Leafs; 10. Vegas Golden Knights; 11. Edmonton Oilers; 12. Detroit Red Wings; 13. Tampa Bay Lightning; 14. Los Angeles Kings; 15. New Jersey Devils; 16. Philadelphia Flyers
TRACEY MYERS
1. Vancouver Canucks; 2. Florida Panthers; 3. Boston Bruins; 4. New York Rangers; 5. Dallas Stars; 6. Colorado Avalanche; 7. Winnipeg Jets; 8. Carolina Hurricanes; 9. Vegas Golden Knights; 10. Edmonton Oilers; 11. Toronto Maple Leafs; 12. Philadelphia Flyers; 13. Detroit Red Wings; 14. Tampa Bay Lightning; 15. Los Angeles Kings; 16. St. Louis Blues
BILL PRICE
1. Vancouver Canucks; 2. New York Rangers; 3. Boston Bruins; 4. Edmonton Oilers; 5. Florida Panthers; 6. Colorado Avalanche; 7. Dallas Stars; 8. Winnipeg Jets; 9. Carolina Hurricanes; 10. Vegas Golden Knights; 11. Toronto Maple Leafs; 12. Philadelphia Flyers; 13. Detroit Red Wings; 14. Los Angeles Kings; 15. Tampa Bay Lightning; 16. St. Louis Blues
SHAWN P. ROARKE
1. Edmonton Oilers; 2. Colorado Avalanche; 3. Florida Panthers; 4. Boston Bruins; 5. Vancouver Canucks; 6. Carolina Hurricanes; 7. New York Rangers; 8. Vegas Golden Knights; 9. Winnipeg Jets; 10. Dallas Stars; 11. Toronto Maple Leafs; 12. Tampa Bay Lightning; 13. New Jersey Devils; 14. Philadelphia Flyers; 15. St. Louis Blues; 16. Nashville Predators
DAN ROSEN
1. Florida Panthers; 2. New York Rangers; 3. Colorado Avalanche; 4. Vancouver Canucks; 5. Boston Bruins; 6. Edmonton Oilers; 7. Carolina Hurricanes; 8. Dallas Stars; 9. Winnipeg Jets; 10. Toronto Maple Leafs; 11. Vegas Golden Knights; 12. Los Angeles Kings; 13. Detroit Red Wings; 14. New Jersey Devils; 15. Philadelphia Flyers; 16. Tampa Bay Lightning
DAVID SATRIANO
1. Florida Panthers; 2. New York Rangers; 3. Colorado Avalanche; 4. Vancouver Canucks; 5. Boston Bruins; 6. Dallas Stars; 7. Carolina Hurricanes; 8. Edmonton Oilers; 9. Toronto Maple Leafs; 10. Vegas Golden Knights; 11. Tampa Bay Lightning; 12. Winnipeg Jets; 13. Los Angeles Kings; 14. Philadelphia Flyers; 15. Detroit Red Wings; 16. St. Louis Blues
PAUL STRIZHEVSKY
1. Florida Panthers; 2. New York Rangers; 3. Vancouver Canucks; 4. Boston Bruins; 5. Winnipeg Jets; 6. Dallas Stars; 7. Carolina Hurricanes; 8. Colorado Avalanche; 9. Edmonton Oilers; 10. Toronto Maple Leafs; 11. Vegas Golden Knights; 12. Los Angeles Kings; 13. Detroit Red Wings; 14. Philadelphia Flyers; 15. Tampa Bay Lightning; 16. St. Louis Blues
DEREK VAN DIEST
1. Vancouver Canucks; 2. Florida Panthers; 3. New York Rangers; 4. Boston Bruins; 5. Edmonton Oilers; 6. Dallas Stars; 7. Colorado Avalanche; 8. Winnipeg Jets; 9. Vegas Golden Knights; 10. Carolina Hurricanes; 11. Toronto Maple Leafs; 12. Philadelphia Flyers; 13. Detroit Red Wings; 14. Tampa Bay Lightning; 15. Los Angeles Kings; 16. New Jersey Devils
