NHL Report Cards: Grading Every Team at the Halfway Mark of the Season
The NHL season has reached its midpoint, with all 32 teams having played between 46 and 49 games. By now, we generally know what each team is capable of and whether they should focus on contending for the title, making short-term progress, or building for the long-term future. It's the perfect time to hand out some grades, and that's exactly what The Athletic did this week, asking its NHL staff to assign a grade to every team with expectations in mind. These grades are sure to please some and disappoint others, so read on to see how your favorite team fared.
Anaheim Ducks: C+
The Ducks started the season with an exciting, high-event style of hockey, but their winning formula didn't last. Opponents adapted, slowing down their rush game, and the Ducks had to adjust. The offense has become harder to come by, and their defense has been inconsistent, allowing too many scoring chances. The young players are still growing, but a recent nine-game losing streak showed they're not ready to lead just yet. The contributions from veteran players have also waned.
Boston Bruins: B+
The Bruins are fading, but they're still in the playoff hunt, which is a good position to be in considering their poor performance last season. Jeremy Swayman is back, the team plays with spirit, and a few players are performing above expectations. However, they need to step up their game if they want to make a run for the playoffs.
Buffalo Sabres: B
The Sabres had a slow start due to injuries and inconsistent play, but a 10-game winning streak under new general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen has put them back in the wild-card mix. This Sabres team is deeper and more defensively sound than in previous years.
Calgary Flames: D
The Flames weren't expected to make the playoffs, and their offense is trailing behind the rest of the league. They needed to sell hope with their future, but fans weren't given that hope after some confusing comments about a retool and rebuild earlier this year. Their youth needs more time and opportunity, but they're still in the hunt for a top pick in the draft, which could be a turning point for the franchise.
Carolina Hurricanes: B+
The Hurricanes are atop the Metropolitan Division, but injuries and inconsistency have caused some ups and downs. The good news is they've found a gem in goaltender Brandon Bussi, who is off to a strong start. The team is also getting healthier, with key players returning from injuries. The Hurricanes' power play is showing signs of life, and they're in a good position to make a run for the playoffs.
Chicago Blackhawks: B
The Blackhawks have been much better than expected, and Connor Bedard is a major reason for that. Even when he was out for a month, the team remained afloat. Players like Spencer Knight and Tyler Bertuzzi have consistently performed well, and the young players are coming along. The Blackhawks have been more structured and competitive under coach Jeff Blashill. While they're still unlikely to make the playoffs, they're in the mix.
Colorado Avalanche: A+
The Avalanche are on pace to tie the 2022-23 Bruins for the best regular-season record in NHL history. Their plus-79 goal differential is nearly double that of the next-best team. Colorado has the favorites to win several awards, including the Art Ross, Rocket Richard, Hart, and Norris. Their performance this season has been exemplary.
Columbus Blue Jackets: D
The Blue Jackets fired their coach, Dean Evason, and replaced him with Rick Bowness, but they're still stuck in second-last place in the East. They've scored fewer goals and allowed more goals than a year ago, and they've coughed up too many late leads. Their points percentage is .521, which is not what they were expecting after nearly making the playoffs last season.
Dallas Stars: B+
The Stars were close to the Avalanche, but a six-game losing streak ended their chase. Their underlying numbers are fair to middling, and they're being propped up by a brilliant power play. Still, they're third in the league, and their stars are having huge seasons. Now, they just need to cruise to the finish line and prepare for a tough first-round matchup with the Wild.
Detroit Red Wings: B+
The Red Wings have exceeded preseason expectations, battling for the top spot in the Atlantic. They're getting good depth contributions, a Norris-level season from Moritz Seider, and strong goaltending. However, they still have a lot to prove, especially as the games get harder.
Edmonton Oilers: B+
The Oilers have a championship ceiling, led by Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard. Their floor is expansion level at five-on-five, and they're in a good spot. Some of the recent auditions in depth positions appear to be gaining traction. It's been a weird first half for the Oilers.
Florida Panthers: B
Without Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, the Panthers struggled mightily to start the year, but they've been better lately. Their 93-point pace puts them in wild-card territory, which is all they need to accomplish to do damage in the postseason. They've played more hockey than anyone in the league in recent years, so we're not going to fret that they aren't in more solid playoff positioning.
Los Angeles Kings: D
The Kings brought in Ken Holland as GM to change things after four straight first-round losses to Edmonton. Holland kept Jim Hiller as coach despite his backfiring maneuvers last spring. This season has shown that the Kings brought in inadequate replacements for key departures, and the few successful additions have been offset by returnees not measuring up to last season's performance. Only goalie Darcy Kuemper and defenseman Brandt Clarke have excelled. The Kings have traded wins and losses throughout the weak Pacific Division.
Minnesota Wild: A
After winning three of their first 12 games, the Wild are in the top three for points in the NHL and the Central Division. They're on the verge of true contender status and have executed a blockbuster trade for Quinn Hughes. With a great blue line, great goaltending tandem, and star power, the Wild are in a strong position.
Montreal Canadiens: A
The Canadiens are in the thick of a race to win the Atlantic Division, and it's impressive that they're doing it as the NHL's youngest team. Their young talents, like Juraj Slafkovský and Ivan Demidov, are driving the bus, and they're doing it despite missing several key players to injury. General manager Kent Hughes says his team is ahead of schedule, and this grade reflects that.
Nashville Predators: C
The Predators are essentially averaging an 'F' for the first quarter and an 'A' for the second quarter, which has pulled them into playoff contention. However, there's tremendous outside negativity surrounding the team. Predators fans are enamored of a true rebuild, but Roman Josi, Filip Forsberg, and Steven Stamkos are fighting and leading the team.
New Jersey Devils: D
The Devils' fall has been startling after their strong start to the season. Injuries haven't helped, but their playoff odds have dropped significantly, which speaks poorly of everyone involved. There have also been eventful off-ice moments, including the Quinn Hughes pursuit and Dougie Hamilton being a healthy scratch.
New York Islanders: B+
The Islanders' season hasn't been perfect, but they're still exceeding expectations. The vibes have changed since a management change, and the on-ice product is trending up. Matthew Schaefer has been phenomenal, Ilya Sorokin is Vezina-worthy, and Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat are leading the way. The team plays with more pace and has a stronger long-term outlook.
New York Rangers: F
The Rangers are the only team in the Eastern Conference under .500. They're coming off a 10-2 loss to Boston, a blown two-goal lead to Seattle, and an 8-4 loss to the Senators. It's only January, and Chris Drury has already sent a letter to fans indicating they'll be sellers. The team's aging core makes it hard to be charitable with the midseason grade.
Ottawa Senators: D+
The Senators have done many things right, with strong underlying metrics and top offensive players. Jake Sanderson is emerging as one of the best two-way defenders. However, goaltending has them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, and their playoff chances are plummeting. They risk slipping in their growth trajectory with this core.
Philadelphia Flyers: B+
The Flyers have been in a playoff position for much of the season, which is a win for a team many figured would be near the league basement. Their offseason additions have fueled their success, with Dan Vladar outstanding in net, Trevor Zegras pacing the offense, and Christian Dvorak providing solid play. However, they lose points for their abysmal power play and the regression of young winger Matvei Michkov.
Pittsburgh Penguins: A-
The Penguins are in a fight for a playoff spot, which exceeds reasonable expectations. While they blew leads in December, it was still a magnificent season for the team. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are still going strong, and young Ben Kindel could be a foundational player. However, the way they blew leads in December keeps them from an A grade.
San Jose Sharks: A+
The Sharks had an NHL-low 52 points last season but are now in a wild-card position in the Western Conference. Expectations should be factored in, and San Jose's was about increasing its win total and moving into an upward trajectory. Instead, Macklin Celebrini has dragged the Sharks into a playoff push. The 19-year-old Hart Trophy candidate has been so good that he's keeping up folks watching late at night on the East Coast. The Sharks are bringing big crowds back to SAP Center.
Seattle Kraken: B
The Kraken's goaltending has largely carried them, and they've defied gravity despite some five-on-five struggles. They're still in the Western Conference playoff race and have become a formidable defensive side under Lane Lambert. While it might not be meaningful or sustainable progress just yet, the Kraken have exceeded expectations and put themselves in a position to compete for a playoff spot.
St. Louis Blues: F
It's hard to fathom that the Blues were viewed as a potential playoff team before the season. They're tied for last in goal differential and averaging the fewest goals per game in the league. With a 33-year-old defenseman who had four goals last season, Justin Faulk, tied for the team lead (11). They were also allowing the fourth-most goals in the league and had the 24th-ranked power play and 25th-ranked penalty kill. It's an all-around epic disaster.
Tampa Bay Lightning: A-
The Lightning have been streaky at times, with some ups and downs. Brayden Point is the latest to join a long list of injuries to key players. Despite all that, Tampa Bay still looks like one of the strongest contenders in the Eastern Conference. It's a credit to the team's elite core, Jon Cooper's coaching, and the overall development system. The supporting cast has stepped up, and the team should make for a much deeper lineup when healthy.
Toronto Maple Leafs: C
The last three weeks haven't erased the first three months when the Leafs were an underperforming team. They've turned things around, with Auston Matthews looking like a superstar again and the power play improving. However, the playoffs are still a question mark due to the team's troubling start.
Utah Mammoth: C+
The Mammoth were a popular pick to break out in 2025-26, boasting an impressive collection of young talent and robust analytics last season. Unfortunately, they haven't come together yet, and Utah is on pace for 89 points, which would tie last year's total. The young players haven't taken the leap to superstar status, the power play is ranked 31st, and secondary scoring remains underwhelming. However, Utah still sits in the first wild-card spot due to the poor West division.
Vancouver Canucks: F
The Canucks lost their ninth consecutive game on Thursday night in Columbus. One more loss would match Vancouver's longest winless streak since 1997-98, and the franchise record is in sight. The Canucks have played uninspired hockey, traded their franchise player, and been beset by injuries. They rank 32nd in the NHL by points percentage and are likely to stay there over the balance of the season.
Vegas Golden Knights: B-
By every statistical measure, the Golden Knights have been middling this season. They're seventh in goals per game and 20th in goals against. Their recent five-game win streak was desperately needed after losing eight of their previous nine games. The only reason Vegas' grade gets bumped from a C to a B-minus is because they still remain atop the Pacific Division.
