NHL Early Season Rankings: Avalanche Lead, Sharks Struggle

The Colorado Avalanche currently hold the top spot in early season Stanley Cup contention, while the San Jose Sharks find themselves at the bottom of the league rankings as of today, October 20, 2025.

Despite a slow start for some established contenders like the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have only one win in their first six games, analysts predict a turnaround for veteran teams capable of making deep playoff runs. The Winnipeg Jets have also made a strong showing, climbing into the top five based on an impressive start to the season. Conversely, the San Jose Sharks are facing significant challenges, with a 0-3-2 record and a concerning goal differential of -12. Ryan Warsofsky, the Sharks’ head coach, expressed his frustration stating, “I’d give up one of my children for a f–king win,” according to NBC Sports Bay Area.

Several teams are generating early-season buzz, including the Detroit Red Wings, who have won five consecutive games after an initial loss, and the New Jersey Devils, who have defeated last year’s Stanley Cup finalists. However, the Devils are not yet in the top five, with the Carolina Hurricanes maintaining a perfect 5-0-0 record and securing the number one spot for the Metro division. The Calgary Flames, despite being overlooked in pre-season predictions, are currently struggling with a 1-5-0 record, raising concerns about their ability to replicate last year’s playoff contention. For more on team performance and standings, visit the official NHL website.

Goaltending remains a key storyline, with Dustin Wolf of the Calgary Flames experiencing a difficult start after a promising rookie season. The Toronto Maple Leafs are also navigating a unique goalie situation, with Anthony Stolarz expressing concerns about repeated contact. Officials indicated that upcoming games will be crucial for teams looking to solidify their position in the standings and address early-season issues.