Carolina tops the early 2026‑27 NHL Power Rankings after a Cup run, ranking first as the league eyes the summer. Frederik Andersen slips into unrestricted free agency, while Alexander Nikishin remains a restricted asset in a team that can spend close to $12 million in cap space.

Colorado returns to the summit after a GM shuffle, with Chris MacFarland leaving for Nashville and Joe Sakic reinstated. The Avalanche lock down most core forwards but face uncertainty on defense as Cale Makar negotiates a likely raise above his current $9 million AAV.

The Dallas Stars focus on Jason Robertson, a 26‑year‑old RFA who tallied 45 goals and 96 points last season. With a contract cap at $7.75 million, the Stars weigh a new deal amid rising salary expectations.

Montreal, Buffalo, and Vegas round the top ten, each wrestling with key RFA and UFA moves that could reshape their rosters. The break‑even point for many teams is the July 1 free‑agency opening, where cap space will dictate the next chapter of each franchise.