With the NHL season in full swing, it’s been a banner year for Canadian teams. All seven franchises are proving to be competitive and challenging opponents—a refreshing change from recent years. With the Holiday break right around the corner, TSN Hockey analyst Bruce Boudreau joins Domino’s That’s Hockey to rank all seven Canadian teams at this point in the season in List It.
With the holiday break with us, it seemed appropriate on Canada’s Boxing Day to trot out where the Canadian NHL teams rank from the best to the rest heading into the new year.
The First to Seventh, the Canadian Teams Ranked
Here are the Canadian teams from 1st to 7th on Canada’s Boxing Day.
#1 Canadian Team: Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are the best Canadian team right now. If you forget their rough first 10 games, they’ve been on an incredible run, and their stars are leading the way. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are playing at an elite level, and the team is starting to look like the juggernaut we all expected.
The Oilers are getting solid goaltending — even if Stuart Skinner’s numbers look pedestrian — and the depth forwards are starting to step up and produce. The team has too many capable forwards to fit everyone in, and they’ll have to make some tough decisions when the team is healthy, but that’s a good problem to have. And Darnell Nurse and Brett Kulak are having career years, even if Evan Bouchard is hit-and-miss. Ty Emberson is finding his way, and the Oilers are rolling.
Edmonton appears poised for another deep playoff push, mirroring their momentum from last year. They’ve earned the top spot with their recent performance.
#2: Winnipeg Jets
The Jets are finding their game again after a hot start, then a modest stumble earlier this season. They’ve already weathered their .500 stretch and are now playing consistent, structured hockey. Winnipeg’s depth and ability to respond to adversity make them a clear second among Canadian teams, with a strong chance of being a playoff lock.
#3: Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto continues to show its firepower, but lingering questions about injuries—particularly in goal and Auston Matthews—keep them from the top of the list. Matthews is playing like a star when he’s not injured, and the team has the talent to compete with anyone. However, consistency and health remain key for the Leafs as they look to solidify their place among the league’s elite.
#4:Vancouver Canucks
After an impressive 110-point season last year, the Canucks have yet to hit their full stride this season. Thatcher Demko is back in action, and Quinn Hughes has been phenomenal, cementing himself as one of the league’s best defensemen. Vancouver has all the pieces to make a push, but they’ll need to find more consistency to climb higher in these rankings.
The biggest question for the Canucks is the rumors of inner turmoil. It’s a storyline that has taken over that franchise and it’s bound to become a bigger problem than it already is if a resolution isn’t found.
#5: Ottawa Senators
The Senators are heating up and becoming one of the toughest teams. They’ll need to maintain their pace—nearly .700 hockey—to secure a playoff spot, but their belief in themselves is evident. Ottawa’s youth and energy make them a dangerous opponent, and their recent play has earned them this spot. If Linus Ullmark can stay healthy, that would greatly benefit the team.
Teams Unlikely to Make The Playoffs
There is still a chance for the next two teams, but things aren’t looking for to make the postseason this year. Both of the following clubs will have to go on extended runs to put themselves back in the conversation.
#6 Canadian Team: Calgary Flames
The Flames are working hard and showing glimpses of what they can be, but questions remain about their ability to sustain their current level of play. While they’re still in the Wild Card hunt, the long grind of January, February, and March will test their depth and consistency. Calgary sits at #6 for now, but their work ethic is something to watch. Can they continue to trend upward?
#7 Canadian Team: Montreal Canadiens
Montreal rounds out the rankings, but that doesn’t mean they’ve been a pushover. Their rebuild is progressing, and they’re far more competitive than in recent years. While consistency is still an issue, the Canadiens have shown flashes of promise. They might not make the playoffs this year, but the future is bright for this young team. Patrik Laine has been a revelation. If he isn’t severely injured, he could help this team prosper.
Playoff Predictions for Canadian Teams
It’s been many seasons since five or more Canadian teams clinched playoff spots in an entire season (2016-17), but it feels possible again. Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Toronto look like locks, while Ottawa can sneak in. Vancouver could also make it, but Calgary and Montreal might fall short. Regardless, the strong play of Canada’s NHL teams is exciting.
Related: What If Laine’s Injury Was the Canadiens Hiding Something Else?
