Colorado Avalanche Lead NHL Power Rankings at Olympic Break

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The NHL is on pause for the 2026 Winter Olympics, but front offices are already preparing for the March 6th trade deadline. While the world tunes in to the hockey tournament in Milano Cortina, teams are assessing their rosters and looking to make moves that will help them make a deep playoff run. The Colorado Avalanche lead the NHL's Stanley Cup Power Rankings at the Olympic break, but they face stiff competition from other top teams in the Western Conference like the Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, and Vegas Golden Knights.

Why it matters

The NHL trade deadline is a critical juncture in the season, as teams look to bolster their rosters for the playoffs. With the Western Conference so tightly contested, the moves made by contenders like the Avalanche, Wild, Stars, and Golden Knights could have a major impact on the Stanley Cup race.

The details

The Avalanche have been the NHL's best team all season, leading the league in points, goal differential, goals scored per game, and goals allowed per game. However, they have come back to Earth a bit since early January. Meanwhile, the Wild, Stars, and Golden Knights are all right on Colorado's heels, making the Western Conference a gauntlet. Other teams like the Maple Leafs, Senators, Blue Jackets, and Capitals are also in the playoff hunt and could be active at the trade deadline.

• The NHL trade deadline is set for March 6, 2026.
• The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are currently underway.

What’s next

Teams will be active at the March 6th trade deadline, looking to add pieces that can help them make a deep playoff run. The Western Conference in particular is stacked with contenders, so the moves made by teams like the Avalanche, Wild, Stars, and Golden Knights could have a major impact on the Stanley Cup race.