J.T. Miller, C (rostered in 88.4%): It's tempting to stay calm after his strong post-trade run last year -- 2.44 FPPG in 32 games -- but his even-strength play has cratered. Across nine line combos he has logged 20-plus minutes with, the Rangers have been outscored 13-7 at 5-on-5. That's a big red flag. Panic.

The Stars are making a real case to be our top team as they meet the level of their Central Division rival. Dallas has won four in a row. It is is 8-0-2 in its last four. The Stars haven't lost in regulation since Nov. 18. It's already getting me excited for the inevitable playoff clash between these two Stanley Cup contenders.

See Forbes' 2025 list of the most valuable NHL teams, led by two hockey clubs worth at least $4 billion, and with the ranking's average value surging to $2.2 billion.

One of the odd statistical outliers from the first two months can be found in the list of penalty-minute leaders. While the top 10 features some expected names, such as Tom Wilson, Arber Xhekaj and Nikita Zadorov, the category’s current leader is none other than Mikko Rantanen, thanks to that recent “hit everyone from behind” phase he went through.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon has his team posting excellent results, while Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini remain in our top five.

The NHL's annual trade deadline is scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2025, at 3 pm ET. While it's still three months away, several teams could end up becoming buyers and sellers well before deadline day.

Canadian NHL teams will have plenty of world junior representation, and many are expected to play large roles while playing for their nation.

The Lightning were the visibly better team over the final 40 minutes of regulation, and that backflip was reflected in the score—Tampa Bay came back to tie the Islanders and earn a standings point before falling 3-2 in a shootout. Tampa Bay is now 18-11-3 and has earned standings points in three straight games.