NHL preseason power rankings: Can the Golden Knights go back-to-back after picture-perfect season?

Which NHL teams have the best shot at knocking the Golden Knights off their throne?

The Vegas Golden Knights enter the 2023-24 season as Stanley Cup champions for the first time in franchise history.

Sure, the Golden Knights have only been around for seven seasons now, but Vegas made it look easy last year with their dominant postseason performance, losing just six times across their entire playoff stretch. And now, the Golden Knights come into the 2023-24 season looking to defend their title for the first time.

That’s right, hockey season is officially back! The long summer is finally over and hockey games that matter are set to begin on Tuesday, October 10. And for the next eight months, hockey fans will be treated to a full slate of 82 games for each team and a heart-pounding Stanley Cup Playoff schedule as spring hits. What more could you ask for as a hockey fan?

MORE: Why these 5 NHL teams (Maple Leafs) will win the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.

It’s only right then that we kick off the new hockey season with our long-awaited preseason power rankings! Here’s how we here at For The Win rank all 32 teams headed into the 2023-24 NHL season.