NHL Power Rankings: Dallas Stars shine amidst perfect start, Edmonton Oilers stumble out of the gate - CBSSports.com

The 2024-25 season is underway, and that means the first NHL Power Rankings are here. There have been a few surprises in the early going, and that means there may be a lot of volatility in these first few weeks.

Before we get to the rankings, it's important to note that I'll also be factoring in preseason expectations for teams through the first month of the season. For example, I don't think the Oilers and Avalanche are two of the worst teams in hockey, and I doubt the Flames are a Western Conference juggernaut.

Early-season hockey can often be deceiving, but I do still want to reward teams for winning and punish teams for losing. Otherwise, why do we play the games? Having said that, I'll need teams like the Flames to keep proving that they're for real before I fully buy-in on what they're selling.

There are at least a few teams that have looked as advertised so far, and one of them is my Stanley Cup pick. The Dallas Stars are off to a perfect start, and their stingy defense has already been on display, allowing just five goals through four games.

With the Stars shining and some other contenders floundering, here are the first NHL Power Rankings of the new season.

All expected goals data courtesy of Natural Stat Trick.