NHL Power Rankings: Way-Too-Early edition for 2023-24 - ESPN

The Vegas Golden Knights are the 2023 Stanley Cup champions, joining the distinguished list of the NHL's best.

And now, their title defense begins.

As we await the 2023 NHL draft, along with free agency and trade season, it's time for the Way-Too-Early edition of the 2023-24 NHL Power Rankings, voted on by the extended ESPN hockey family. Along with the ranking, we present the big things we're watching this summer for each club, courtesy of Ryan S. Clark, Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors rates teams against one another, and those results are tabulated to produce the list featured here.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the final regular-season edition, published April 7.

Previous ranking: 52022-23 finish: Stanley Cup champion

Everything Adin Hill did in the Stanley Cup playoffs reinforces why the Golden Knights — or any team in need of a goaltender — would want his services for 2023-24 and beyond. And if the Golden Knights re-sign Hill, what does that mean for Robin Lehner and the two years he has left on his contract at $5 million annually? — Clark

Previous ranking: 32022-23 finish: Second-round loss

After a breakout season, the Devils have a lot of decisions to make in the offseason. They have only five forwards under contract for next season. Among their restricted free agents at forward are Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt; their unrestricted free agents are veterans Erik Haula, Tomas Tatar and Miles Wood. Finally, will the Devils seek an upgrade in goal? — Wyshynski

Previous ranking: 82022-23 finish: First-round loss

How will they manage their cap space? Losing Gabriel Landeskog for what looks like the entire season will