As the NHL season unfolds, the power rankings continue to fluctuate, revealing early-season surprises and disappointments. The league boasts three undefeated teams, one squad yet to secure a regulation victory, and a plethora of intriguing storylines.

In this week’s cooperative power rankings by Daily Faceoff’s Mike Gould and Scott Maxwell, we see the Winnipeg Jets fall five spots down the ranks.

Record: 6–0–0, +14
Last Week: 2nd (+1)
Mike’s Rank: 1st
Scott’s Rank: 2nd

The reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Vegas Golden Knights, are setting the early pace in the NHL. Their undefeated record secures them the top spot in the power rankings, though underlying statistics hint that their dominance may not be as clear-cut as it seems.

2. Colorado Avalanche
Record: 5–0–0, +13
Last Week: 1st (-1)
Mike’s Rank: 2nd
Scott’s Rank: 1st

Despite not being the reigning champs, the Colorado Avalanche sit securely in second place. Their ability to excel in various styles of play, from grinding wins to high-scoring affairs, demonstrates their versatility and strength.

3. Boston Bruins
Record: 5–0–0, +9
Last Week: 3rd (0)
Mike’s Rank: 3rd
Scott’s Rank: 4th

The Boston Bruins have surged to a perfect 5-0 record, securing them the third spot in this week’s rankings. Their success, even with struggles on defense and the power play, showcases their resilience and determination.

4. Dallas Stars
Record: 3–0–1, +2
Last Week: 4th (0)
Mike’s Rank: 4th
Scott’s Rank: 5th

The Dallas Stars remain undefeated in regulation, with one overtime loss on their record. Players like Jason Robertson and Joe Pavelski have been standout performers, while Jake Oettinger’s goaltending continues to impress.

5. Detroit Red Wings
Record: 5–1–0, +15
Last Week: 14th (+9)
Mike’s Rank: 6th
Scott’s Rank: 8th

The Detroit Red Wings are a surprise package in the early season, thanks in part to the incredible performance of Alex DeBrincat. They are averaging an impressive five goals per game, making them an exciting team to watch.

22. Winnipeg Jets
Record: 2–3–0, -5
Last Week: 9th (-13)
Mike’s Rank: 24th
Scott’s Rank: 22nd

The Winnipeg Jets are off to a somewhat rocky start, with Connor Hellebuyck facing early challenges. Mark Scheifele has been a standout with four goals in five games, and Alex Iafallo is showing consistency. The team aims to find its footing under new leadership.

The NHL season is filled with twists and turns, and as teams settle into their groove, power rankings will continue to evolve, making it an exciting journey for fans and players alike.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have made a significant roster change due to an unfortunate injury.

On Monday, the team revealed that forward Patrik Laine has been placed on injured reserve, with the designation being retroactive to October 20. Laine, 25, sustained an upper-body injury following a high hit from Rasmus Andersson in the closing moments of the Blue Jackets’ 3-1 victory over the Calgary Flames on Friday.

Andersson was handed a four-game suspension for the hit, although an appeal on his behalf has been filed by the NHLPA. Laine’s injury status is currently day-to-day, and he is expected to remain on the injured reserve list until at least October 27. The Blue Jackets will play their next game on October 28 when they face the New York Islanders in Columbus.

In response to Laine’s absence, the Blue Jackets have recalled forward Dmitri Voronkov from the American Hockey League’s Cleveland Monsters. Voronkov, 23, is in his debut season playing in North America after signing an entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets in May. The 6’4″ winger has already notched one assist in his first four AHL games with Cleveland in the 2023-24 season.

The Blue Jackets originally selected Voronkov in the fourth round (No. 114 overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft. The Russian product from Angarsk had an impressive season, scoring 18 goals and accumulating 31 points in 54 KHL games with Ak Bars Kazan in the 2022-23 season, and adding eight goals and 12 points in 24 Gagarin Cup Playoff games.

Voronkov could make his NHL debut when the Blue Jackets face the Anaheim Ducks at Nationwide Arena on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ET.