NHL Super 16 Holiday Wish Lists: What Top Teams Want This Season (2026)

Picture this: In the midst of the holiday season, when most of us are scribbling our wish lists for Santa, NHL teams are doing the same – but their gifts involve superstar signings, blockbuster trades, and prayers for good health to keep their playoff hopes alive. It's a thrilling time in hockey, where dreams of the Stanley Cup often hinge on just the right boost. But here's where it gets controversial: Are these 'wish lists' just fun hypotheticals, or do they reveal deeper weaknesses that could make or break a team's season? Stick around, as we dive into the festive edition of the Super 16 power rankings, where we'll unwrap what the league's top squads are really hoping for under the tree.

© Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images

By NHL.com

December 17, 2025

Ah, the holidays – a magical period brimming with joy, twinkling lights, and, of course, those eagerly awaited wish lists. For NHL teams, this festive vibe translates into their own version of holiday dreams, especially when they're grappling with challenges on the ice. So, what are the must-haves for the league's elite squads this season? If a team is facing hurdles in a specific area, what kind of present could turn their fortunes around?

Our Super 16 feature this week serves up some thoughtful suggestions tailored to the teams that made the cut in our latest rankings. To clarify how we arrive at these rankings for beginners: Each week, a panel of 15 expert voters submits their personal top 16 lists. Teams earn points based on their position – the top pick gets 16 points, the second gets 15, and it decreases from there. The totals determine the overall Super 16 order, blending opinions into a comprehensive snapshot of the league's hierarchy.

And with that festive spirit in mind, let's explore the holiday gift guide for the Super 16:

1. Colorado Avalanche (24-2-7)

Total points: 240
Last week: No. 1

What do you gift a squad that's already dominating the NHL like nobody's business? Perhaps a turbocharged power play to elevate their game even further. Despite boasting the league's best record, the Avalanche find themselves stuck at 27th in power-play efficiency as of Thursday. This seems almost unbelievable when you consider their star-studded unit, including blue-liner Cale Makar at the point and forwards like Nathan MacKinnon, Brock Nelson, Martin Necas, and Gabriel Landeskog. Yet, through 33 games, they've only converted 15.7% of their man-advantage chances. Sure, Colorado hasn't needed to lean on the power play much this season, but come playoff time, a potent one could be the edge that clinches a series. Rest assured, they'll likely crack this code eventually, transforming into an even more unstoppable force. -- Derek Van Diest, staff writer

But here's where it gets controversial: Is relying less on the power play a smart strategy, or does it hide a vulnerability that playoffs will expose? Fans, what's your take?

1. Dallas Stars (22-7-5)

Total points: 224
Last week: No. 2

This one's a no-brainer for me: Locking in Jason Robertson with a new contract tops the Stars' holiday desires. The dynamic forward is wrapping up a deal worth $7.75 million annually and will hit restricted free agency on July 1. He's delivered phenomenal bang for the buck in Dallas. At 26 years old, Robertson has racked up 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists) in 34 games, trailing only Mikko Rantanen (44 points; 14 goals, 30 assists). He hasn't gone more than two games without a point all season. It might be a stretch for the Stars, who've already shelled out big bucks to others, but re-signing him would be a cherry on top of their success. -- Tracey Myers, staff writer

And this is the part most people miss: With star players like Robertson proving their worth, do teams risk overpaying in free agency, potentially derailing future flexibility?

1. Carolina Hurricanes (22-9-2)

Total points: 203
Last week: No. 3

The Hurricanes saw one of their wishes come true on Sunday when blueliner Jaccob Slavin returned to action. Widely regarded as the NHL's premier defensive defenseman, Slavin had been sidelined since the season's second game. Keeping him fit and firing is crucial, so their ideal gift would be his swift return to peak performance. The fact that Carolina has ascended to the Eastern Conference's summit without him is downright intimidating for the rest of the league. -- Bill Price, Editor-in-Chief

1. Minnesota Wild (20-9-5)

Total points: 201
Last week: No. 7

The Wild got their holiday cheer early with the blockbuster trade for defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks on Friday. This acquisition directly tackles several of their shortcomings, such as smoothly exiting their own zone and charging into offensive territory. However, to truly capitalize on this present, Minnesota needs to nurse their players back to health. Key among the injured is Mats Zuccarello, sidelined by two separate ailments. The veteran's intelligence and finesse touch every aspect of the Wild's gameplay. -- Shawn P. Roarke, senior director of editorial

BOS@MIN: Hughes drives home his first goal with the Wild

1. Vegas Golden Knights (16-6-10)

Total points: 176
Last week: No. 6

The Golden Knights have weathered a storm of setbacks, including injuries to starting goalie Adin Hill, captain Mark Stone, and forwards William Karlsson and Pavel Dorofeyev, among others – and they've managed admirably. What could use a little holiday magic is better luck in overtime and shootouts; they've dropped 10 of those contests, the league's worst streak, including seven in a row from Oct. 11 to Nov. 26. They were starting to turn things around, winning three of four extra-time affairs, until a 2-1 shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday. Still, it's the season for asking – even if you're already holding your own. -- Paul Strizhevsky, staff writer

1. Anaheim Ducks (20-12-2)

Total points: 156
Last week: No. 5

At the top of the Ducks' list is an upgrade in special teams performance. Anaheim lags outside the top 20 in both power plays and penalty kills, which is puzzling for a team finding scoring success. It's particularly confusing since they're among the league leaders in goals per game, yet only 20-for-113 (17.7%) on the man advantage. Just three players – Chris Kreider, Cutter Gauthier, and Leo Carlsson – have three or more power-play tallies. -- Mike G. Morreale, senior draft writer

1. Washington Capitals (18-11-4)

Total points: 130
Last week: No. 4

The Capitals' wish list probably begins with getting forwards Pierre-Luc Dubois (recovering from abdominal and adductor muscle surgery) and Ryan Leonard (shoulder issue) back on the ice. Washington has soldiered on without Dubois since Oct. 31, even thriving occasionally. But Leonard's hit by Anaheim's Jacob Trouba on Dec. 5, knocking out the 20-year-old rookie's speed and skill, has sapped their momentum. They've gone 1-2-2 in their last five games after a six-game win streak. --Tom Gulitti, senior writer

1. Detroit Red Wings (19-12-3)

Total points: 124
Last week: No. 14

How about a bespoke puck display case for Patrick Kane? He'll need a spot to showcase souvenirs from his upcoming records. The veteran forward is just two goals shy of 500, nine points from surpassing Mike Modano's U.S.-born NHL record, and 27 assists from eclipsing Phil Housley's U.S.-born assist mark. The case should be red, matching his teams' colors – Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, and Detroit Red Wings. And naturally, it must be crafted in the USA. -- Nicholas J. Cotsonika, columnist

DET@CHI: Kane buries a backhand shot to double the lead

1. New York Islanders (19-12-3)

Total points: 119
Last week: No. 9

The Islanders' primary holiday need is a stand-in for Alexander Romanov, who's sidelined for the season with a shoulder injury from Nov. 18. The rugged defenseman was logging over 19 minutes per game, including 2:04 on the penalty kill, keeping them on the verge of the top 10. With the Seattle Kraken struggling (1-8-1 in their last 10), could Jamie Oleksiak be a suitable replacement? -- Brian Compton, managing editor

1. Tampa Bay Lightning (18-12-3)

Total points: 111
Last week: No. 8

One of the Lightning's alternate jerseys showcases black and blue – colors that sadly mirror the team's injury-plagued start. Captain Victor Hedman faces elbow surgery and a month-plus absence. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy has battled various issues before returning from IR on Tuesday. Forwards Nick Paul, Brayden Point, and Anthony Cirelli have also missed games. That's a mountain of talent on the sidelines early on. So, Tampa Bay's dream gift? A healthy roster to carry them through. -- Mike Zeisberger, staff writer

NJD@TBL: Vasilevskiy preserves a 3-0 lead with big glove save

1. Philadelphia Flyers (17-9-6)

Total points: 107
Last week: No. 11

If I could wrap up a present for the Flyers, it'd be a more reliable power play. They ranked 19th (19.4%) through Nov. 1, but in the 21 games since, they've fallen to 30th (13.5%). The struggles intensified after forward Tyson Foerster (team's second-highest power-play goal scorer with three) suffered an upper-body injury on Dec. 1, going 2-for-18 (11.1%) in seven games. They've still earned points in six of those (3-1-3), but a solid man-advantage could provide that extra edge. Coaches have shuffled lineups, but with Foerster out after arm surgery on Monday, they'll keep searching for that game-changer. -- Adam Kimelman, deputy managing editor

1. Boston Bruins (20-14-0)

Total points: 71
Last week: No. 13

I suspect Bruins GM Don Sweeney and coach Marco Sturm's list would prioritize sustained health for Charlie McAvoy. The defenseman endured a nightmare 2025, starting with an AC joint tear that led to a staph infection, sidelining him for the entire 2024-25 campaign. This year, a puck to the face on Nov. 15 against Montreal required surgery, 20 pounds of weight loss, and a month's recovery. With Boston eyeing the playoffs, keeping McAvoy healthy and on the ice would be the ultimate gift. -- Amalie Benjamin, senior writer

1. Los Angeles Kings (14-10-9)

Total points: 46
Last week: No. 12

The Kings might wish for a prolific scorer and power-play improvements. They sit in the bottom five for goals per game and bottom three in power-play efficiency. While depth scoring helps, a 30-40 goal guy would be ideal, since they can't always scrape by with 2-1 wins. -- David Satriano, staff writer

1. Edmonton Oilers (16-12-6)

Total points: 43
Last week: Not ranked

The Oilers received an early holiday package: a new netminder in Tristan Jarry, ending the Stuart Skinner chapter. Skinner led them to the Cup Final the last two years, but GM Stan Bowman sought a fresh start via a Pittsburgh trade. Jarry, who won the Memorial Cup with Edmonton's junior team in 2014, is back home. Next on the list: a dependable bottom-six forward for offensive contributions. The Oilers' scoring leans heavily on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, both near the NHL's scoring elite. But their third and fourth lines are quiet, so they might need reinforcements to share the load. -- Van Diest

EDM@TOR: Jarry stops 25 in debut with the Oilers

1. Florida Panthers (18-13-2)

Total points: 29
Last week: Not ranked

What a spectacular holiday surprise it would be if the Panthers could unveil a fully healed, energetic Matthew Tkachuk ready for action by the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic against the Rangers at loanDepot Park in Miami on Jan. 2 (8 p.m. ET; HBO MAX, truTV, TNT, SNW, SNO, SNE, TVAS). Tkachuk, recovering from Aug. 22 surgery on a torn adductor and sports hernia, is skating solo and progressing, but not quite back. Florida's on a roll, winning six of seven after a 3-2 victory over the Kings on Wednesday, yet everyone knows Tkachuk's impact – his return would be a year-long blessing. -- Dan Rosen, senior writer

1. Montreal Canadiens (17-12-4)

Total points: 24
Last week: No. 16

For the holidays, the Canadiens crave something rare: a recipe for goaltending consistency. Prospect Jacob Fowler, their top netminding talent, was recalled from Laval (AHL) last week. He won his debut against Sidney Crosby and the Penguins in Pittsburgh, starting three of four games. Sam Montembeault, last season's 31-win goalie, is on a conditioning stint in the AHL and should rejoin by Sunday's game in Pittsburgh. -- Jean-Francois Chaumont, LNH.com journalist principal

Dropped out from last week: Pittsburgh Penguins (No. 10), New Jersey Devils (No. 15)

Others receiving points: Penguins 20, Devils 9, San Jose Sharks 5, Toronto Maple Leafs 2

HERE'S HOW WE RANKED 'EM

AMALIE BENJAMIN

1. Colorado Avalanche; 2. Dallas Stars; 3. Carolina Hurricanes; 4. Minnesota Wild; 5. Anaheim Ducks; 6. Vegas Golden Knights; 7. Tampa Bay Lightning; 8. Washington Capitals; 9. Philadelphia Flyers; 10. New York Islanders; 11. Detroit Red Wings; 12. Pittsburgh Penguins; 13. Los Angeles Kings; 14. Boston Bruins; 15. New Jersey Devils; 16. Montreal Canadiens

JEAN-FRANCOIS CHAUMONT

1. Colorado Avalanche; 2. Dallas Stars; 3. Carolina Hurricanes; 4. Minnesota Wild; 5. Anaheim Ducks; 6. Vegas Golden Knights; 7. Tampa Bay Lightning; 8. New York Islanders; 9. Detroit Red Wings; 10. Washington Capitals; 11. Boston Bruins; 12. Philadelphia Flyers; 13. Edmonton Oilers; 14. Florida Panthers; 15. Los Angeles Kings; 16. Montreal Canadiens

BRIAN COMPTON

1. Colorado Avalanche; 2. Dallas Stars; 3. Minnesota Wild; 4. Carolina Hurricanes; 5. Vegas Golden Knights; 6. Philadelphia Flyers; 7. Detroit Red Wings; 8. New York Islanders; 9. Washington Capitals; 10. Anaheim Ducks; 11. Boston Bruins; 12. Tampa Bay Lightning; 13. Los Angeles Kings; 14. Pittsburgh Penguins; 15. Florida Panthers; 16. Edmonton Oilers

NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA

1. Colorado Avalanche; 2. Dallas Stars; 3. Carolina Hurricanes; 4. Minnesota Wild; 5. Vegas Golden Knights; 6. Philadelphia Flyers; 7. Anaheim Ducks; 8. Washington Capitals; 9. Detroit Red Wings; 10. New York Islanders; 11. Tampa Bay Lightning; 12. Boston Bruins; 13. Pittsburgh Penguins; 14. Los Angeles Kings; 15. Montreal Canadiens; 16. Florida Panthers

TOM GULITTI

1. Colorado Avalanche; 2. Dallas Stars; 3. Carolina Hurricanes; 4. Minnesota Wild; 5. Vegas Golden Knights; 6. Anaheim Ducks; 7. Detroit Red Wings; 8. Philadelphia Flyers; 9. Washington Capitals; 10. New York Islanders; 11. Tampa Bay Lightning; 12. Florida Panthers; 13. Boston Bruins; 14. Edmonton Oilers; 15. Montreal Canadiens; 16. Los Angeles Kings

ADAM KIMELMAN

1. Colorado Avalanche; 2. Dallas Stars; 3. Carolina Hurricanes; 4. Minnesota Wild; 5. Anaheim Ducks; 6. Vegas Golden Knights; 7. Tampa Bay Lightning; 8. New York Islanders; 9. Edmonton Oilers; 10. Philadelphia Flyers; 11. Detroit Red Wings; 12. Washington Capitals; 13. Los Angeles Kings; 14. San Jose Sharks; 15. Montreal Canadiens; 16. Boston Bruins

MIKE G. MORREALE

1. Colorado Avalanche; 2. Dallas Stars; 3. Carolina Hurricanes; 4. Minnesota Wild; 5. Vegas Golden Knights; 6. Washington Capitals; 7. Anaheim Ducks; 8. Tampa Bay Lightning; 9. New York Islanders; 10. Los Angeles Kings; 11. Detroit Red Wings; 12. Philadelphia Flyers; 13. Florida Panthers; 14. Boston Bruins; 15. Edmonton Oilers; 16. New Jersey Devils

TRACEY MYERS

1. Colorado Avalanche; 2. Dallas Stars; 3. Minnesota Wild; 4. Carolina Hurricanes; 5. Anaheim Ducks; 6. Vegas Golden Knights; 7. Detroit Red Wings; 8. New York Islanders; 9. Philadelphia Flyers; 10. Washington Capitals; 11. Boston Bruins; 12. Tampa Bay Lightning; 13. Montreal Canadiens; 14. Los Angeles Kings; 15. Edmonton Oilers; 16. San Jose Sharks

BILL PRICE

1. Colorado Avalanche; 2. Dallas Stars; 3. Carolina Hurricanes; 4. Minnesota Wild; 5. Vegas Golden Knights; 6. Philadelphia Flyers; 7. Anaheim Ducks; 8. Washington Capitals; 9. Detroit Red Wings; 10. New York Islanders; 11. Tampa Bay Lightning; 12. Boston Bruins; 13. Edmonton Oilers; 14. Pittsburgh Penguins; 15. Florida Panthers; 16. Los Angeles Kings

SHAWN P. ROARKE

1. Colorado Avalanche; 2. Minnesota Wild; 3. Dallas Stars; 4. Carolina Hurricanes; 5. Vegas Golden Knights; 6. Washington Capitals; 7. Anaheim Ducks; 8. Tampa Bay Lightning; 9. Detroit Red Wings; 10. Boston Bruins; 11. New York Islanders; 12. Los Angeles Kings; 13. New Jersey Devils; 14. Edmonton Oilers; 15. Pittsburgh Penguins; 16. Florida Panthers

DAN ROSEN

1. Colorado Avalanche; 2. Dallas Stars; 3. Minnesota Wild; 4. Carolina Hurricanes; 5. Vegas Golden Knights; 6. Detroit Red Wings; 7. Tampa Bay Lightning; 8. New York Islanders; 9. Washington Capitals; 10. Anaheim Ducks; 11. Boston Bruins; 12. Philadelphia Flyers; 13. Edmonton Oilers; 14. Florida Panthers; 15. Los Angeles Kings; 16. San Jose Sharks

DAVID SATRIANO

1. Colorado Avalanche; 2. Dallas Stars; 3. Carolina Hurricanes; 4. Minnesota Wild; 5. Vegas Golden Knights; 6. Washington Capitals; 7. Anaheim Ducks; 8. New York Islanders; 9. Detroit Red Wings; 10. Boston Bruins; 11. Tampa Bay Lightning; 12. Philadelphia Flyers; 13. Edmonton Oilers; 14. Florida Panthers; 15. Toronto Maple Leafs; 16. Los Angeles Kings

PAUL STRIZHEVSKY

1. Colorado Avalanche; 2. Dallas Stars; 3. Carolina Hurricanes; 4. Minnesota Wild; 5. Vegas Golden Knights; 6. Anaheim Ducks; 7. Philadelphia Flyers; 8. Detroit Red Wings; 9. Washington Capitals; 10. New York Islanders; 11. Boston Bruins; 12. Tampa Bay Lightning; 13. Los Angeles Kings; 14. Pittsburgh Penguins; 15. Florida Panthers; 16. Montreal Canadiens

DEREK VAN DIEST

1. Colorado Avalanche; 2. Dallas Stars; 3. Minnesota Wild; 4. Carolina Hurricanes; 5. New York Islanders; 6. Anaheim Ducks; 7. Vegas Golden Knights; 8. Washington Capitals; 9. Tampa Bay Lightning; 10. Detroit Red Wings; 11. Montreal Canadiens; 12. Boston Bruins; 13. Philadelphia Flyers; 14. Los Angeles Kings; 15. New Jersey Devils; 16. Edmonton Oilers

MIKE ZEISBERGER

1. Colorado Avalanche; 2. Dallas Stars; 3. Vegas Golden Knights; 4. Minnesota Wild; 5. Carolina Hurricanes; 6. Anaheim Ducks; 7. Washington Capitals; 8. Detroit Red Wings; 9. Philadelphia Flyers; 10. Edmonton Oilers; 11. Tampa Bay Lightning; 12. Montreal Canadiens; 13. New York Islanders; 14. Florida Panthers; 15. Los Angeles Kings; 16. Boston Bruins

What do you think – is there a team whose wish list we overlooked, or perhaps a controversial take on these rankings that sparks debate? Do you agree that health is the ultimate gift for squads like the Bruins or Panthers, or should teams focus more on trades over prayers? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below – let's discuss!