Caps atop offseason rankings

Though arbitator Richard Bloch made Ilya Kovalchuk's ultimate destination a bit hazy as of this writing, it is possible to get a decent handle on where all 30 teams stand as summer glides toward September training camps.

A reminder: These rankings are based on many factors, and not one is scientific. They're heavily influenced by taking into account expectations versus achievement and my uncannily intuitive gut calls on how each team stacks up against the rest of the Original 30. Please note that I, unlike some referees, do not have it in for your team and no homer glasses of any color were worn during the establishment of these rankings.

Want to send me a comment about the rankings or maybe a cool video clip that cries out to be shared? Scroll to the bottom of this page for my Mailbag. I read 'em all and if you're halfway civil -- or at least clever in your skewering of my decisions -- I'll try to get back to you.

Biggest climb: Flyers (25 to 4)

Biggest fall: Flames (14 to 23)

NHL Power Rankings