The NHL’s race to the bottom is tightening, with Nashville and Calgary leading a crowded field of struggling teams battling to avoid finishing last.
The race to the bottom of the NHL standings is becoming its own storyline this season, and several teams find themselves tangled in an unexpected battle. Sportsbooks now list the Nashville Predators as the favorites to finish with the league’s worst record at +380 odds, and a closer look at each struggling club gives shape to why the market sees things this way.
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Nashville Predators (+380)
Nashville currently sits at 9-13-4, holding the second-worst record in the NHL. Their issues begin with a lack of offensive punch, as they rank fourth-worst in goals per game at 2.62, tied with the LA Kings. Their defensive play has been equally concerning as they own the league’s third-worst goals against per game average at 3.58 this season. Veteran forward Ryan O'Reilly has done what he can. leading the team with only 19 points in 26 games, which underlines the absence of star-level production. Reports around the league suggest the Predators may look to sell off veterans as the season progresses, meaning their slide could continue to get worse, making their standing as the betting favorite logical.
Calgary Flames (+425)
Calgary currently holds the NHL’s worst record at 9-15-4 and sits second in the odds race at +425. Their biggest obstacle is their offense, which ranks last in the league at 2.29 goals per game. They have been kept somewhat competitive by their goaltending, as Dustin Wolf and Devin Cooley have helped the Flames stay middle of the pack defensively with a 3.04 goals against average but it hasn't been enough to win them games.
Trade rumors make Calgary’s outlook even more uncertain as star players in Nazem Kadri and Rasmus Andersson are both involved in serious trade chatter, and either departing the roster would further weaken already the worst team in hockey. Kadri has been one of their few bright spots with 22 points in 28 games but if the Flames begin offloading assets, they could remain trapped near the bottom all season.
San Jose Sharks (+475)
The Sharks sit at a respectable 13-11-3 this season but despite their strong start, they remain third in odds to finish last at +475 because oddsmakers believe the success may not be sustainable. Breakout star Macklin Celebrini has been the centerpiece of their resurgence with 40 points in 27 games, ranking second in the NHL, only trailing Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon. If he continues scoring at this level, San Jose may escape the basement conversation altogether. The risk lies in how heavily they rely on him, and whether the team’s early-season momentum can survive the long grind ahead.
Vancouver Canucks (+800)
Vancouver currently owns the third-worst record in the league at 10-14-3, yet sportsbooks give them +800 odds to finish last, reflecting confidence that the team will eventually rebound. The biggest concern is their defense as the Canucks lead the league with a 3.63 goals against per game average. The roster is more talented than their current results suggest, which explains why the market expects improvement rather than collapse.
St Louis Blues (+1500)
The Blues are an intriguing long-shot pick as they sit at 9-11-7 and remain competitive most nights, but the underlying issues are hard to ignore. St Louis has the third-worst offense in the league at 2.56 goals per game and carries the sixth-worst defensive mark at 3.44 goals against. Robert Thomas leads the team with 17 points in 23 games, yet several core players have struggled with trade rumors surrounding Jordan Kyrou and others adding to the uncertainty. If the front office decides to shift toward a retool, the Blues could slide quickly and become legitimate contenders in the race for last.
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As the season progresses, the bottom of the league could shift dramatically based on several factors but so far Nashville and Calgary appear the most vulnerable, while San Jose and Vancouver show signs they could climb out of danger. St Louis remains the wild card with the potential to tumble quickly if management opts for major roster changes.
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