NHL Sour Rankings: Early Look at the Bottom Teams
The first NHL Sour Rankings of the 2025-26 season highlight the teams currently struggling the most. Despite a tight league with only six teams below a .500 record, these bottom dwellers draw attention for their draft lottery chances.
Current NHL Standings Overview
After one month, the NHL standings reflect strong parity. Only a handful of teams sit at the lower end, emphasizing the competitive balance across the league. This ranking series continues the yearly tradition of spotlighting the struggling teams at The Hockey News.
Top Prospect in the 2026 NHL Draft
Teams looking to improve their fortunes hope to secure the first overall pick to draft Gavin McKenna. A highly talented forward, McKenna has excelled in the WHL and is now impressing at the NCAA level with Penn State.
"His dynamic skill and creativity have teams excited for the possibility of adding the winger."
Other Notable Prospects
- Tynan Lawrence: Regarded as the leading center in the draft, combining skill, speed, and power for a balanced game.
- The 2026 draft is seen as deep and competitive, offering many high-end prospects beyond McKenna.
Summary
This season’s bottom-ranking NHL teams are focusing on promising prospects like Gavin McKenna and Tynan Lawrence to turn their fortunes around, reflecting both league parity and solid draft depth.
Author’s note: The NHL's early-season balance makes the draft lottery crucial for struggling teams eager to rebuild with top talent.