NHL Sour Rankings: Fizzling Flames Lead The McKenna Sweepstakes Early

NHL Sour Rankings: Early Look at Struggling Teams

The first NHL Sour Rankings of the 2025-26 season highlight the teams that appear least likely to succeed so far. After about a month, the league standings remain close, with only six teams below a .500 record, illustrating strong parity across the NHL.

Current Standings and Parity

Despite competitiveness, a few clubs are near the bottom, setting the stage for the annual tradition of tracking the league's struggling teams at The Hockey News. This list focuses on those teams hoping to secure the top pick in the draft lottery.

Top Draft Prospect: Gavin McKenna

The most anticipated player in this year’s NHL draft is Gavin McKenna, a forward known for his dynamic skill set and creativity. He dominated the WHL for several seasons and is currently producing impressive stats at NCAA's Penn State.

Gavin McKenna is described as a "superstar forward" who excites teams with his potential to significantly impact at the NHL level.

Other Notable Prospects

This draft class is regarded as strong and deep, with several talented prospects beyond McKenna. Among them is Tynan Lawrence, often viewed as the top center available, known for combining skill, speed, and power.

Summary

As the season progresses, the bottom teams scramble not only to improve their standings but also to position themselves for a chance at a highly talented draft class, led by prospects like McKenna and Lawrence.

Author’s Summary

This season’s NHL Sour Rankings emphasize parity in the league and the impact of a strong draft class, offering hope to bottom teams aiming for top prospects like Gavin McKenna.

The Hockey News — 2025-11-08