NHL 2025-26 Worst Record Odds and Prediction: Which Team Will Finish Last?

Calgary Flames (+300)

The Calgary Flames are experiencing one of their worst starts in franchise history. They have an abysmal 5-13-3 record, with only 13 points through their first 21 games.

To make things worse, 21 games is tied for the most played by any team this season. Some teams have just 19 games on their records but already have more than double the Flames’ points.

The Flames’ offense has been historically poor in 2025-26. They rank dead last, averaging only 2.10 goals per game, which is 0.30 fewer than the next-lowest team. They are struggling to generate quality scoring chances, netting just 1.93 goals per 60 minutes across 21 attempts.

Their power play is also a significant issue, converting at just a 12.7% rate — the worst in the NHL. The lack of playmakers is evident in the team’s disappointing stat lines.

Dustin Wolf is calling out his team as the Flames lose their 7th straight game while only scoring 9 goals in that span 😬🫣

(h/t @EricFrancis) pic.twitter.com/BlRINHb18f

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) October 23, 2025

The defensive effort, while mediocre, has outperformed the offense. Currently, the Flames rank 18th with 3.10 goals against per game. Dustin Wolf hasn’t been outstanding, but he needs more offensive support, as reflected by his 3.08 GAA and .892 save percentage over 18 appearances.

Looking ahead, things don’t appear likely to improve for the Flames. They’re expected to be major sellers at the trade deadline, which will likely mark the end of Nazem Kadri’s tenure in Calgary. His potential departure will only worsen the team’s already grim outlook.

San Jose Sharks (+350)

The Sharks are no strangers to being at the bottom of the NHL, finishing last over the past two years. In 2024-25, they ended the season with a 20-50-12 record and just 52 points, securing the worst regular season record by a nine-point margin.

Odds for the worst NHL record reflect a decent chance of the Sharks finishing at the bottom again in 2025-26. However, this season’s public sentiment is off. With the dynamic play of Macklin Celebrini, the Sharks are showing significant improvement in 2025-26.

Macklin Celebrini’s last 14 Games:

– 11 Goals
– 13 Assists
– 24 Points
– 2 Hat Tricks
– Sharks 9-4-1 Record

Superstar. pic.twitter.com/AvoN4AeaIx

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 19, 2025

The 19-year-old Celebrini has emerged as one of the league’s top performers early in the campaign, tied for second with 13 goals and 30 points, trailing only Hart Trophy favorite Nathan MacKinnon in both categories.

With Celebrini on fire, the Sharks have played near .500 hockey and currently sit sixth in the Pacific Division, ahead of the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames. They rank 21st in the league with an average of 2.91 goals per game and are 22nd in goals against with 3.20.

Clearly, the Sharks are no longer the NHL’s worst team and are unlikely to end the season in that position. While some public sentiment lingers from recent years, it’s clear the team is on the upswing. There’s no value betting the Sharks to be the worst NHL team at +350!

Nashville Predators (+450)

As the Nashville Predators look to rebound from a slow start, the 2025-26 NHL worst team odds highlight a bleak outlook for head coach Andrew Brunette and his squad. The Predators are currently off the playoff pace and may even contend for the top pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.

After 20 games, they sit at the bottom of the Central Division with 16 points, trailing even the struggling St. Louis Blues. While the Blues might find some momentum, I’m not confident the Predators will do the same.

Nashville’s roster isn’t devoid of talent, with notable players like Filip Forsberg, Ryan O’Reilly, and Steven Stamkos. However, Stamkos has yet to meet expectations, recording just four goals in 20 games.

Daily Faceoff (Nov 19): Pagnotta says Nashville is "getting to the point where they are open for business & will listen on almost anybody." Says teams are inquiring on Filip Forsberg's future, also names O'Reilly, Bunting, Haula as players with interest. #Smashville #NHL pic.twitter.com/3gq8HmuGov

— NHL Trade Alert (@NHLTradeAlert) November 19, 2025

This underperformance may make him a prime trade candidate at the deadline. The same goes for O’Reilly, who is not central to the team’s future at 34. Forsberg could also be dealt if the right offer comes along — I doubt he’s considered untouchable by Nashville’s front office.

The Predators might avoid being the league’s worst team, but at +450 odds, it’s hard to argue against placing a bet on them to finish 32nd in the NHL.