>

Five NHL Teams Poised to Finish Bottom of the League in 2024-25 Season

Introduction

As the NHL enters the 2024-25 season, several teams face an uphill battle to stay competitive. From aging rosters to lackluster performances, these five teams are prime candidates to finish at the bottom of the league standings.

1. Arizona Coyotes

Aging Roster and Defensive Woes

The Coyotes have been in a downward spiral for years, and their 2023-24 campaign was no exception. With an aging roster and a porous defense, they finished with one of the worst records in the league.

Key players like Nick Schmaltz and Clayton Keller have struggled to stay healthy, while the team's goaltending has been inconsistent. Unless they address these issues, the Coyotes are likely to remain in the league's basement.

2. Buffalo Sabres

Lack of Scoring and Inconsistent Goaltending

The Sabres have been a perennial disappointment, and their 2023-24 season was no different. Despite adding Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch, they still struggled to score goals and their goaltending was unreliable.

The arrival of head coach Don Granato has brought some stability, but the team still has a long way to go. Until they can find a reliable scorer and improve their goaltending, the Sabres are likely to remain at the bottom of the standings.

3. Montreal Canadiens

Youth Movement and Rebuilding Mode

The Canadiens are in full-on rebuilding mode, and their 2023-24 season reflected that. They traded away several veterans and relied heavily on young players, who struggled to keep up with the competition.

Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky showed flashes of brilliance, but they were not enough to lift the Canadiens out of the league's cellar. The team needs more time to develop its young talent and find a long-term solution in net.

4. San Jose Sharks

Aging Roster and Lack of Depth

The Sharks have been in decline for several years, and their 2023-24 season was a continuation of that trend. With an aging roster and a lack of depth, they struggled to compete in a tough Western Conference.

Key players like Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns are past their prime, and the team has failed to find adequate replacements. Unless they make some significant changes, the Sharks are likely to remain at the bottom of the league.

5. Columbus Blue Jackets

Lack of Star Power and Defensive Struggles

The Blue Jackets have been a middle-of-the-pack team for years, but their 2023-24 season was a step backward. They lacked star power and struggled defensively, leading to one of the worst records in the Eastern Conference.

Patrik Laine and Johnny Gaudreau were brought in to provide scoring, but they failed to deliver consistently. The team also struggled to keep the puck out of its own net, finishing with one of the worst goals-against averages in the league.