NHL Reverse Power Rankings: December 20, 2024

The 2024-25 NHL season is in full swing.

Usually by this time of year, the cream has risen to the top, and the teams that are going to be in the playoffs, are in a playoff spot.

This season has seen some teams flounder – I’m looking at you Nashville Predators. Other teams such as the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins have suddenly figured it out and are pushing forward.

Most people only look at the top of the standings, but let’s take a look at the teams who are in the running for the top spot in next year’s draft. Welcome to the first edition of the NHL’s Reverse Power Rankings.

1. Nashville Predators – 9-17-7 – 25 points

2. Chicago Blackhawks – 12-19-2 – 26 points

3. Buffalo Sabres – 11-17-4 – 26 points

4. San Jose Sharks – 11-19-5 – 27 points

5. Montreal Canadiens – 12-16-3 – 27 points

6. Anaheim Ducks – 12-14-4 – 28 points

7. Detroit Red Wings – 13-14-4 – 30 points

8. New York Islanders – 12-14-7 – 31 points

9. Columbus Blue Jackets – 13-15-5 – 31 points

10. New York Rangers – 15-15-1 – 31 points

There are some surprises in the first edition of the Reverse Power Rankings.

Seeing the Nashville Predators struggle to win night in and night out after what they did in the summer of 2024 is shocking. Also watching the New York Rangers fall apart has fans of teams in Metro rejoicing. The rest of the Top-10 is fairly chalk so far. The Columbus Blue Jackets have played way better than anyone expected after the summer they had, and they deserve better.

There is still a long way to go, but the teams in playoff spots around this time of year, are usually the teams in the playoffs come April.

What’s Next – The Blue Jackets face the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night.

What do you think? Please share your thoughts on our forum.