Calgary Flames Struggle at Bottom of NHL Standings After 20 Games

The Calgary Flames find themselves at the bottom of the NHL standings after 20 games, sporting a record of 5-12-3. This dismal performance has sparked a debate among fans, with a growing number advocating for a strategy often referred to as “Team Tank.” While the prospect of securing a top draft pick excites many supporters, history indicates that finishing last does not guarantee a successful lottery outcome.

Since the NHL adjusted its draft lottery rules in 2013, only one team that was last after 20 games has secured the first overall selection. The Flames’ current standing raises questions about the effectiveness of tanking. Fans may want to hold off on purchasing a Gavin McKenna jersey just yet.

Historical Context of Bottom-Feeding Teams

To better understand the potential outcomes for the Flames, it’s valuable to look back at recent seasons and the fates of other teams that found themselves in similar positions.

In the 2024-25 season, both the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks were at the bottom after 20 games, each with 15 points. The Predators ended the season ranked 30th overall, while the Blackhawks finished last at 31st. In the subsequent draft, the New York Islanders won the lottery and selected Matthew Schaefer, who has since proven to be a standout player.

The previous season, the San Jose Sharks were also last after 20 games, managing only 8 points. They ultimately finished 32nd overall but celebrated a successful lottery outcome, drafting Macklin Celebrini, who is now regarded as one of the NHL’s top young talents.

The Anaheim Ducks experienced a similar fate in the 2022-23 season, finishing last with 58 points. They entered the draft expecting to land a top selection but lost out to the Blackhawks, who secured Connor Bedard. The Ducks ultimately picked Leo Carlsson, who is already making a significant impact.

In the 2021-22 season, the Ottawa Senators held the last spot after 20 games but ended up 26th overall. They traded their seventh overall pick to the Blackhawks, who selected Kevin Korchinski, currently playing in the minors.

Recent Draft Outcomes for Struggling Teams

The 2020-21 season was marked by COVID-19 challenges, resulting in a 56-game schedule. The Senators were again at the bottom after 20 games, finishing 23rd and selecting Tyler Boucher at 10th overall, although he has yet to make his NHL debut.

In the disrupted 2019-20 season, the Detroit Red Wings were last after 20 games but finished 31st of 31 teams. Despite their poor performance, they were unable to secure a top pick, choosing Lucas Raymond at fourth overall, after missing out on several top prospects.

The Los Angeles Kings faced a similar fate in the 2018-19 season, finishing 30th overall but selecting Alex Turcotte at fifth. They missed out on the top pick, which went to the New Jersey Devils, who chose Jack Hughes.

In the 2017-18 season, the Arizona Coyotes finished 29th after 20 games and dropped to fifth in the lottery, missing out on Brady Tkachuk.

The New York Islanders had a surprising turnaround in the 2016-17 season, finishing 17th overall despite a poor start, showcasing that initial rankings do not always dictate end-of-season outcomes.

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Buffalo Sabres both struggled in the years leading up to their draft selections but still managed to find valuable players, albeit not without a degree of luck and strategic decisions.

As the Flames navigate the remainder of the season, the historical data suggests that while a poor start can provide hope for a high draft pick, it does not guarantee success in the lottery. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this season unfolds and whether Calgary can turn its fortunes around before the end of the campaign.