It’s nearly impossible for a team to go from worst to first in the NHL. A lot has to go right for a rebuilding team to make a significant jump in the standings, going from last in the division one season to first the next. The New Jersey Devils came close to culminating in the 2022-23 season (finishing in second place in the Metropolitan Division), but beyond that, many fans are pinning their hopes on a star to make it happen.

Related: NHL Rebuild Rankings: 2024-25 Preseason Edition

The Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, and San Jose Sharks finished last in their divisions last season. Of the four teams, which one has the best chance of finishing in first place this time around? Let’s start with a team that is still far from contention and coming off a disastrous offseason.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets are perhaps the team furthest from contention in the NHL. Part of that has to do with external circumstances, most notably the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau, which would understandably be difficult for any team to overcome. In addition to losing a star on and off the ice, the Blue Jackets are also depleted of talent elsewhere.

They traded away Patrik Laine this offseason and will be hoping that the young forwards, specifically Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger, can carry the offense. The defense will improve with the addition of Jordan Harris, David Jiricek developing into a regular and Denton Mataychuk looking to do the same, but goaltending remains a weakness and the team could let Elvis Merzlikins go before the 2025 trade deadline if the season is a lost cause.

The Blue Jackets have the right people to lead them back to contention with general manager (GM) Don Waddell in the front office and a new head coach in Dean Evason, two respected names that will make them successful in the long run. The problem is that this team is still a long way from contention and it will take a few seasons for them to get back on track. They could end this season with the worst record in the NHL or near the bottom of the standings, which will hopefully allow them to add young building blocks to bolster their rebuild.

3. San Jose Sharks

The Sharks, like the Blue Jackets, are far from in the running, as last season showed. They went 19-54-9 to finish with the worst record in the NHL and in the process receive the first-overall selection in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. That leads to the good news, which is that the Sharks are starting to add young players who can turn things around.

That number one pick ended up being Macklin Celebrini, who is not only a star in the making, but also joins the team this season. He joins Will Smith, William Eklund and a handful of young skaters who are starting to find their way onto the roster and make a big impact.

Additionally, the Sharks have been one of the more active teams in the offseason. They brought in Tyler Toffoli, Cody Ceci and Barclay Goodrow, three veterans to deepen the roster, while also making a big splash by adding Yaroslav Askarov, one of the best goalies ready to start in the NHL. Goalies are difficult to develop and an unknown if they make it to the NHL, but if Askarov is one of those elite young goalies, this team could take the league by storm.

There is a path for the Sharks to surprise everyone. If the young skaters are ready and the defense is no longer a glaring weakness with Askarov helping out, the Sharks could be one of the better teams in the Pacific Division. It’s unlikely they’ll finish near the top or in a playoff spot, but don’t let it get away from them.

2. Chicago Blackhawks

Connor Bedard emerging as one of the best players in the NHL could elevate the Blackhawks to the top of the rankings. He’s the transcendent talent who can take over games on his own, but he’s not the only reason this team looks great. The Blackhawks have one of the best prospect pools and skaters like Kevin Korchinski, Frank Nazar and Lukas Reichel will be looking to play a big role this season.

The youth movement has put this team on the right track and to emphasize that, the Blackhawks have been one of the most active teams this offseason. They’ve added a lot of veterans to not only help rebuild, but also get them into the playoff conversation. Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen, and Alec Martinez are just a few of the handful of skaters they’ve added to give them a boost and not give them any glaring weaknesses.

Ironically, the only thing holding the Blackhawks back from going from worst to first is the superteams at the top of the Central Division. The Dallas Stars come to mind as a great selection from top to bottom, but the Colorado Avalanche and Winnipeg Jets are also well-built teams that will try to compete for the division title. This leaves the Blackhawks as a team that is primed to compete for a playoff spot, but with a tough shot at having the best record in the division.

1. Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens are the team we’re most excited about. They’ve nailed every step of their rebuild, from front office and head coach hires to draft picks and everything in between. They’re not only going to perform well this season, they’re going to take a big leap up the standings.

The top six is ​​led by young and talented skaters with Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky — all under 24 — carrying the offense. They then added Laine on the wing to take them to the next level. While the offense has all the star power, it’s the defense that will carry the Canadiens with Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle and talent up top. The only question mark is goaltending: they don’t have a reliable starter and the prospects aren’t ready to play at the NHL level yet. Otherwise, this roster can compete with anyone in the Atlantic Division.

The Canadiens winning so much this season wouldn’t be a surprise. They could overwhelm a lot of opponents this season and win the division. Of course, the reigning Stanley Cup champions Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs are the elite teams at the top, but if all goes well, they could join that group.

It’s a far-fetched idea for a team to go from worst to first, and a lot has to go right for that to happen. That said, it’s something that can’t be dismissed entirely. Sure, the teams that finished last are still rebuilding, but they seem to be better off this season and will make some noise.