The Colorado Avalanche are currently in a fight with the Arizona Coyotes. The “winner” gets last place in the entire NHL. The Avalanche have been winning that race for a month now, but the Coyotes are just one loss away from usurping Colorado.
Neither team really wants to be dead-last in the NHL. While it’s true that the last-place team gets the best chance at a first-overall draft pick — and is almost assured of a top-three draft pick — it’s said 2017 isn’t a stellar draft year. However, that’s a race the Colorado Avalanche are more sure to win than one for a playoff spot.