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Editor’s note: New York Islanders win draft lottery. See the revised draft order.
The NHL’s non-playoff teams will learn Monday night where they will draft, and they will learn in real time.
Previously, the draft lottery drawing would take place off camera before the televised show and deputy commissioner Bill Daly would be handed cards with team logos on them. He would turn over the cards in inverse order until the winner was confirmed.
But this year, the drawing will be shown live for the first time during the show at Secaucus, New Jersey. Everyone will be able to see the lottery balls as they are drawn.
The first and second picks in the draft will be determined in the lottery. Here is how to watch the draft lottery, each team’s odds, how the process works and top prospects:
What time is the NHL draft lottery?
Table of Contents
- What time is the NHL draft lottery?
- How can I watch the NHL draft lottery?
- How can I stream the NHL draft lottery?
- Draft lottery odds
- How does the draft lottery work?
- Who is the top prospect?
- Top North American skaters
- Top international skaters
- When is the NHL draft?
- NHL Draft Lottery 2025: Odds, Streaming, and Top Prospects
- Understanding the NHL Draft Lottery 2025
- NHL Draft Lottery 2025: Team Odds and Probabilities
- How to Stream the NHL Draft Lottery 2025 Live
- Top NHL Draft Prospects for 2025: A Preliminary Look
- Historical Data and Lottery trends
- The Impact of the Lottery on NHL Teams
- First-Hand Experience: attending an NHL Draft Lottery Viewing Party
- Practical Tips for Following the 2025 NHL Draft Process
- Case Studies: Lottery Wins and Team Turnarounds
The NHL draft lottery will be held at 7 p.m. ET at the NHL Network’s studio in Secaucus, New Jersey.
How can I watch the NHL draft lottery?
The NHL draft lottery will be broadcast by ESPN.
How can I stream the NHL draft lottery?
It can be streamed on ESPN+ and on services that carry ESPN, such as Fubo.
Draft lottery odds
The draft lottery winner can move up a maximum of 10 spots, so only the bottom 11 teams have a chance to win the No. 1 pick. The last-place team has an 18.5% chance of winning outright, plus would retain the first overall pick if a team that finishes 12th to 16th from the bottom wins the lottery. The Rangers dealt their pick to Vancouver in the J.T. Miller trade but it’s top-13 protected. If the Flames win one of the drawings, the Canadiens would get the Panthers’ first-round pick instead.
- San Jose Sharks – 25.5% (18.5% outright)
- Chicago Blackhawks – 13.5%
- Nashville Predators – 11.5%
- Philadelphia Flyers – 9.5%
- Boston Bruins – 8.5%
- Seattle Kraken – 7.5%
- Buffalo Sabres – 6.5%
- Anaheim Ducks – 6.0%
- Pittsburgh Penguins – 5.0%
- New York Islanders – 3.5%
- New York Rangers – 3.0%
- Detroit Red Wings – 2.5%
- Columbus Blue Jackets – 2.0%
- Utah Hockey Club – 1.5%
- Vancouver Canucks – 0.5%
- Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary Flames) – 0.5%
How does the draft lottery work?
There are two drawings, first for a chance at the top pick and then for a chance at the second pick. Winning teams can move up only 10 spots. The last-place team can draft no lower than third overall. Beginning with the 2022 lottery, a team cannot win more than twice in a five-year period.
There are 14 balls, numbered 1 to 14, in the machine and each team is assigned a series of four numbers. The resulting four-digit series is matched against a table that lists the 1,000 possible combinations to determine which team was assigned the winning combination. The lower a team is in the standings, the more series of numbers it gets. The last-place Sharks will be assigned 185 numbers.
Who is the top prospect?
Defenseman Matthew Schaefer is the top-ranked North American skater in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings of 2025 draft prospects, despite not playing since the world junior hockey championship in December.
He scored 22 points in 17 games with the Erie (Pennsylvania) Otters and had two points in two games at the tournament before breaking his collarbone and missing the rest of the tournament and the season.
“He is the complete package playing a dynamic style that generates results and influences the outcome of games,” said Dan Marr, vice president of NHL Central Scouting. “Schaefer easily projects as a future All-Star in the NHL.”
Top North American skaters
- Erie (OHL) defenseman Matthew Schaefer
- Saginaw (OHL) center Michael Misa
- Boston College center James Hagens
- Brantford (OHL) center Jake O’Brien
- Seattle (WHL) defenseman Radim Mrtka
- Brampton (OHL) right wing Porter Martone
- Moncton (QMJHL) center Caleb Desnoyers
- Brandon (WHL) center Roger McQueen
- Barrie (OHL) defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson
- Everett (WHL) left wing Carter Bear
Top international skaters
- Djurgarden (Sweden) center Anton Frondell
- Djurgarden (Sweden) right wing Victor Eklund
- Modo Jr. (Sweden) Milton Gastrin
- Karlovy Vary (Czechia) left wing Vojtech Cihar
- Ufa Jr. (Russia) right wing Alexander Zharovsky
When is the NHL draft?
The 2025 NHL Draft will be held June 27-28. The first round will be on June 27 and rounds 2-7 will be held the next day. The times haven’t been announced yet. It will be held in Los Angeles at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater. Top prospects will be there, but not team representatives, who will take part virtually.
date: 2025-05-06 01:13:00
NHL Draft Lottery 2025: Odds, Streaming, and Top Prospects
The NHL Draft Lottery 2025 is one of the most anticipated events in the hockey calendar, offering struggling teams a chance at securing a franchise-altering talent. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming lottery,including team odds,how to watch online,and a sneak peek at the top NHL draft prospects.
Understanding the NHL Draft Lottery 2025
The NHL Draft Lottery determines the order of selection for the first 16 picks in the annual NHL Entry Draft. It involves the 16 teams that failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the preceding season.The process is designed to give the teams with the worst regular-season records the best chance of landing the coveted number one overall pick.
How the Lottery Works
The NHL Draft Lottery employs a weighted system.This means teams with lower regular-season point totals have a higher percentage chance of winning the lottery. There are two lottery draws: one to determine the team selecting first and a second to determine the team selecting second. After the first two picks are persistent, the remaining teams are assigned draft positions based on their regular-season record, in inverse order.
Key Changes and Rules for 2025
It’s important to stay updated on any changes to the lottery rules. While the core mechanics generally remain the same, potential modifications can significantly impact team strategies and fan expectations. For 2025, pay close attention to any announcements from the NHL regarding lottery ball probabilities, movement restrictions (limit on how many spots a team can move up), or any other procedural alterations. Understanding these nuances is crucial for accurate analysis.
NHL Draft Lottery 2025: Team Odds and Probabilities
The following table displays the estimated odds for each team to win the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery, based on their projected regular-season finish. Note that these percentages are subject to change as the season progresses and final standings are determined. These odds are based on the most recent NHL draft rules, which limit the number of spots a team can move up.
| Team | Projected Rank (Worst to Best) | Odds of Winning 1st Overall |
|---|---|---|
| Team A | 1 | 18.5% |
| Team B | 2 | 13.5% |
| Team C | 3 | 11.5% |
| Team D | 4 | 9.5% |
| Team E | 5 | 8.5% |
| team F | 6 | 7.5% |
| Team G | 7 | 6.5% |
| Team H | 8 | 6.0% |
| Team I | 9 | 5.0% |
| Team J | 10 | 3.5% |
| Team K | 11 | 3.0% |
| team L | 12 | 2.5% |
| Team M | 13 | 2.0% |
| Team N | 14 | 1.5% |
| Team O | 15 | 1.0% |
| Team P | 16 | 0.5% |
Disclaimer: These are projected odds based on anticipated team performance. Actual odds will be determined by the final NHL regular-season standings.
How to Stream the NHL Draft Lottery 2025 Live
For hockey fans eager to witness the excitement of the lottery firsthand, here’s how to stream the NHL Draft Lottery 2025 live:
- Official Broadcast Channels: the NHL typically broadcasts the lottery on major sports networks like ESPN (in the US) and Sportsnet (in Canada). Check your local listings for specific times and channels.
- NHL.com and NHL App: The official NHL website and app are reliable sources for live streaming the lottery. Look for dedicated sections or links on the day of the event.
- Streaming Services: Many streaming services, such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV, carry sports channels that broadcast the NHL Draft Lottery.Ensure your subscription includes the relevant channels.
- Social Media: Keep an eye on the NHL’s official social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube) for potential live streams or real-time updates.
Pro tip: Test your streaming setup in advance to avoid technical difficulties when the lottery begins. Ensure you have a stable internet connection for uninterrupted viewing.
Top NHL Draft Prospects for 2025: A Preliminary Look
While it’s early,scouting reports are already emerging on the potential top prospects for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Here’s a preliminary look at some of the names generating buzz:
- [Prospect Name 1]: A dynamic forward known for his exceptional skating, puck-handling skills, and offensive creativity. Projected to be a high-impact player at the NHL level.
- [Prospect Name 2]: A towering defenseman with exceptional size, reach, and defensive awareness. His shutdown ability and offensive upside make him a highly sought-after prospect.
- [Prospect Name 3]: A skilled center with a high hockey IQ, playmaking ability, and a knack for scoring goals. Considered a complete player with the potential to be a top-line NHL center.
- [Prospect Name 4]: A goaltender with exceptional athleticism, reflexes, and composure. Projected to be a franchise goalie with the potential to anchor a team for years to come.
- [Prospect Name 5]: A fast and agile forward with a natural scoring touch. His speed and tenacity make him a difficult player to defend against.
Note: Player rankings and projections are subject to change based on performance throughout the upcoming season. Complete scouting reports and detailed player profiles will become available closer to the draft.
Historical Data and Lottery trends
Analyzing past NHL Draft Lottery results can provide valuable insights into potential outcomes.Although each lottery is unique, certain trends have emerged over the years:
- Frequency of the lowest-Ranked Team Winning: Historically, the team with the worst regular-season record doesn’t always win the lottery.Upsets are common.
- Impact of Lottery Wins on Team Performance: teams that secure top draft picks often experience a important improvement in their fortunes,both on and off the ice.
- Draft Pick Trading and its Influence: Trading draft picks can alter the lottery landscape, giving contenders an chance to acquire better odds and rebuild faster.
| Year | Winning Team | Draft Rank (Pre-Lottery) | Drafted Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | san Jose Sharks | 1 | Macklin Celebrini |
| 2023 | Chicago Blackhawks | 3 | Connor Bedard |
| 2022 | Montreal Canadiens | 1 | Juraj Slafkovsky |
| 2021 | Buffalo Sabres | 1 | Owen Power |
The Impact of the Lottery on NHL Teams
The NHL Draft Lottery has a profound impact on the future of participating teams.A lottery win can catapult a struggling franchise into contention, while missing out on a top pick can set a team back several years. The lottery also affects team strategy, player growth, and fan engagement.
Rebuilding Strategies and Lottery Implications
Teams undergoing a rebuild often prioritize acquiring draft capital thru trades and strategic player development. The draft lottery is a critical component of this strategy,as a high draft pick can accelerate the rebuilding process. For teams that are not rebuilding, improving existing talent is key.
Fan Engagement and Expectations
The lottery generates significant excitement among fans, who eagerly anticipate the opportunity to draft a potential superstar. A lottery win can energize the fanbase and create a renewed sense of optimism. Managing expectations is key, as a top draft pick is not always a guarantee of success.
First-Hand Experience: attending an NHL Draft Lottery Viewing Party
Attending an NHL Draft Lottery viewing party is a great way to experience the excitement of the lottery with fellow hockey fans. Local sports bars, team-organized events, and even private gatherings can create a fun and engaging atmosphere for cheering on your favorite team.
Here are some tips for making the most of your viewing party experience:
- Arrive Early: Secure a good spot and avoid the last-minute rush.
- Wear Your Team Colors: Show your support and contribute to the atmosphere.
- Engage with Other Fans: Share your thoughts, predictions, and excitement with fellow hockey enthusiasts.
- Participate in Games and Contests: Many viewing parties offer raffles, contests, and trivia games related to the draft and the lottery.
- Be Prepared for Anything: The lottery can be unpredictable, so be ready to celebrate a win or commiserate a loss.
Sharing the emotions of the lottery with other fans creates a memorable and shared experience.
Practical Tips for Following the 2025 NHL Draft Process
staying informed about the 2025 NHL draft and the prospects eligible for selection requires dedication and a keen eye for detail. Here are some practical tips for following the draft process effectively:
- Follow Reputable Scouting Services: Subscribe to reputable scouting websites, magazines, and podcasts for in-depth player analysis and rankings.
- Watch Junior Hockey games: Observing top prospects in their respective leagues provides valuable insights into their skills, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Attend NHL Combine Events: The NHL Scouting Combine offers teams and fans an opportunity to assess prospects’ physical and mental attributes.
- Read Mock Drafts and Projections: while mock drafts are not always accurate,they offer a glimpse into the potential draft order and team needs.
- Engage in Online Forums and Communities: participate in online discussions with other hockey fans and experts to share insights and perspectives.
By actively following the draft process, you can develop a deeper understanding of the prospects and the teams that are poised to select them.
Case Studies: Lottery Wins and Team Turnarounds
Several NHL teams have experienced significant turnarounds after winning the draft lottery. These case studies highlight the transformative impact that a top draft pick can have on a franchise:
- the Edmonton oilers and connor McDavid: The Oilers won the 2015 draft lottery and selected Connor McDavid first overall. McDavid’s arrival transformed the Oilers into a perennial playoff contender.
- The Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby: The Penguins won the 2005 draft lottery and selected Sidney crosby first overall. Crosby’s leadership and skill helped the Penguins win multiple Stanley Cups.
- [Insert hypothetical Case Study Example]: The [Team Name] won the 2025 NHL draft lottery and selected [Prospect Name] first overall. [Describe how this player’s arrival transforms the team and how].
These case studies demonstrate the potential for a lottery win to spark a team’s resurgence and lead to long-term success.
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