Overview
- The league will conduct the draft lottery on May 5 to set the first‑round order for non‑playoff teams, with last‑place Vancouver holding an 18.5% shot at No. 1 that can reach 25.5% in certain scenarios.
- The format uses two drawings for the first two picks, caps any jump at 10 spots, guarantees the worst team no lower than third, and limits clubs to two lottery wins in a five‑year span.
- Pick ownership could change based on protections, including Toronto’s first‑rounder that was dealt to Boston but stays with the Maple Leafs if it lands in the top five.
- Vancouver’s front office is in flux after president Jim Rutherford said the club parted ways with GM Patrik Allvin, meaning a new decision‑maker could handle a high selection.
- The class is viewed as deep, with top prospects like Gavin McKenna and Ivan Stenberg, and last year’s 3.5% long shot by the Islanders shows how volatile the lottery can be.