NHL Sets May 5 Date for 2026 Draft Lottery, With Live Draw Returning

Overview

• For the second consecutive year, the lottery will be conducted live on television, according to multiple reports.
• The league has not yet announced a start time for the broadcast event.
• If Vancouver finishes last, the team would have a 43.7% chance at a top-two selection, including 25.1% odds for first overall and 18.6% for second.
• Lottery rules limit any drop to two spots, ensuring the last-place club cannot pick lower than third.
• Gavin McKenna is widely viewed as the favorite for the first selection, with Ivar Stenberg and Keaton Verhoeff among other leading prospects.