Overview
- Florida finished with the eighth-worst record after results on the final night, which kept its 2026 first-rounder because the pick is protected in the top 10.
- The 2026 pick had been sent to Chicago in the Seth Jones trade, but the condition allowed Florida to retain it once the selection landed inside the top 10.
- With the protection triggered, Chicago is now set to receive Florida’s unprotected 2027 first-round pick, and multiple reports indicate Boston is slated for the 2028 first as part of the Brad Marchand deal.
- Florida will enter the May 5 draft lottery in the No. 8 slot, where current rules allow a jump to No. 1 or No. 2 or a slide only to No. 9 or No. 10 because only the top two spots are drawn.
- The franchise has not made a first-round selection since 2021, so holding this pick could either bring in a key young player or serve as a major trade chip this offseason.