New York Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer (48) skates during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
By The Canadian Press
May 5, 2026 | 2:00 AM
SECAUCUS — Teams that didn’t have many memorable moments this National Hockey League season are hoping their fortunes change tonight when the annual draft lottery is held live — starting at 7 p.m. ET — inside the NHL Network’s studio in New Jersey.
Teams and hockey fans will see four ping pong balls drawn from a machine. The team randomly assigned the corresponding four-number combination will select first when the actual draft gets underway on June 26th in Buffalo, N.Y.
Forwards Gavin McKenna of Whitehorse, Yukon, and Ivar Stenberg of Sweden are the projected top picks in this year’s draft class.
The Vancouver Canucks, who finished last this season with 25 wins and 58 points, have a 25.5 per cent chance of receiving the first overall pick. The Chicago Blackhawks, who finished last in the Central Division with 29 wins and 72 points, have the second-best odds at 13.5 per cent to win the first pick, while the New York Rangers are third at 11.5 per cent.