Overview

• The New York Islanders rose nine spots to land the No. 1 overall pick in the lottery and are expected to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer when the draft opens June 27 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
• The San Jose Sharks hold the No. 2 pick and are widely expected to select centerman Michael Misa, although late rumors about Swedish pivot Anton Frondell have introduced uncertainty.
• With Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar anchoring their center depth, the Chicago Blackhawks are projected to use the No. 3 pick on a winger, with Porter Martone emerging as the leading candidate.
• After jumping ten spots to No. 4, the Utah Mammoth face a choice between center prospects Caleb Desnoyers or James Hagens or potentially trading the pick.
• Scouts warn that the draft class thins sharply after its top five prospects, prompting more teams than usual to explore first-round trade opportunities.