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2d ago

Islanders Secure No. 1 Pick in First-Ever Live NHL Draft Lottery

The New York Islanders defied 3.5% odds to win the top pick, with the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks following at No. 2 and No. 3.

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Apr 15, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders right wing Hudson Fasching (20) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images/File Photo
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman speaks before the Vegas Golden Knights was announced as the name for the Las Vegas NHL franchise at T-Mobile Arena on November 22, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The team will begin play in the 2017-18 season.

Overview

  • The New York Islanders jumped from 10th to first in the draft order, marking the largest leap to No. 1 in NHL lottery history.
  • The San Jose Sharks, who had the best odds at 18.5%, fell to the second overall pick, while the Chicago Blackhawks landed at No. 3.
  • The Utah Hockey Club moved up 10 spots to claim the No. 4 pick, the maximum allowed under the NHL’s draft lottery rules.
  • For the first time, fans watched the lottery draws live on television, enhancing transparency and engagement with the process.
  • Top prospect Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman from the Erie Otters, is widely expected to be the first overall pick in the June draft.