The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery takes center stage tonight, shifting attention from the Stanley Cup Playoffs to the league’s non-playoff teams and their futures. With franchise-altering talent at the top of this year’s class, the stakes are as high as ever.
How the Draft Lottery Works
The NHL Draft Lottery features the 16 teams that missed the playoffs, but only the top 11 teams (based on odds) are eligible to win the first overall pick due to the rule that a team can only move up a maximum of 10 spots.
The system uses 14 ping-pong balls to create a four-number combination out of 1,001 possible outcomes. Each team is assigned a number of combinations based on their finish in the standings, giving worse teams better odds.
There are two separate draws:
- The first determines the No. 1 overall pick
- The second determines the No. 2 overall pick
Once a team wins a draw, it cannot win again, and the remaining order is set based on standings with adjustments for lottery winners.
This format ensures some unpredictability, while still favoring teams at the bottom of the standings.
Who Has the Best Odds?
Heading into tonight, the Vancouver Canucks hold the best odds at 18.5%, thanks to finishing last in the NHL.
They are followed by:
Because of lottery rules, Vancouver’s true chance of picking first overall rises to 25.5%, since some teams ahead of them cannot jump into that spot.
Still, history shows nothing is guaranteed—teams with lower odds have jumped up before, adding drama to every draw.
Projected Top 5 Picks
The 2026 draft class is headlined by elite offensive talent and high-end defensemen, making the top five especially intriguing.
- Gavin McKenna (LW, Penn State)
Widely considered the top prospect, McKenna combines elite scoring ability with high-end skill and is expected to go No. 1 overall. - Ivar Stenberg (LW, Sweden)
A more complete, two-way winger, Stenberg is viewed as the top challenger to McKenna for the first overall spot. - Caleb Malhotra (C, Bulldogs)
The top-ranked center in the class, Malhotra has surged up draft boards thanks to his strong all-around game and offensive production. - Chase Reid (D, Greyhounds)
A right-shot defenceman who has climbed rankings quickly, Reid offers a blend of mobility and offensive upside. - Keaton Verhoeff (D, North Dakota)
Another highly coveted right-shot blueliner, Verhoeff brings size, poise, and strong two-way play.
This mix of elite forwards and premium-position defencemen makes the top five especially valuable for teams looking to reshape their future.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery is more than just a numbers game—it’s a turning point for struggling franchises. With the Canucks leading the odds and generational talent like McKenna available, tonight’s results could reshape the NHL landscape for years to come.
Next: Matthews Unwilling to Commit to Maple Leafs Return [Report]
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