New York Islanders Claim NHL Draft Lottery Win
In an unexpected twist at the NHL draft lottery held on Monday, the New York Islanders jumped ahead nine slots to secure the coveted No. 1 overall pick. The Islanders finished 10th in the regular-season standings and had only a 3.5% chance of winning the lottery. This marks the fifth time in franchise history they will select first, the first time since they chose center John Tavares in 2009.
Context and Significance of the Win
Previously playing in an aging arena in Uniondale, New York, the Islanders now call the modern UBS Arena at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, their home. Opened in 2021, this state-of-the-art facility is expected to invigorate the fanbase after the team concluded the season with a 35-35-12 record, accumulating 82 points and finishing just seven points shy of a playoff berth.
By winning this lottery, the Islanders look to enhance their roster significantly, as it will be their first opportunity to draft at this position since Tavares. Alongside Tavares, notable past No. 1 picks for the franchise include Rick DiPietro (2000), Denis Potvin (1973), and Billy Harris (1972).
Lottery Results Overview
The draft lottery saw the Utah Hockey Club taking the second drawing, moving from the 14th to the fourth pick. Conversely, the San Jose Sharks, who had the best odds at 18.5% to win the lottery, will select second. The Sharks, having finished last for two consecutive seasons, aimed to make history as the first team to maintain the No. 1 pick across two years.
The Chicago Blackhawks will follow the Sharks and take the third pick, making them one of the teams benefitting from a lottery in flux.
Historical Context of the Lottery
This year’s Islanders’ leap from 10th to first is historically significant, representing the largest jump a team has made to win the No. 1 selection. In recent years, the last-place team had successfully retained their top slot in four of the past five lotteries, a trend that the Islanders have disrupted.
Upcoming NHL Draft Details
The upcoming NHL draft is scheduled for Los Angeles, with the first round commencing on June 27, followed by the remaining six rounds on June 28. Leading up to the draft, the prospect pool appears less robust than last year’s class. In 2024, the consensus No. 1 candidate is Canadian junior forward Gavin McKenna.
Top Prospects and Team Considerations
- Matthew Schaefer, defenseman from the Erie Otters, is currently the top-ranked North American prospect, despite missing significant time due to injury.
- Michael Misa, center from OHL Saginaw, and James Hagens, center from Boston College, are other top U.S.-born prospects.
- Internationally, center Anton Frondell and right wing Victor Eklund from Sweden’s Djurgarden have gained attention for their performance.
As Dan Marr, the VP of Central Scouting, noted, “Schaefer easily projects as a future All-Star in the NHL.” Schaefer is poised to become only the fifth defenseman selected No. 1 since 2000, following Owen Power in 2021.
New Format for the Draft Lottery
This year’s lottery was conducted live at the NHL Network studios, a first in its 30-year history, which previously kept viewers in suspense until the results were revealed shortly before the actual draft.
Moving forward, fans will be eager to see how this new draft dynamic influences team strategies and the potential of upcoming talents making their mark in the league.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
