Panthers Get To Keep 2026 First-Round Pick Thanks To Finishing With Eighth-Worst Record In NHL
Injuries derailed the Panthers' season, but a silver lining emerged: they'll keep their coveted 2026 first-round pick thanks to their eighth-worst finish.
It looks like the Florida Panthers are going to keep their 2026 first round pick. Florida’s top selection at the 2026 NHL Draft was initially traded to the Chicago Blackhawks at the 2025 Trade Deadline in the deal that brought Seth Jones to the Panthers. At the time, the pick being top-10 protected was almost an afterthought considering the Panthers were on their way to a third straight Stanley Cup Final appearance and second consecutive championship.
That, combined with the majority of the roster being locked up for years, made the idea of Florida finishing with a high lottery pick almost laughable. As it turns out, the only one laughing was the injury bug. Fortunately for the Panthers, adding that provision to their draft pick turned out to be the silver lining on an otherwise forgettable season.
Now, thanks to the Panthers finishing with the eighth-worst record in the NHL, Florida is guaranteed to keep their 2026 top pick. Florida’s 25th place finish came thanks to a pair of game 82 road victories by the St. Louis Blues and San Jose Sharks.
Next month, the NHL will hold its annual Draft Lottery, where two separate draws are held for the first and second overall selections, giving two teams a chance at moving up to the top pick, or a maximum of 10 spots up. With Florida finishing in the bottom eight, even if two teams behind Florida win lottery draws and bump the Panthers back, they’ll still receive the tenth overall pick. What Panthers General Manager Bill Zito decides to do with that pick will be interesting to see play out.