NHL Draft Lottery odds 2026: Which team has the best shot at the No. 1 pick?
These 11 NHL teams could draft No. 1 overall and these are their draft lottery odds for 2026.
Though the Stanley Cup Playoffs are in full swing this spring, it's nearly time for the NHL Draft Lottery. On Tuesday, May 5, the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery will be held on ESPN at 7 p. m.
ET as the lottery balls are set to determine which team will draft No. 1 overall this summer. Like last year , the NHL will conduct the 2026 draft lottery live on television at NHL Network’s New Jersey studio.
It's an interesting decision to bring the live draft lottery back, but it does mean the entire world will learn which team will draft No. 1 overall together in dramatic fashion. Much like in years past, though the 16 teams that didn't make the playoffs this year are entered into the lottery, teams can only move up to 10 spots and only the first two spots are up for grabs.
Two drawings will occur, the first to determine the No. 1 overall pick and the second to decide No. 2 overall.