NHL Draft Lottery odds 2026: Which team has the best shot at the No. 1 pick?

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. After that, the remaining teams are then sorted in inverse order of regular-season points to determine the rest of the field.

This decision helps benefit teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks, who are guaranteed at least a top-four pick from the lottery. On the other hand, the latter half of the lottery — which includes the New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals — will not have a shot at the No. 1 overall pick, but could still increase their draft standing with a bit of luck.