Report: Some GMs calling for changes to NHL draft lottery

A number of the NHL's general managers are calling for the league to once again tweak its draft lottery format.

During a virtual meeting Friday, multiple executives around the league argued to increase the odds for the teams that finish lowest in the standings, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

The Detroit Red Wings were "incredibly upset" this year after dropping to the fourth pick despite having the best odds for the No. 1 selection, Friedman adds. Detroit reportedly has support for its position but the league asked for specific proposals.

The NHL first introduced a weighted lottery system in 1995, which differed slightly from the system used today. All teams were able to win the lottery, but teams were able to move up a maximum of four positions in the draft. This meant the No. 1 selection could be won by only a bottom-five team; the Los Angeles Kings won the lottery in 1995 and were awarded the No. 3 pick.

However, in an effort to discourage tanking, the league changed its system in 2015. It spread the odds for all non-playoff teams and gave every club a chance at the top pick.

The lottery was altered once again in 2016, putting the top three picks in play for the lottery rather than just the first. That ensured the last-place team is guaranteed a top-four selection rather than the second overall pick if it lost the lottery.