Your guide to the 2021 NHL Draft Lottery
2021 NHL Draft Lottery
When: Wednesday, June 2, 7 p.m. ET
How to watch: Sportsnet, NBCSN, NHL Network
It's once again time for the NHL draft lottery.
There are only two draws beginning this year, with the first determining which club will select first overall in the 2021 NHL Draft and the second deciding who will pick second.
The NHL draft will be held virtually over two days, with Round 1 taking place July 23 followed by Rounds 2-7 on July 24.
This year's lottery will also include the expansion Seattle Kraken, who will begin play next season.
Let's take a deeper dive into everything you need to know for Wednesday's draw.
Odds to win No. 1 pick
The Buffalo Sabres have the highest odds at winning the No. 1 pick after finishing the 2020-21 campaign with the league's worst record. Under the NHL's new format, Buffalo can select no lower than third overall.
The Kraken have the third-best odds at winning the lottery; they'll pick no lower than fifth.
| Rank | Team | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buffalo Sabres | 16.6% |
| 2 | Anaheim Ducks | 12.1% |
| 3 | Seattle Kraken | 10.3% |
| 4 | New Jersey Devils | 10.3% |
| 5 | Columbus Blue Jackets | 8.5% |
| 6 | Detroit Red Wings | 7.6% |
| 7 | San Jose Sharks | 6.7% |
| 8 | Los Angeles Kings | 5.8% |
| 9 | Vancouver Canucks | 5.4% |
| 10 | Ottawa Senators | 4.5% |
| 11 | Arizona Coyotes* | 3.1% |
| 12 | Chicago Blackhawks | 2.7% |
| 13 | Calgary Flames | 2.2% |
| 14 | Philadelphia Flyers | 1.8% |
| 15 | Dallas Stars | 1.4% |
| 16 | New York Rangers | 1% |
*The Coyotes will forfeit their first-round pick for violating the NHL's combine testing policy in 2019-20. A redraw will take place if Arizona wins either of the top two lottery picks.
Projected top picks
Unlike in years past, there isn't a consensus No. 1 pick in 2021. Let's take a look at some of the names slated to go near the top.
Owen Power
Power sits atop many prospect rankings and mock drafts, and he's the likeliest player to go No. 1. The blue-liner, who's performed well at every level he's played in, just wrapped up an impressive season at Michigan and has all of the tools to become an elite NHLer.
Luke Hughes
The younger brother of Jack and Quinn Hughes, Luke is likely to follow in his family's footsteps as a top 10 pick. An unlucky foot injury took him out for the majority of this past season, but he's a rock-solid defenseman who can contribute on both sides of the puck.
Brandt Clarke
Yet another defenseman projected to go near the top, Clarke spent the past season playing in the top Slovakian professional league. Not only did he produce solid numbers overseas, but he also played a key role in helping Canada win gold at the U18 men's hockey championship.
Best of the rest
This year's draft has more question marks than ever before due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many leagues across the world either had abbreviated seasons or didn't play at all.
However, there's still plenty of talent atop this year's draft class. Defenseman Simon Edvinsson and center Matthew Beniers will go near the top, while goaltender Jesper Wallstedt is also expected to be selected in the lottery. Teams may also reach for players like Dylan Guenther, Kent Johnson, and William Eklund.