Canadiens finish last place, secure best draft lottery odds

The Montreal Canadiens secured a last-place finish in the 2021-22 NHL standings after the Arizona Coyotes defeated the Dallas Stars on Wednesday night.

Montreal now guarantees itself the best odds at winning the NHL draft lottery, which takes place on May 10. The Habs own an 18.5% chance of picking first overall, something the franchise hasn't done since 1980 when they selected Doug Wickenheiser with the top pick.

The 2022 NHL Draft is also being held on home soil at the Bell Centre in Montreal on July 7 and 8.

Kingston Frontenacs center Shane Wright is the projected first overall selection.

The Canadiens are the first team since the Carolina Hurricanes in 2003 to finish last place in the NHL a year after making the Stanley Cup Final.