Report: NHL draft lottery scheduled for May 5
The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery is scheduled for May 5, sources told Hockey 24/7's Frank Seravalli.
The league will broadcast the lottery live on-air for the second year in a row, Seravalli adds. Prior to 2025, the lotteries took place in a private room, with the results revealed afterward.
Teams can only move up a maximum of 10 spots in the lottery, as per a rule implemented in 2021. As a result, only 11 franchises have a chance at selecting first overall.
Last year, the New York Islanders moved from 10th place to win the lottery and selected phenom Matthew Schaefer.
Forwards Gavin McKenna (Penn State) and Ivar Stenberg (Frolunda), along with defenseman Keaton Verhoeff (North Dakota), are projected to be among the top prospects in the 2026 draft.
Here's a look at the teams with a chance at drafting first overall entering Thursday's games:
| Team | Pts % | No. 1 pick odds |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver Canucks | .373 | 25.1% |
| Calgary Flames | .449 | 13.6% |
| Chicago Blackhawks | .463 | 11.6% |
| New York Rangers | .471 | 9.5% |
| St. Louis Blues | .478 | 8.5% |
| Winnipeg Jets | .500 | 7.5% |
| Toronto Maple Leafs* | .507 | 6.5% |
| Nashville Predators | .515 | 6.0% |
| Florida Panthers* | .515 | 5.0% |
| New Jersey Devils | .529 | 3.5% |
| Los Angeles Kings | .530 | 3% |
The Maple Leafs' pick belongs to the Boston Bruins but is top-five protected. The Panthers' selection, owned by the Chicago Blackhawks, is top-10 protected.
The draft will be held June 26 and 27 in Buffalo.
HEADLINES
- Blue Jackets dump Rangers as Columbus moves into playoff spot
- DeBrincat scores go-ahead goal in Red Wings' victory over Canadiens
- Bargains and burdens: Best, worst value contracts of 2025-26 season
- Islanders planning to move AHL affiliate to Hamilton
- Matthews given 12-week recovery timeline after MCL surgery