Draft lotteries are supposed to eliminate any nefariousness that may come with the draft process. Tanking exists in any sport with a draft, however, its outcomes are less guaranteed in the NHL and NBA, where a lottery may offset any intentional throwing of games to gain a better draft selection.
That’s not to say that any amount of shadiness is eliminated from the lottery process. I’m sure most of us can remember the 1985 NBA Draft conspiracy that speculated a frozen envelope helped land the Knicks Patrick Ewing.
Fast forward to tonight, when the New York Islanders, a team with the 10th-best odds to land the number one overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, managed to capitalize on that 3.5 percent chance and do just that, land the rights to pick first overall this summer.
It’s an interesting coincidence when you consider the NHL decided to scrub that 2026 NHL All-Star Game, which was supposed to take place at the Islanders’ UBS Arena, in favor of an international event leading into the Winter Olympics.
Interesting.
Now, the Islanders, who just opened up a state-of-the-art Arena in Belmont, which lies in and around one of the largest markets in the World now have a massive opportunity to spring board any rebuild with the first overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft. It
No clear No. 1 at the Top
Unlike last year, when the Sharks had Macklin Celebrini to take first overall, there is no clear number one for 2025. 18-year-old left winger Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit (OHL) and 17-year-old defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters (OHL) are both considered to be the top prospects leading into the summer.
So who gets taken first overall then between the two?
Misa has the potential to be an elite goal scorer, having racked up 50 goals in 50 games in the OHL the second fastest to reach this mark in the past 25 years. Not to mention, Misa is quick as hell, something that’ll help that NHL transition when you consider speed is something that cannot be taught.
On the other hand, depth, especially on defense is a major need for the Islanders heading into next season.
Schaefer, who won’t turn 18 until September may already be an NHL-ready talent that’ll get plenty of consideration from the Islanders. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 188 pounds, Schaefer has decent speed to go along with a sold frame standing at 6-foot-2 and 188 pounds.
Draft Order
Aside from the Islanders, Utah was another beneficiary of the draft’s randomness. The Hockey Club, who had the 14th-best odds to land the No. 1 pick, jumped up to the No. 4 pick.
Meanwhile, the Blackhawks with the second-best odds moved down one spot while the Red Wings, who have never garnered any lottery luck, also dropped down one spot from 12th to 13th. It
1. New York Islanders
2. San Jose Sharks
3. Chicago Blackhawks
4. Utah Hockey Club
5. Nashville Predators
6. Philadelphia Flyers
7. Boston Bruins
8. Seattle Kraken
9. Buffalo Sabres
10. Anaheim Ducks
11. Pittsburgh Penguins
12. New York Rangers
13. Detroit Red Wings
14. Columbus Blue Jackets
15. Vancouver Canucks
16. Montreal Canadiens (via Calgary Flames)