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The NHL draft lottery is back in focus, and as anticipation builds for this year’s draw, the conversation once again turns to one thing: luck. While the NHL draft lottery has never reached the controversy levels seen in other leagues, it has quietly shaped franchises for decades. From dynasties built on timely wins to rebuilds stalled by bad fortune, the NHL draft lottery continues to be one of the most influential events in hockey.
With the 2026 edition approaching, a deeper look at history reveals clear patterns. Some teams consistently beat the odds in the NHL draft lottery, while others seem stuck on the wrong side of probability.
How the NHL Draft Lottery Became So Important
The NHL draft lottery began in 1995 as a way to discourage teams from intentionally losing games to secure the top pick. Early versions were simple, with only one team moving up and strict limits on how far teams could jump.
Over time, the system evolved. Today’s NHL draft lottery includes:
- Two separate draws for the top two picks
- A maximum jump of 10 spots
- Live broadcast of the lottery process
These changes have made the NHL draft lottery more transparent and unpredictable, increasing both excitement and frustration across the league.
The Luckiest Teams in NHL Draft Lottery History
Some franchises have clearly benefited from the NHL draft lottery, turning favorable outcomes into superstar talent.
The Chicago Blackhawks stand out with two major wins that brought in Patrick Kane and Connor Bedard. Both players became franchise cornerstones, showing how a single NHL draft lottery win can reshape a team’s future.
The Edmonton Oilers experienced perhaps the most dominant stretch in NHL draft lottery history. Between 2010 and 2015, they secured four No. 1 picks, including Connor McDavid. That run remains unmatched and highlights how repeated success in the NHL draft lottery can accelerate a rebuild.
The New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders have also capitalized on their opportunities, moving up multiple times and landing elite players. The Islanders’ recent jump from long odds to secure the top pick shows that even unlikely outcomes can define a franchise in the NHL draft lottery.
Teams That Struggle With NHL Draft Lottery Luck
On the other end, several teams have consistently missed out despite strong odds.
The Detroit Red Wings are one of the most notable examples. During a critical rebuilding phase, they repeatedly dropped in the NHL draft lottery, slowing their return to contention.
The Vancouver Canucks have never moved up in the NHL draft lottery, despite multiple opportunities. Similarly, the Columbus Blue Jackets have never secured the top pick through the lottery, even with frequent appearances.
The Utah Mammoth franchise, which includes the former Coyotes and Jets lineage, has had numerous chances but still no No. 1 pick. Their history reflects how unpredictable and unforgiving the NHL draft lottery can be.
One-Time Winners Who Hit the Jackpot
Some teams only needed one lucky moment in the NHL draft lottery to change everything.
The Pittsburgh Penguins landed Sidney Crosby in 2005, a transformational player who led them to multiple championships. The Washington Capitals had a similar experience with Alex Ovechkin, whose impact extended far beyond scoring records.
The Colorado Avalanche struck gold with Nathan MacKinnon, proving that even a single NHL draft lottery win can define a generation.
Regular Participants in the NHL Draft Lottery
Teams like the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators have spent years navigating the ups and downs of the NHL draft lottery. While they’ve had success at times, they’ve also experienced major setbacks, including missing out on generational talents.
The San Jose Sharks recently benefited by landing Macklin Celebrini, showing that persistence in the NHL draft lottery can eventually pay off.
Teams With Limited NHL Draft Lottery Impact
Some franchises simply haven’t been heavily involved in the NHL draft lottery.
Teams like the Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild have avoided long rebuilds, which means fewer lottery appearances. While this limits their chances at top picks, it also reflects consistent competitiveness.
The St. Louis Blues are a rare case. Despite existing throughout the lottery era, they’ve had very few opportunities, making their single No. 1 pick stand out even more.
Why the NHL Draft Lottery Still Matters in 2026
As the 2026 NHL draft lottery approaches, its importance remains as strong as ever. For struggling teams, it represents hope. For fans, it delivers suspense. And for franchises, it can mean the difference between years of mediocrity and a fast track to success.
The unpredictability of the NHL draft lottery is exactly what keeps it compelling. A team with slim odds can suddenly land a superstar, while a favorite can fall down the order.
That uncertainty is what defines the NHL draft lottery. It’s not just about numbers. It’s about timing, opportunity, and the rare moments when everything aligns.
As history has shown again and again, the NHL draft lottery doesn’t just decide draft order. It shapes the future of the league.