The NHL's Draft Lottery: A Look Ahead to 2026

The NHL's annual draft lottery, a fixture in early May, determines which of the 16 non-playoff teams will receive the coveted first overall selection. In the recent 2025 lottery, the New York Islanders emerged victorious and chose defenseman Matthew Schaefer, who is currently leading the rookie class with seven points in six games. The buzz is already building around the 2026 draft lottery, where scouts are spotlighting 17-year-old Gavin McKenna from Penn State University as a generational talent likely to be the first overall pick.

As the NHL season progresses, many teams are positioning themselves for a better chance at landing McKenna. Several clubs have already shown signs of struggling, putting them in the early conversation for the next lottery. Among them, the Pittsburgh Penguins, once a league powerhouse, have missed the playoffs three seasons in a row. General manager Kyle Dubas is subtly rebuilding the roster, trading veteran players like Jake Guentzel while attempting to stockpile promising young talent.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken and their general manager Jason Botterill face an uphill battle, also likely contenders for the lottery if their performance does not improve. Early season stats show a lack of offensive power, concern over scoring capabilities, and impending decisions regarding free agents.

The Islanders, under new management with Mathieu Darche, are still assessing their roster's potential. While their current lineup boasts high offensive output, their defensive weaknesses could place them back in lottery contention if they do not capitalize quickly.

In addition, franchises like the Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers are clinging to playoff hopes but have shown signs of inconsistency. Similarly, teams such as the Nashville Predators, Calgary Flames, and Chicago Blackhawks also find themselves in precarious positions early on, making them potential lottery teams.

The San Jose Sharks, rebuilding under GM Mike Grier, continue to focus on developing their young players. Despite a rocky start, they are still in the mix for the 2026 draft lottery, making them contenders for McKenna's services.

With the season still young, it's uncertain which teams will solidify their spots in the lottery rankings. However, the race for the 2026 NHL draft lottery is heating up as franchises weigh their options and strategize for the future.