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NHL Draft Lottery: Blackhawks Eye Top Pick!
4 May
Summary
- Lottery on May 5th to determine first two picks.
- Blackhawks second best odds at 13.5% to win.
- Gavin McKenna projected first overall pick.
The National Hockey League will conduct its highly anticipated 2026 Draft Lottery on Tuesday, May 5th. This pivotal event will use a weighted system to determine the first two selections in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. The Chicago Blackhawks possess the second-highest probability of winning the lottery, with a 13.5% chance, trailing only the Vancouver Canucks, who hold a 25.5% likelihood.
Should the Blackhawks win the first overall pick, Penn State forward Gavin McKenna is the projected selection. McKenna, who has a pre-existing off-ice connection with Blackhawks star Connor Bedard, is expected to be NHL-ready soon after a productive college season. This potential acquisition could significantly impact Chicago's rebuilding plans and offer McKenna a chance to play for his boyhood team.
The lottery's outcome will influence the strategies of several franchises aiming to secure top talent. For the Vancouver Canucks, who hold the best odds, Ivar Stenberg, a forward who excelled in the World Junior Championships, is a projected pick. The New York Rangers, with the third-best odds, are expected to consider forward Caleb Malhotra, known for his exceptional two-way game.
