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Can the Islanders Defy Odds Again in NHL Draft Lottery?
5 May
Summary
- Islanders have a 2.0% chance in the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery.
- They can move up at most 10 spots, potentially picking third overall.
- Winning the lottery for a second consecutive year is a rare feat.
The New York Islanders and 15 other teams will participate in the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery on Tuesday night. Having won the 2025 lottery with a low 3.5% chance, the team now holds the 13th-best odds at 2.0% for this year's draw.
According to NHL rules, lottery teams can only move up a maximum of 10 spots. This means the Islanders' best possible outcome is selecting third overall, an event that would also signify a win for the Vancouver Canucks, who have the highest lottery odds at 18.5%. The Islanders will therefore either pick third or 13th.
Statisticians note that the odds of the Islanders winning the lottery in two consecutive years are approximately 1 in 1,428. Fans can watch the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery live on ESPN, Sportsnet, and TVA at 7 PM ET.
