NHL Draft Lottery

George McPhee on how he low-key learned the Capitals won the 2004 Draft Lottery and why they picked Alex Ovechkin over Evgeni Malkin

One of the biggest moments in Washington Capitals’ history was not televised. It happened behind the scenes and over the phone.

Former Capitals general manager George McPhee found out the Capitals won the 2004 NHL Draft Lottery from Colin Campbell, the NHL’s then Senior Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations.

The Capitals jumped up in the lottery to the number one overall spot despite only having the third-best odds (14.4 percent).

(more…)

By Ian Oland 1 year ago

2 Comments

Buffalo Sabres win 2021 Draft Lottery, Seattle Kraken get second overall pick

During the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season, the Buffalo Sabres tied the 2003-04 Penguins for the longest losing streak in NHL history (18 games). On Wednesday, they were rewarded by lady luck for their sheer and unfathomable terribleness.

The Sabres won the 2021 Draft Lottery for the second time in franchise history. According to the NHL’s PR, Buffalo’s draft lottery win marks the third time since 2016 that the team in the No. 1 position has retained the No. 1 overall pick (Toronto in 2016, Buffalo in 2018 and 2021).

The Sabres will have the opportunity to select 6-foot-6 defenseman Owen Power with the first overall pick (if they so choose).

(more…)

By Ian Oland 2 years ago

1 Comment

NHL announces changes to Draft Lottery format

The New York Rangers, a participant in the 24-team playoff last year, unexpectedly won the 2020 NHL Draft Lottery, moving up from pick 12 to select Alexis Lafrenière. The Detroit Red Wings, who were by far the worst team in the league, fell out of the top 3 and selected fourth. The year before, the Rangers moved up from sixth to second and drafted Kappo Kakko.

A majority of general managers did not like how this played out so the NHL has unveiled new rules for the Draft Lottery moving forward.

(more…)

By Ian Oland 2 years ago

1 Comment

Report: NHL to hold Draft Lottery on June 26

TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie is reporting the NHL Draft Lottery will be held on Friday, June 26.

While the time of the Draft Lottery has reportedly been settled, the date of the actual NHL Draft, which has been much debated between NHL officials and general managers, has not been.

(more…)

By Ian Oland 3 years ago

0 Comment

Buffalo Sabres win draft lottery, Rasmus Dahlin sweepstakes

The NHL hosted the draft lottery in Toronto on Saturday.

After a drawn out two-part ceremony, the Buffalo Sabres were announced the winners of the first overall pick and now have the right to select elite defense prospect Rasmus Dahlin.

(more…)

By Ian Oland 5 years ago

0 Comment