The NHL Draft, a cornerstone of ice hockey's structure since 1963, entails a lottery system for non-playoff teams to select new talent. In 2025, sixteen teams not making the playoffs entered the NHL Draft Lottery, which utilizes 14 ping pong balls to create 1000 combinations that determine order. Teams with poorer regular-season records receive more combinations for a better chance at the top pick, influenced by a rule limiting how many spots a team can jump. Consequently, San Jose Sharks, with the worst record, are poised for the first overall pick.
The NHL Draft, established in 1963, allows teams to select new players based on a lottery system, giving worse-performing teams better odds at top picks.
The NHL Draft Lottery determines the order of draft picks, using a method where teams have allocated combinations derived from their regular season performance.
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