The anticipation is building for the NHL Draft Lottery 2025. For hockey fans, the annual draft lottery is more than just a ping-pong ball drawing—it's a pivotal event that shapes the future of numerous franchises. With the next generation of stars waiting in the wings and several teams hopeful for a turnaround, understanding how the draft lottery works and what’s at stake in 2025 is crucial. In this guide, you'll learn about this year’s odds, watching details, and the top prospects making headlines.

Official drawing for the NHL Draft Lottery 2025 taking place at the studio

How the NHL Draft Lottery 2025 Works

The NHL Draft Lottery 2025 will determine the order in which non-playoff teams pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. This year, the process will be more transparent than ever, as the entire lottery drawing will be shown live from Secaucus, New Jersey. Viewers can catch the excitement on ESPN or stream it via ESPN+ and Fubo. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, giving fans a front-row seat to every ping-pong ball selection. For a breakdown on the lottery odds, streaming info, and process, check out this comprehensive guide from USA TODAY.

The lottery consists of two drawings: one to determine the team with the top overall pick and another for the second selection. Only teams ranked in the bottom 11 have a chance to move up to the first pick, ensuring the worst team can draft no lower than third. Following new rules, no franchise can win the lottery more than twice in a five-year period, keeping competition balanced.

Team Odds and Key Dates

The San Jose Sharks lead the pack with an 18.5% chance at the top pick, trailed by the Chicago Blackhawks (13.5%) and the Nashville Predators (11.5%). Other teams in the hunt include the Boston Bruins (8.5%), Seattle Kraken (7.5%), and more. For full odds and team scenarios, the NHL’s official article on the 2025 Draft Lottery provides in-depth coverage.

The first round of the 2025 NHL Draft will occur on June 27 at L.A. Live's Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Subsequent rounds (2–7) will take place the next day. This setup brings top prospects and fans together for a memorable hockey weekend.

Top Prospects to Watch in 2025

All eyes this year are on Erie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the top-ranked North American prospect who, despite injuries, is touted as a game-changer. Schaefer is described as the “complete package,” excelling both offensively and defensively. His presence in the draft echoes significant anticipation, similar to past No. 1 picks like Connor McDavid. For Schaefer’s own perspective on the lottery and a closer look at his journey, check out this interview on NHL.com.

Beyond Schaefer, other standout names include Saginaw center Michael Misa, Boston College’s James Hagens, and Brantford’s Jake O’Brien. The International list features promising skaters like Sweden’s Anton Frondell and Victor Eklund. Each brings unique skills, ensuring that the early lottery selections could shift the balance for struggling teams. As detailed in articles by USA TODAY and NHL.com, these prospects are already drawing significant attention from scouts and fans alike.

What’s Next: Impact on Franchises

Landing a high lottery pick can define an NHL team’s trajectory. Take the Boston Bruins, for instance, who are set to secure a top-10 pick—their best draft position since 2010. For more insight on how the lottery can shift a franchise’s fortunes, the Boston Globe has a detailed explainer.

The excitement of the nhl draft lottery 2025 will ripple throughout the league and invigorate fans waiting for that franchise-changing moment.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 NHL Draft Lottery promises drama, transparency, and the next wave of hockey talent. Whether you’re watching to see which team wins big, or which prospect will headline the draft, this event is one of the highlights of the hockey calendar. Mark your calendar for June 27-28 and join the action for the NHL’s future stars.