The New York Islanders made a shocking leap up on Monday, successful the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery after coming into the day ranked No. 10 within the draft order.
It marks the primary time the Islanders received the draft lottery since 2009, once they chosen ahead John Tavares at No. 1 general. Per NHL.com, the group entered the lottery with a 3.5% probability of touchdown the highest decide.
NHL records data exhibits that the nine-spot leap can also be the most important to first in lottery historical past.
New York received the lotto with a mix of 7-11-12-13 to provide the group a jolt because it searches for its subsequent normal supervisor. In April, the crew fired president and normal supervisor Lou Lamoriello, who held his place for seven seasons.
Ken Morrow, the Islanders’ director of professional scouting, spoke with ESPN’s Kevin Weekes after incomes the No. 1 general decide, and described the beautiful consequence as “unimaginable.”
“Fortunate No. 13,” he continued, earlier than including, “The hockey gods smiled on us.”
OHL Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer is predicted to be chosen first in June’s NHL Entry Draft. In accordance with NHL.com, he had 22 factors (seven objectives, 15 assists) in 17 video games this season whereas being restricted as a result of damage and sickness.
The Islanders completed 2024-25 with a 35-35-7 document, the very best for a crew choosing No. 1 general for the reason that in-state rival Rangers, who had been 37-28-5 in 2019-20 earlier than successful the 2020 lottery.
It won’t take them a lot to recover from the hump and again into the playoffs after a one-year absence. Incomes the No. 1 decide is likely to be sufficient.
