0 out of 3
John Minchillo/Associated Press
While the 16-team field for the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs is set, it also means the NHL draft lottery has been locked in its group.
At the top of the lottery order will be the Montreal Canadiens and Arizona Coyotes, who have the highest odds of ping pong balls falling their way. The top three teams—or the worst three, depending on your perception—have at least an 11.5 percent chance of picking number 1.
It should be noted that two clubs—Chicago Blackhawks and Vegas Golden Knights—gave their opening round selections to the Columbus Blue Jackets and Buffalo Sabers, respectively.
The offseason started for 16 organizations. And now, 14 of them are looking forward to May 10th and the 2022 draw.
1 of 3
Mike Stobe/Getty Images
2022 NHL Draft Lottery
When: Tuesday, May 10
Time: 18:30 ET
TV: ESPN, Sportsnet, TVA
2022 NHL Draft
When: Thursday and Friday, July 7th and 8th
TV: ESPN/ESPN2, Sportsnet, TVA
2 of 3
Mike Stobe/Getty Images
Thanks to the Arizona Coyotes’ win over the Dallas Stars on Wednesday, the Montreal Canadiens sealed first place in the lottery. They hope the 18.5% chance will lead to the first overall section in the 2022 draft, which will take place in Montreal.
Not exactly a storybook moment, but pure coincidence – more or less?
Arizona secured second place in the pre-lottery with a 13.5% chance of topping the 2022 order. After the Coyotes, the Seattle Kraken is most likely to take third place with 11.5%.
Interestingly, the only two other positions decided belong to the Columbus Blue Jackets. They are in sixth place (via Chicago) and their own lottery slot is in 12th. In all, the Blue Jackets have a 10% chance of coming in first.
Most, if not all, remaining lottery orders will be determined on Friday night. The only game remaining is Sunday between Seattle and the Winnipeg Jets.
For odds on each pick, see Tankathon.
3 of 3
Glenn James/Getty Images
playoff teams
Eastern Conference: Florida PanthersCarolina HurricanesToronto Maple LeafsTampa Bay LightningNew York RangersBoston BruinsPittsburgh PenguinsWashington Capitals
Western Conference: Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues. Edmonton OilersLos Angeles KingsNashville PredatorsDallas Stars
NHL rankings in lottery order
1. Montreal Canadiens: 53 points
2. Arizona Coyotes: 55
3. Seattle Kraken: 58
4. Philadelphia Flyers: 61
5. New Jersey Devils: 63
6. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Chicago: 67)
7. Ottawa Senators: 71
8. Detroit Red Wings: 72
9. Buffalo Sabers: 73
10. Anaheim Ducks: 76
11. San Jose Sharks: 77
12. Colombo Blue Jackets: 81
13. New York Islanders: 84
14. Winnipeg Jets: 85
15. Vancouver Canucks: 91
16. Buffalo Sabers (from Vegas: 92)