The New York Islanders made a surprising leap up on Monday, successful the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery after getting 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 total. Per NHL.com, the group entered the lottery with a 3.5% probability of touchdown the highest choose.
NHL records data reveals 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 group 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 total choose, and described the beautiful outcome as “unimaginable.”
“Fortunate No. 13,” he continued, earlier than including, “The hockey gods smiled on us.”
OHL Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer is anticipated to be chosen first in June’s NHL Entry Draft. In line with NHL.com, he had 22 factors (seven targets, 15 assists) in 17 video games this season whereas being restricted because of damage and sickness.
The Islanders completed 2024-25 with a 35-35-7 file, the perfect for a group deciding on No. 1 total for the reason that in-state rival Rangers, who have been 37-28-5 in 2019-20 earlier than successful the 2020 lottery.
It may not take them a lot to recover from the hump and again into the playoffs after a one-year absence. Incomes the No. 1 choose is likely to be sufficient.