2025 NHL Draft Lottery Winners Announced: New York Islanders and Utah HC Secure First and Second Picks
The 2025 NHL Draft Lottery Shakes Things Up
For the first time in the league's history, the draft lottery wasn't just a drawing of numbers—it was a dramatic spectacle with real-time updates. Orchestrated to bring excitement, the system showcased the lottery balls for all to see at center stage.
The event culminated in a massive shocker, as the New York Islanders skyrocketed from the 10th position to snag the No. 1 overall pick. This is their first pick within the top 10 since nabbing Michael Dal Colle at No. 5 back in 2014, and the fifth time they've snagged the top spot in their franchise history.
Some key moments to remember from the history of the Islanders' draft choices include taking John Tavares first overall in 2009, and goaltender Rick DiPietro at No. 1 in 2000. Their early days saw them picking Billy Harris in 1972 and Denis Potvin in 1973.
Ken Morrow, longtime director of pro scouting for the Islanders, stepped up as the team's representative at the draft lottery after the departure of president and general manager Lou Lamoriello on Apr. 22. Morrow expressed delight for the team and expressed his excitement for the upcoming draft. "The Hockey Gods smiled on us," he exclaimed after the results were announced.
As for the lottery itself, the rules now prohibit a winning team from jumping more than ten places, so Utah Hockey Club, a brand-new team, rose from 14th to 4th in a breathtaking leap. Last year, the team's first-round picks were centers Tij Iginla at No. 6 and Cole Beaudoin at No. 12.
In 2024, the lottery didn't change the draft order at all, with the San Jose Sharks securing the first-ever first-overall pick in their franchise's history. They used the pick to select Canadian center Macklin Celebrini. This year's lottery results nudged them down to the No. 2 spot.
Here's the revised draft order for non-playoff teams in 2025:
- New York Islanders
- San Jose Sharks
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Utah Hockey Club
- Nashville Predators
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- New York Rangers
- Buffalo Sabres
- Seattle Kraken
- Detroit Red Wings
- Anaheim Ducks
- Montreal Canadiens
- Arizona Coyotes
- Ottawa Senators
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- New Jersey Devils
- Calgary Flames
- Minnesota Wild
- Colorado Avalanche
- Vegas Golden Knights
- Winnipeg Jets
- Edmonton Oilers
- Dallas Stars
- Washington Capitals
- Boston Bruins
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- St. Louis Blues
- Florida Panthers
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Los Angeles Kings
- Toronto Maple Leafs
Celebrini, the first overall pick in 2024, was one of six players from his draft class to play in the NHL, and the only one to stay on the roster for the complete 2024-25 season. He notched 25 goals to rank second among all rookies and tied for second place with 63 points. The Calder Trophy finalists for rookie of the year were Macklin Celebrini, Montreal Canadiens Defenseman Lane Hutson, and Calgary Flames Goaltender Dustin Wolf.
Looking ahead to the 2025 draft, the consensus top prospect is Canadian defenseman Matthew Schaefer, who could be a good fit alongside Noah Dobson on the Islanders' blue line. There are some uncertainties related to his name due to an injury-shortened season.
With the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery complete, the focus now shifts to the draft itself. The NHL Scouting Combine takes place in Buffalo from June 1-7, followed by the draft at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on June 27-28. Commissioner Gary Bettman will announce the names of the drafted prospects while teams set up their war rooms in their respective home markets.
The New York Islanders, under Ken Morrow's leadership, achieved a significant victory in the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery, securing the No. 1 overall pick and marking their fifth time capturing the top spot in their franchise history. The Utah Hockey Club, on the other hand, saw a notable leap in the draft order, moving from the 14th position to the 4th, thanks to the new rule that prevents a winning team from jumping more than ten places. The 2025 NHL Draft is set to feature Canadian defenseman Matthew Schaefer as its consensus top prospect, who could potentially join the Islanders' blue line alongside Noah Dobson.
