NHL draft lottery 2026: Canucks lead race for top pick on Tuesday
The NHL draft lottery takes place this Tuesday, with 16 non-playoff teams competing for the top pick. The Vancouver Canucks hold the strongest chance, sitting at 25.5 per cent for the first selection in the 2026 draft. The Canucks lead the odds, followed by the Chicago Blackhawks at 13.5 per cent. The New York Rangers also stand a strong chance with 11.5 per cent, while the Calgary Flames have a 9.5 per cent shot. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets round out the top contenders with 8.5 per cent and 6.5 per cent, respectively.
This year’s draft will be held in Buffalo, New York, on June 26. Scouts and analysts project forwards Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg as the most likely top picks. The lottery results will determine which team secures the first opportunity to select them.
The outcome of Tuesday’s lottery will set the stage for the draft in late June. The Canucks, Blackhawks, and Rangers remain the frontrunners for the first overall pick. The winning team will gain the right to choose from the draft’s highest-rated prospects.
