Islanders Win No. 1 Pick, Utah to No. 4 in 2025 NHL Draft Lottery

The New York Islanders have secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft after winning the draft lottery on Monday. This marks a significant leap from their initial position, vaulting them nine spots ahead of their pre-lottery standing. The Islanders had a 3.5% chance of winning the top pick, making their victory a stunner. The Utah Hockey Club also moved up the draft order, securing the No. 4 pick after winning the second phase of the lottery. Despite starting at No. 14, they were limited to a 10-spot jump due to NHL lottery rules, with a 3.2% chance of landing the fourth pick. The San Jose Sharks, who finished last in the league standings, will pick second overall, having entered the lottery with a 25.5% chance of securing the top pick. The Chicago Blackhawks, with a 13.5% chance, will select third. The rest of the top 16 picks were determined by the inverse order of the 2024-25 regular-season standings. The draft, which will be held in Los Angeles from June 27 to June 28, will consist of seven rounds, with the first round televised live for the first time.