For the first time since 2007, a team other than the last place team has won the Draft Lottery. In doing so, New Jersey and their 3.6% chance of winning move from 8th and 4th and will likely be looking at Sean Couturier as their new number one centre of the future.
It’s funny how things work out. New Jersey, a team that has been one of the most successful franchises over the past two decades, had the #1 pick all but locked up until a midseason resurgence that saw them push their way out of the basement and in contention for a playoff spot. With the pick of a ball they erase half of that late season push and have an excellent shot at an elite player. On the flip side, the Sens are a team that has been in turmoil for the past three seasons. Their addition of Craig Anderson at the deadline vaulted them out of the league’s basement. Now that late run has cost Ottawa their 5th overall pick in the draft.
The new top 8 of the Draft looks like this:
- Edmonton Oilers
- Colorado Avalanche
- Florida Panthers
- New Jersey Devils
- New York Islanders
- Ottawa Senators
- Atlanta Thrashers
- Columbus Blue Jackets
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