The anticipation is building as the NHL gears up for one of its most pivotal nights of the year—the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery. With the draft order set to be reshuffled, one lucky franchise will walk away with the coveted No. 1 overall pick and a chance to land a generational talent.

Set to take place on Tuesday, May 5, at 7 p.m. ET, the lottery will be broadcast live from the NHL Network studio in Secaucus, New Jersey. Fans can catch all the action on ESPN or stream it via the ESPN app and fubo. This year’s event determines the top two picks, with all 16 non-playoff teams—or those who acquired those slots via trades—entering the lottery pool. However, due to the NHL’s 10-spot move-up rule, only the top 11 lottery teams are eligible to secure the No. 1 selection.

All eyes are on Gavin McKenna, the Penn State phenom who has emerged as the headline name of the 2026 draft class. Regarded as a potential franchise cornerstone, McKenna represents the kind of game-changing player that can alter a team’s trajectory for years to come. That’s why the lottery carries such high stakes for teams near the top of the odds board, including the Vancouver Canucks and Chicago Blackhawks.

As the lottery balls are drawn, the results will determine which team earns the right to make the first selection. Whether it’s a team looking to rebuild or one aiming to add the final piece to a championship puzzle, the No. 1 pick could be the key to unlocking future success. Stay tuned as we update the full results, including which teams moved up, fell back, and secured the top selections.

For hockey fans and gear enthusiasts alike, this is more than just a draft—it’s the start of a new era. And as the draft order takes shape, you can bet the jerseys, hats, and memorabilia will follow. Keep your eyes on the ice and your wardrobe ready for the next big thing in NHL fashion.