Mark your calendars, hockey fans—the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery is set for Tuesday, May 5, and it's shaping up to be one of the most pivotal offseason events of the year. Taking place at the NHL Network's studio in Secaucus, New Jersey, this annual draw determines the top 16 picks in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft, with all eyes on which franchise will land the coveted No. 1 overall selection.

While the Stanley Cup Playoffs are in full swing, the lottery offers a beacon of hope for non-playoff teams and those who've acquired their picks through trades. It's a chance to land a franchise-altering talent, and recent history proves just how impactful these moments can be. In 2025, the New York Islanders won the lottery and used the top pick to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer, a move that immediately reshaped their future.

This year, the Vancouver Canucks enter the lottery in the driver's seat with an 18.5 percent chance of winning the first draw—and thanks to the NHL's 10-spot move-up limit, their effective odds of securing the No. 1 pick rise to an impressive 25.5 percent. Close behind are the Chicago Blackhawks at 13.5 percent and the New York Rangers at 11.5 percent. Other teams near the top of the lottery order include the Calgary Flames, a conditional pick from the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Seattle Kraken, Winnipeg Jets, and Florida Panthers—each hoping for a lucky bounce to jumpstart their rebuild.

For fans eager to watch the drama unfold, the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery will air nationally on ESPN. Streaming options include fubo and the ESPN app, so you can catch every moment live without needing a cable subscription. Whether you're rooting for your team to move up the board or just love the offseason buzz, this is must-watch hockey action that sets the stage for the future of the league.