While the Stanley Cup playoffs are set to begin next week, the focus for several NHL franchises is already shifting to the future. For the teams at the bottom of the standings, the upcoming NHL Draft Lottery on May 5th represents a pivotal chance to add a franchise-altering talent. Securing a top-10 pick can accelerate a rebuild or inject elite skill into a roster, making this a moment of high anticipation.

Let's examine the current draft lottery landscape and see how long it's been since each of these clubs last had a selection in the coveted top 10.

Officially finishing in last place, the Vancouver Canucks hold the best odds to win the lottery. Their last venture into the top 10 was in 2019, when they selected winger Vasily Podkolzin 10th overall. After parts of five seasons with Vancouver, Podkolzin has since found a new home with the Edmonton Oilers.

For the Chicago Blackhawks, picking near the top of the draft has become a recent tradition. The franchise has made a top-10 selection in each of the last four drafts. Their most recent prize is 2025's third overall pick, center Anton Frondell, who made an immediate impact with eight points in his first nine NHL games this spring.

The Calgary Flames, despite a late push, were officially eliminated from playoff contention this week. Their last top-10 pick came just last year in 2024, when they selected dynamic defenseman Zayne Parekh ninth overall. After a standout World Juniors and a brief debut last season, Parekh has become a regular on the Flames' blue line this year.