The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery is set to shake up the league's future on Tuesday, May 5, as non-playoff teams get their shot at landing the No. 1 overall pick. This annual event, held in the midst of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, is one of the most anticipated moments on the NHL offseason calendar, and it could redefine a franchise's trajectory for years to come.

This year, all eyes are on the Vancouver Canucks, who enter the lottery with the best odds to secure the top selection. Vancouver boasts an 18.5 percent chance of winning the first lottery draw, but thanks to the NHL's 10-spot move-up limit, their actual odds of landing the No. 1 pick climb to an impressive 25.5 percent. Hot on their heels are the Chicago Blackhawks at 13.5 percent, followed by the New York Rangers at 11.5 percent and the Calgary Flames at 9.5 percent. But as any hockey fan knows, the lottery is famous for its surprises—could the Blackhawks, Rangers, or another team pull off an upset and steal the spotlight?

The draft lottery has already proven to be a game-changer in recent years. In 2025, the New York Islanders won the lottery and used the No. 1 overall pick to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer, a move that has already reshaped their roster. This year's event promises similar drama, as it determines the order for the first 16 picks in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft. For teams that missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs, this is a golden opportunity to land a franchise-changing talent.

Here's everything you need to know to catch all the action. The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery will air nationally on ESPN, with the event kicking off at 7 p.m. ET from NHL Network's studio in Secaucus, New Jersey. Hockey fans can stream the lottery live on fubo or the ESPN app, making it easy to follow along from anywhere. Whether you're rooting for your team to land the top pick or just love the offseason buzz, this is one event you won't want to miss.