In the NHL draft, teams select players for the potential to be on their roster eventually. Most players are allocated to minor leagues for seasoning before working their way to the NHL.
A lottery determines the draft order. Each of the 16 teams that missed the Stanley Cup playoffs have a shot at the first draft pick.
Three drawings occur:
The first drawing determines the No. 1 selection.
The odds for remaining teams are adjusted proportionally for the second drawing to determine the No. 2 pick.
Odds are then adjusted for the third drawing to determine the No. 3 pick.
The teams left receive picks 4 through 16 based on inverse order of the standings. Any of the 16 teams can win the lottery, but no team can move back more than three spots.
The 2022 NHL draft is set for June 28-29 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.