Even if Vancouver Canucks win draft lottery they can't get the first overall pick

The Vancouver Canucks will be among the 16 participants in NHL Draft Lottery on Monday.

Their odds aren’t good though.

The Canucks enter the draft lottery tied for the worst possible odds of winning. They have a 0.5 per cent chance to win the first draw, or a 1.1 per cent chance to win either the first or second draw.

But it gets worse.

Even if Vancouver gets lucky and wins the draft lottery for the first time ever, they won’t be awarded the first overall pick. That’s because of a rule change implemented by the NHL in 2021, which allows teams to move up a maximum of 10 spots.

Since the Canucks enter the draft in the 15th spot, the best they can pick is fifth overall.

So you’re telling me there’s a chance (Tankathon.com)

Changes to the NHL draft lottery broadcast

Fans tuning into the draft lottery on Monday (4 p.m. PDT on Sportsnet) will notice a significant change in the way picks are revealed.

Rather than have NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly opening envelopes again, for the first time ever, the league will be revealing the picks with a live drawing of the numbers at the NHL Network’s studios in Secaucus, N.J.

“As each ball is drawn, odds change and teams are eliminated,” the NHL explained in a press release. “The viewing audience will learn who is still in the running in real time.”

Ping pong balls numbered 1 to 14 will be drawn four times for the first overall pick, and again for the second overall selection.

There are five combinations out of the 1,000 possible outcomes that will result in the Canucks winning.