Mark your calendars, everyone. One of the biggest days in hockey is coming around for another year.
On Tuesday, it was announced that the 2019 NHL Draft Lottery will take place on April 9 in Toronto.
This season, the team that wins the No. 1 overall pick could acquire Jack Hughes, a US-born centreman who’s been ranked as the draft’s top prospect for a significant period of time. The 17-year-old is known for his phenomenal skating and incredible vision, both of which compliment his ability to make plays.
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Just behind him, however, is Kaapo Kakko, an 18-year-old that’s been making waves in the Finnish Elite League. The right winger also possesses a strong playmaking ability but in a larger frame — he stands at 6-foot-2 and 190-pounds.
It’s also worth noting that Kakko has 36 points (21-15-36) in 44 games, exceeding the point production of players like Patrik Laine and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, two prospects who were drafted out of the Finnish Elite League in prior years.
Like previous years, every non-playoff team will have a chance at first overall pick. Naturally, the lowest-placing teams will have the best odds.
Odds for the 2019 lottery, unchanged from 2018 (NHL).
The team with the worst record in the league will receive an 18.5% chance at winning the first overall pick. Finishing last means picking no worse than fourth overall, as no team can drop by more than three positions.
As it stands, the Vancouver Canucks sit at sixth last, giving them a 7.5% chance at scoring the first overall pick.
The results of the lottery will take place live on NBC, Sportsnet, and TVA Sports, with a one-hour show beginning at 8 pm EST.
The 2019 NHL Draft will visit Rogers Arena and be held in Vancouver this June.