Big Changes Coming For The NHL Draft Lottery System

The NHL's recent Board of Governor's meeting has been fruitful for teams who are concerned about the draft lottery. Sportsnet Insider Chris Johnston has given details on the NHL's proposal to amend the current draft lottery process.

The NHL is proposing changes to the draft lottery system that would prevent teams from winning the lottery no more than two time in a five year period and will allow teams to only move up a maximum of 10 spots in the lottery.

There are two concerns that may have initiated this proposal. First, the Edmonton Oilers have drafted Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Nail Yakupov, Taylor Hall, and Connor McDavid first overall in the past 10 years. It seems that teams may be frustrated with the lack of high end talent being spread around the league, particularly to their team. The New Jersey Devils have drafted 1st overall on two occasions within the recent five year window after selecting Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes in the 2017 and 2019 drafts.

Additionally, the Detroit Red Wings and the Ottawa Senators were robbed of Alexi Lafreniere in the 2020 draft. The Red Wings were in dead last by several points, but the Senators were also marginalized from the 'middle of the pack' after placing 30th.

Elliotte Friedman has provided further details to Chris Johnston's report. Potential changes won't take effect until the 2022 NHL Entry Draft and previous lottery victories will not count toward a team's total.

The NHL is proposing changes to the draft lottery that would see:

* teams limited to no more than two lottery wins in a five-year period
* teams only allowed to jump 10 spots with a lottery win
* a reduction in the number of picks decided by lottery from three to two
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 8, 2021

Adding to @reporterchris note: potential changes won't take effect until 2022 Draft, and previous lottery victories will not count towards a team's total. https://t.co/fn0KS5e1BC
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 8, 2021