New York Islanders Win 2025 NHL Draft Lottery, Secure First Overall Pick
If you believe in hockey miracles, Monday night was proof they still exist. The New York Islanders, who had just a 3.5 percent chance of landing the top selection, pulled off one of the most surprising moves in recent draft lottery history. Jumping nine spots, the Islanders secured the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, giving their fans a much-needed reason to celebrate after a tough season.
For Islanders pro scouting director Ken Morrow, it was a moment that brought back memories of legendary moments on the ice. Known for his role on the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” U.S. Olympic team and for winning four Stanley Cups with the Islanders, Morrow was emotional about the win.
“I have had a lot of thrills in my hockey life, but this is right up there at the top,” he said. “The hockey gods smiled on us. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am for Islanders fans, for our ownership, for the entire Islanders organization.”
How Did the Islanders Land the First Pick?
Going into the lottery, the Islanders had the 10th-best odds at winning the top pick. They were longshots. But their number came up in the first draw, allowing them to leap over nine teams and secure the top spot in the 2025 draft.
This marks the fifth time in franchise history that the Islanders will pick first overall. The last time came in 2009 when they selected John Tavares, a player who became the face of the franchise for nearly a decade.
Despite missing the playoffs for the second time in four seasons and recently parting ways with long-time GM Lou Lamoriello, the team now finds itself in a position to reshape its future with a top-tier draft choice.
What Other Teams Benefited From the Lottery?
The Utah Hockey Club also made headlines. In its first year as a franchise, Utah jumped from the 14th position to fourth overall. The NHL’s lottery rules prevent teams from moving up more than 10 spots, which set their limit at the fourth pick.
Utah GM Bill Armstrong was still trying to process the moment.
“A couple of seconds ago, we were just like 10 back, so it still has not sunk in,” Armstrong said. “This is an exciting moment for us. It is a game-changer for our franchise.”
The San Jose Sharks, who had the highest odds at the No. 1 pick with an 18.5 percent chance, will select second. Sharks GM Mike Grier remained positive despite missing the top spot, pointing out that his team still landed in a great position to pick an elite player.
The Chicago Blackhawks will pick third, after having the second-best odds. Nashville, originally in the third spot, dropped to fifth. In total, 12 teams dropped two spots due to the surprises at the top.
Who Are the Top Prospects for the 2025 Draft?
This year’s draft class may not be as deep as the 2024 group or next year’s, but there are still strong candidates at the top. Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer is the leading name. At 6-foot-2 and 183 pounds, Schaefer has impressed scouts with his mobility and two-way play.
Despite suffering a broken collarbone while representing Canada at the World Juniors in December, Schaefer remains NHL Central Scouting’s top-ranked North American skater. If selected first, he would be the first defenseman to go No. 1 since Owen Power in 2021.
Centers Michael Misa of the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit and James Hagens of Boston College are also strong candidates for the top three. Hagens, notably, grew up on Long Island and has always been an Islanders fan. If the Islanders select him, it would be a full-circle moment.
On the international side, Anton Frondell and Victor Eklund from Sweden have also climbed draft boards. Both play for Djurgarden and are seen as high-upside options for teams outside the top three.
What Comes Next for the Islanders?
The Islanders now hold the most powerful tool in the 2025 draft. With the first pick, they can secure a franchise-changing talent who could help lead them back into contention.
The draft will take place on June 27 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with the remaining rounds on June 28. Before that, top prospects will gather for the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo.
The organization also faces the task of hiring a new general manager, making this offseason one of the most important in recent team history.
Can the Islanders Find Their Next Superstar? Who Will Be Selected First in the 2025 NHL Draft?
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