James Nichols
The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery can certainly answer some questions for New Jersey Devils general manager, Sunny Mehta.
New Jersey is entering a crucial offseason as an organization that—despite the 2025-26 outcome—expects to be in the postseason.
Thus, they’ll look to make a big add this summer. Depending on their draft position, their first round pick is likely to be in play.
Can the Devils move up and improve the value they hold heading into the 2026 NHL Draft? Here’s everything you need to know for tonight.
Date and Broadcast
Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET. Live from NHL Network studios in Secaucus, N.J. Broadcast on ESPN, Sportsnet, and TVA Sports. Results determine the first 16 picks of the 2026 NHL Draft (June 26-27, Buffalo).
Format
Two-phase ping-pong ball draw (1,001 combinations). Phase 1 selects No. 1 overall. Phase 2 selects No. 2. Teams move up a maximum of 10 spots. Only the top 11 seeds can win No. 1. Remaining order set by inverse regular-season standings.
Devils Position
New Jersey holds the 12th lottery spot with 2.5% odds (25 combinations) to win and move up to No. 2—which they cannot rise above. Their most likely outcome is to remain near 10th-12th.
Full Odds to Win No. 1 Pick
- Vancouver Canucks: 18.5%
- Chicago Blackhawks: 13.5%
- New York Rangers: 11.5%
- Calgary Flames: 9.5%
- Toronto Maple Leafs*: 8.5%
- Seattle Kraken: 7.5%
- Winnipeg Jets: 6.5%
- Florida Panthers: 6.0%
- San Jose Sharks: 5.0%
- Nashville Predators: 3.5%
- St. Louis Blues: 3.0%
- New Jersey Devils: 2.5%
- New York Islanders: 2.0%
- Columbus Blue Jackets: 1.5%
- St. Louis Blues (via DET): 0.5%
- Washington Capitals: 0.5%
*Toronto note: Conditional from March 7, 2025 trade with Boston.
Top 2026 Prospects
Consensus leaders:
- Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (No. 1 overall favorite)
- Ivar Stenberg, LW/RW, Frölunda (SHL)
- Keaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota
- Carson Carels, D, Prince George (WHL)
- Chase Reid, D, Soo Greyhounds
Adding a top-two selection in McKenna or Stenberg could help the Devils with an NHL ready talent now that contributes long-term. Otherwise, if it lands near their expected draft position, they should contemplate moving it for more immediate help.
The lottery sets draft order only for non-playoff teams. Full results expected shortly after 7 P.M. ET.
Devils Rink Report will be LIVE with analysis of the results as soon as the Devils’ pick is locked into position.
