The New York Islanders are the winners of the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery, which ensures that they will pick No. 1 overall when the draft begins on June 27 in Los Angeles.
It is the first time since 2009 that the Islanders will pick first overall at the NHL Draft, when they selected John Tavares.
The Islanders, who finished the 2024-25 season at 35-35-12 and missed the playoffs for the second time in the last four years, entered Monday night’s lottery with just a 3.5% chance of getting the No. 1 pick.
However, the four-ball combination was drawn in their favor, as the numbers 7, 11, 12, and finally, 13, were pulled from the mosh of ping-pong balls.
The surprising result is a franchise-altering victory for the Islanders, who are in the throes of major change this offseason. They are currently searching for a new general manager after parting ways with Lou Lamoriello following seven seasons. That casts a doubt on the future of head coach Patrick Roy and the rest of his staff.
Holding the No. 1 pick at the 2025 NHL Draft, however, makes the Islanders a much more intriguing destination for potential GM candidates, who have an opportunity to bring on a franchise talent from the very jump.
Defenseman Matthew Schaefer, along with forwards Michael Misa and Long Island native James Hagens, are considered three of the top prospects that will be available when the Islanders officially go on the clock.
