Sports
Islanders Win Lottery For Top Pick In June Draft
It's the franchise's fifth number one pick and first since choosing John Tavares in 2009.
ELMONT, NY — The New York Islanders will have the top pick in this year's NHL Draft. The Isles solidified the top position by winning the draft lottery on Monday night.
They had 3.5 percent, or 10th-best, chance of securing the lottery "prize," NHL.com said.
This marks the fifth time the Islanders would have the number one pick, and first since selecting center John Tavares in 2009.
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Hall of Famer Denis Potvin was also a top pick in 1973, while the team went with goalie Rick DiPietro to lead the 2000 draft.
Defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the Ontario Hockey League is listed as the best skater in North American, Newsday said.
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The Islanders finished sixth in the Metropolitan Division with 82 points, 29 points behind the division-winning Washington Capitals.
The 2025 draft takes place with the opening rounds on June 27, and rounds 2-7 on June 28.
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