No more wondering — The New York Rangers will pick first overall in the 2020 NHL Draft.
Red Wings fans already are dealing with a kick in the gut after not cashing in on the NHL’s lottery system, despite a historically godawful season in which they failed to eclipse 20 wins. I feel like this could soften the blow for Wings fans a little — there was plenty of worry that the pick could end up falling to a division rival, or get wasted and thrown away to Edmonton.
Eight teams had a 12.5% chance at getting 1st overall. Those teams were: Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Winnipeg Jets.
The Top Picks
- New York Rangers
- Los Angeles Kings
- Ottawa Senators
- Detroit Red Wings
- Ottawa Senators
- Anaheim Ducks
- New Jersey Devils
- Buffalo Sabres
The Rangers are now on the clock for the 2020 NHL Draft, which is tentatively scheduled for October 9th & 10th in Montreal. The consensus number-one pick in this year’s class is forward Alexis Lafreniere — but it’s going to remain unclear who will fall to the Red Wings, or who they may end up taking. It’s highly unlikely you see Steve Yzerman trying to trade up with NYR or anyone else above him.
Leading up to today’s drawing, some of the more-reputable hockey journos said the Red Wings deserved first overall this year after the season they had.
The Draft Lottery is what it is…the league set the ground rules months ago…and few, if any objected. But the reality is that Detroit, who had 23 less points than any other team, should have the #1 pick.
End of story.
— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) August 10, 2020
Agreed 👇 https://t.co/WItLuV7rs8
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) August 10, 2020
