The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery could certainly answer some questions for New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Mehta.
New Jersey is entering an important offseason as an organization that hopes to be in the postseason—regardless of the outcome of 2025–26.
Thus, they will look to make a big addition this summer. Based on his draft position, he is likely to be a first round selection.
Can the Devils move up and improve their value in the 2026 NHL Draft? Here's everything you need to know for tonight.
Date and broadcast
Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 7 PM ET. Live from the NHL Network studios in Secaucus, NJ broadcast on ESPN, Sportsnet and TVA Sports. The results determine the first 16 picks of the 2026 NHL Draft (June 26–27, Buffalo).
Format
Two-stage ping-pong ball draw (1,001 combinations). Step 1 selects the No. 1 overall pick. Step 2 selects the number 2. Teams move up a maximum of 10 places. Only the top 11 seeds can win the No. 1 seed. The remaining order is determined by the opposite regular-season standings.
state of devils
Ranks 12th in New Jersey Lottery 2.5% Probability of winning and reaching number 2 (25 combinations) – which they cannot rise above. Their probable result is to be around 10th-12th.
All chances of winning number 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 trade with Boston from March 7, 2025.
Top 2026 prospects
Unanimous Leader:
- Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (No. 1 overall favorite)
- Ivar Stenberg, LW/RW, Frölunda (SHL)
- Keaton Verhoef, D, North Dakota
- Carson Carrolls, D, Prince George (WHL)
- Chase Reed, D, Soo Greyhounds
Adding a top-two pick in McKenna or Stenberg could help the Devils land an NHL-ready talent who contributes long-term. Otherwise, if it approaches their expected draft position, they should consider moving him for more immediate help.
The lottery determines the draft order only for non-playoff teams. Full results are expected shortly after 7pm ET.
The Devils Rink Report will go live with analysis of the results as soon as the Devils' picks get into position.
