The New York Islanders just pulled off one of the biggest surprises in NHL draft lottery history, jumping from 10th place all the way to the top spot for the 2025 draft.
It’s pretty amazing considering they only had a tiny 3.5% chance of winning. Talk about beating the odds!
This is the first time the Islanders have won the lottery since 2009, when they picked John Tavares first overall. But this year’s jump from ninth to first? That’s never happened before in NHL history.
“Incredible,” said Ken Morrow, the Islanders’ director of pro scouting, speaking to ESPN’s Kevin Weekes after the stunning win. “Lucky No. 13. The hockey gods smiled on us.”
The timing couldn’t be better for the Islanders, who are currently searching for a new general manager after firing Lou Lamoriello in April. Lamoriello had run the team for seven seasons.
All eyes are now on Matthew Schaefer, the Erie Otters defenseman who’s expected to go first in June’s draft. Despite being slowed by injury and illness this season, he still managed to put up impressive numbers – 22 points in just 17 games.
The Islanders finished this season at 35-35-7, which actually makes them the best-performing team to ever land the top pick since their crosstown rivals, the Rangers, did it in 2020.
For a team that just barely missed the playoffs this year, landing the first overall pick might be exactly what they need to get back into contention. Sometimes luck really does change everything.
