The NHL draft lottery is always an exciting time for hockey fans, as it sets the stage for the future of the league. The 2023 NHL draft lottery odds have just been revealed, and it looks like the Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets are favored to land the coveted No. 1 pick.
The Ducks finished with the second-worst record in the league last season, so it’s no surprise that they have the highest odds of winning the lottery. They have a 20% chance of landing the top pick, which would give them a chance to select Canadian phenom Connor Bedard.
Bedard is widely regarded as one of the best prospects in recent memory, and he’s been drawing comparisons to some of the game’s all-time greats. He’s a dynamic forward with incredible speed and skill, and he’s already drawing interest from NHL teams despite being just 16 years old.
The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, have a 15% chance of winning the lottery. They finished with the fourth-worst record in the league last season, but they have a solid young core that could benefit from adding a player like Bedard.
Of course, winning the lottery is never a sure thing. The odds are designed to give every team a chance, and there have been plenty of surprises over the years. In 2017, for example, the New Jersey Devils won the lottery despite having just an 8.5% chance of doing so.
Other teams with a shot at landing the No. 1 pick include the Arizona Coyotes (12.5%), Detroit Red Wings (10%), and Buffalo Sabres (8.5%). All of these teams are in various stages of rebuilding, and adding a player like Bedard could be a huge boost to their long-term plans.
The NHL draft lottery is always a bit of a crapshoot, but it’s clear that the 2023 edition will be one to watch. With so many talented prospects available, and the possibility of a generational talent like Bedard being available, there’s sure to be plenty of drama and excitement as the lottery unfolds.
