Islanders climb nine spots to No. 1 pick with stunning lottery win

It marks the first time the Islanders won the draft lottery since 2009, when they selected forward John Tavares at No. 1 overall. Per NHL.com, the organization entered the lottery with a 3.5% chance of landing the top pick.

NHL records data shows that the nine-spot leap is also the largest to first in lottery history.

New York won the lotto with a combination of 7-11-12-13 to give the organization a jolt as it searches for its next general manager. In April, the team fired president and general manager Lou Lamoriello, who held his position for seven seasons.

Ken Morrow, the Islanders' director of pro scouting, spoke with ESPN's Kevin Weekes after earning the No. 1 overall pick, and described the stunning result as "incredible."

"Lucky No. 13," he continued, before adding, "The hockey gods smiled on us."

OHL Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer is expected to be selected first in June's NHL Entry Draft. According to NHL.com, he had 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) in 17 games this season while being limited due to injury and illness.

The Islanders finished 2024-25 with a 35-35-7 record, the best for a team selecting No. 1 overall since the in-state rival Rangers, who were 37-28-5 in 2019-20 before winning the 2020 lottery.

It might not take them much to get over the hump and back into the playoffs after a one-year absence. Earning the No. 1 pick might be enough.