The NHL draft lottery takes place Tuesday at 5 p.m. MT, and for the Calgary Flames, it could be one of the most significant days in franchise history. While that might sound like hyperbole, it is not an overstatement. The Flames hold the fourth-best odds to secure the first-overall pick, which would allow them to select a potential franchise-altering player like Gavin McKenna.
When is the NHL Draft Lottery?
The lottery will be held Tuesday at 5 p.m. MT and will be broadcast on Sportsnet.
How Does the Lottery Work?
The system may seem complicated at first glance, but it is straightforward. Fourteen numbered balls are placed in a lottery machine, creating 1,001 possible four-number combinations. Each team is assigned a set of random combinations, with the worst-performing teams receiving more combinations. When four balls are drawn, the team whose combination matches wins the pick. There are two draws: the first determines the first overall pick, and the second determines the second overall pick.
What Are the Flames' Chances?
The Flames finished the season with 77 points, securing the fourth-best odds at 9.5% to win the lottery. They cannot fall lower than sixth overall. Only three teams have better odds: the Vancouver Canucks (18.5%), Chicago Blackhawks (13.5%), and New York Rangers (11.5%).
Flames' History in the Draft Lottery
The Flames have limited history in the lottery. Their only movement occurred in 2016 when they dropped from fifth to sixth, ultimately selecting Matthew Tkachuk, which worked out well. The Flames have never drafted higher than fourth overall, which happened in 2014 when they chose Sam Bennett.
How Good a Player Could the Flames Get?
Winning the lottery would be a huge boost, as the top of this year's draft is considered very strong. Gavin McKenna is the presumed No. 1 pick, though Ivar Stenberg could also go first. Other high-end talents include Caleb Malholtra, Carson Carels, Chase Reid, and Keaton Verhoeff. Regardless of the pick, the Flames are set to acquire one of the most exciting prospects in their system for years.
