Sharks Win NHL Draft Lottery; Red Wings Stay at No. 15

The San Jose Sharks won the right to draft Boston University star Macklin Celebrini and the Detroit Red Wings stayed put at No. 15 pick as a result of Tuesday’s NHL Draft Lottery.

The Sharks had the best odds of winning (18.5%) based on having the NHL’s worst record. The Chicago Blackhawks, with the NHL’s second-worst record, will pick No. 2.

For the first time in Steve Yzerman’s time as Detroit’s general manager, the Red Wings did not have a chance to pick No. 1. Teams can only move up a maximum of 10 spots in the lottery, meaning only the 11 worst teams can move up to No. 1.  The Red Wings, just missing the playoffs this season, were 15th.

The Sharks have never before picked No. 1 overall. Coincidentally, Celebrini played one season for the San Jose Junior Sharks in 2019-20. Most scouts believe Celebrini could play in the NHL next season, although he has not said what he wants to do.

This year’s No. 15 pick will be the latest first pick the Red Wings have had during the Yzerman era. They picked ninth overall last season and claimed Nate Danielson with the pick.

TSN’s Bob McKenzie has been an NHL draft analyst for many years, and earlier this week he brought out his latest top 15 prospects. He ranks U.S.-born forward Trevor Connelly (Tri-City, United States Hockey League) as his No. 15 player. He’s a California native who has 31 goals and 78 points in 52 games. He also has 88 penalty minutes.

Former Calgary Flames general manager Craig Button, now a TSN draft analyst, has forward Berkly Catton (Spokane Chiefs, Western Hockey League) ranked 15th. He has scored 54 goals and put up 116 points in 68 games this season.