The NY Islanders have won the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery and the rights to the first overall pick

Do you believe in miracles??? Yes! The NY Islanders have won the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery and the rights to the first overall pick at the 2025 NHL Draft.

Without a general manager, the Isles sent their good luck charm, Kenny Morrow, Director of Pro Scouting and member of the Team USA 1980 Olympic Team, bringing all the luck the organization needed as they'll select first for the first time since taking John Tavares in 2009.

Isles win the lottery

While the lottery itself has taken place behind closed doors in years past, this year it was all played out on national TV. Entering the lottery with a 3.5% chance of winning, the Islanders finally got some puck (ball) luck.

The first three numbers of the four-number sequence came up 7, 11, 12, seeing the Islanders' odds increase to 18.5% with one ball remaining. Needing 5 or 13, the final ball came up as 13.

Now the Islanders have a decision to make. Matthew Schaefer is considered the top draft prospect and a potential number one defenseman. But then there is also Michael Misa, who seemingly scored every night for the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL, or the Long Island native, James Hagens, who grew up in the shadows of Nassau Coliseum.

John Collins is certainly far into his search for a new GM, but the Islanders' job may have just become even more attractive, as they'll have a new top prospect to build the team around.

Day one of the draft is Friday, June 27th, giving the franchise just over a month-and-a-half to make its final decision.

With the news of the 2025 All-Star Game being cancelled, this is certainly a welcome consolation prize for the Islanders and their fans.