Proof comes forward of NHL restarting the draft lottery 4 times

Unexpected Twists at the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery

This year's NHL Draft Lottery was full of surprises, especially for the San Jose Sharks. Known as the Macklin Celebrini lottery because of the high interest in the top pick, this year's event was unlike any other.

The Sharks ended up being the luckiest team, but it wasn't straightforward.

The drawing happened just before it was shown to the public, in a room only a few could enter. Along with some reporters and an auditor, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was there too.


They had two draws planned, one for the first pick and another for the second, using a mix of four numbers for each.

Reporter Marco Normandin shared something really unusual from the lottery. Since the NHL started its lottery in 1995, no team had ever won back-to-back draws. But this time, the Sharks won not just once, but three times in a row.

- Marco Normandin

Because of this, they had to keep drawing. The Sharks kept winning until the fourth draw, when the Chicago Blackhawks finally won, getting the second overall pick.

- Greg Wyshynski

Sheng Peng noted,

This whole situation shows just how unpredictable the draft lottery can be. It's a rare thing to see, and this year, the Sharks seemed destined to get a top pick.

Looking ahead to the draft, the excitement is really building. With players like Macklin Celebrini waiting to be picked, the lottery results this year could really change the future for teams like the Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks.


This was a key moment in their history, showing just how unexpected and thrilling the NHL Draft Lottery can be.

Source: Habsfanatics