NHL Draft Lottery 2013: Date, Start Time, TV Info and More

The NHL made some notable changes to the draft lottery this year, and the result is an event with even more intrigue involving teams most in need of an infusion of elite young talent.

For the first time in the event’s history, every squad that missed the playoffs will have a chance to acquire the No. 1 selection. In previous years, the winner of the lottery was only eligible to move up four spots from its final position (based on regular-season point totals). With the possibility of any of the 14 non-playoff squads winning the first pick in the draft, there’s even more reason to tune in for the lottery selection (h/t NHL.com).

The 2013 season has been exciting and unpredictable from the onset, and there’s no reason to believe the lottery will be any different. As we saw in last year’s draft lottery, the team with the best odds doesn’t always come out on top.

The Edmonton Oilers jumped the Columbus Blue Jackets last year to earn the No. 1 pick (from the No. 2 position) and the New Jersey Devils moved from the eighth spot to No. 4 in 2011 by winning the lottery with some extremely unfavorable odds to do so (3.6 percent).

Will there be another surprise lottery winner this year? We’ll find out on April 29. If history is any indication, things could get a little crazy.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know in preparation for the 2013 NHL draft lottery, including time and television information, odds and a look at the biggest prize in this year’s draft.

When: Monday, April 29, at 8 p.m. ET

Television: TSN (Canada), NBC Sports Network, NHL Network (re-air at 9 p.m. ET)

Streaming: TSN Mobile TV

Lottery Odds (via NHL.com)

Position	Team (Points)	Odds
1.	Florida Panthers (36)	25 percent
2.	Colorado Avalanche (39)	18.8 percent
3.	Tampa Bay Lightning (40)	14.2 percent
4.	Nashville Predators (41)	10.7 percent
5.	Carolina Hurricanes (42)	8.1 percent
6.	Calgary Flames (42)	6.2 percent
7.	Edmonton Oilers (45)	4.7 percent
8.	Buffalo Sabres (48)	2.7 percent
9.	New Jersey Devils (48)	2.7 percent
10.	Dallas Stars (48)	2.1 percent
11.	Philadelphia Flyers (49)	1.5 percent
12.	Phoenix Coyotes (51)	1.1 percent
13.	Winnipeg Jets (51)	0.8 percent
14.	Columbus Blue Jackets (55)	0.5 percent

2013 NHL Draft Information

Where: Prudential Center; Newark, N.J.

When: June 30, 2013

Rounds: Seven (211 picks)

The Big Prize: Seth Jones

There’s little question regarding who warrants the No. 1 overall selection this year, and the winner of the NHL draft lottery won’t have to look very hard to find a difference-maker at the top of this draft.

Portland Winterhawks defenseman Seth Jones is widely considered the top prospect in this year’s class, as noted by USA Hockey’s Twitter account:

Jones is the son of former NBA forward Popeye Jones, now an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets. With professional athlete bloodlines and the talent to match, it’s easy to understand why the Portland defenseman is the top prize in this year’s class.

Here’s a little look at what Jones brings to the table.

The 6’4”, 205-pound Jones is an imposing presence with the offensive prowess and hockey acumen to be an immediate impact player for whichever team selects him—and there will be plenty lining up for his services.

Recent No. 1 Selections

2012	Edmonton Oilers	Nail Yakupov	Forward
2011	Edmonton Oilers	Ryan Nugent-Hopkins	Forward
2010	Edmonton Oilers	Taylor Hall	Forward
2009	New York Islanders	John Tavares	Forward
2008	Tampa Bay Lightning	Steven Stamkos	Forward