The National Hockey League (NHL) has changed its draft lottery rules, significantly affecting the chances of lower-ranked teams to make the number one pick. The change is set for next season, with another change to be implemented for the 2016 season.
The league commented that the changes will be set in order to "more appropriately reflect the current state of competitive balance." The 14 teams who were not able to reach the Playoffs will have a more balanced distribution of odds.

Like Us on Facebook

Previously, the teams who were not performing so well would lose on purpose or "tank," in order to get the highest draft pick and perhaps a chance to draft a player who can improve the team. The worse teams would get a 25% chance of winning the lottery
However, the current system will favor the 10 highest-finishing non-playoff teams as they will be receiving much better odds than previously received for the draft lottery, and the four lowest teams receiving worse.
Now the odds for the worse team will fall to 20%, the second worse falling to 13.5% from 18.8%, and so on.
These odds will go continue on to future drafts.
The following year, the draft fottery will not only be used to choose the number one pick. A total of three draws will be held, where the first draw will decide the team selecting first overall.
The second draw is for the team who will select second overall, and another draw for third.
Therefore, club in the league that has earned the least amount of points will no longer be guaranteed the second draft pick at a worst-case scenario. The club could feasibly be chosen for the fourth draft pick.
Then, the 11 clubs not chosen for the draft lottery will be assigned NHL draft selections from four to 14 in the reverse order of regular-season points. 

Tagsnhl, Draft