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The NHL was put in a difficult position by Covid-19 shutting down much of the world. The season hadn’t concluded, and with the play-in format, there wasn’t an easy way to run the lottery. As such a placeholder method was used, allowing the teams that don’t advance past the qualifying round to have a chance at first overall and QMJHL star Alexis Lafreniere. And really, what were the odds that the placeholder spot would win?
Because the Gods of Chaos love the NHL, a placeholder team has won the lottery. After the play-in round is completed the teams that do not advance will be put in another lottery, giving them the chance to get the pick.
One of the teams eliminated in the qualifying round of the NHL's 24-team return to play format will select #1 overall in the 2020 NHL Draft.
— Alexander Kinkopf (@AEKinkopf) June 27, 2020
Should the Coyotes lose to the Predators, they would be involved in Phase 2 of the Lottery with 12.5% odds of earning the top pick. #Yotes
If the Nashville Predators beat the Arizona Coyotes in the play-in round, the Coyotes will have a 12.5% chance to draft the highly skilled forward. But being as the Desert Dogs have Taylor Hall aka the NHL’s “lottery ball specialist” they just might have a chance at getting that coveted first overall pick. Luckily, the Coyotes remembered to lottery protect the 2020 first-round pick they sent to New Jersey.