The Seattle Kraken are gearing up for a pivotal moment in their franchise history as they prepare to participate in the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery, set to take place on May 5. This year’s lottery is particularly exciting as it will be broadcast live for the first time, allowing fans to experience the draw in real time. The event will be televised on ESPN in the United States, starting at 4:00 PM PT.
Entering the lottery, the Kraken hold the sixth position, which gives them the sixth-highest odds to secure the coveted No. 1 overall pick. After a disappointing season that saw them finish with 76 points, a five-point drop from the previous year, the Kraken are hoping for a stroke of luck to improve their draft position.
Seattle’s performance in the 2024-25 season was particularly lackluster, resulting in a tie for the fourth-lowest point total in the NHL. However, they managed to win a tie-breaker against the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers due to a higher number of regulation victories. This means the Kraken will enter the lottery with a 7.5 percent chance of moving up to the top spot, a 7.7 percent chance of landing the second pick, and a slim 0.2 percent chance of moving to third.
The NHL Draft Lottery is designed to prevent teams from deliberately losing games, or “tanking,” to secure a higher draft pick. Under the current lottery system, the team with the worst record only has a 25.5 percent chance of winning the first overall pick, which adds an element of unpredictability to the process.
In total, there are 1,001 possible combinations for the lottery draw, with each of the 16 non-playoff teams assigned a weighted chance based on their final standings. The first draw determines the No. 1 pick, while the second draw will establish the No. 2 pick. Teams can only move up a maximum of 10 spots, meaning that the Kraken, if they win the lottery, could secure the top overall selection.
Matthew Schaefer, a standout defenseman from the OHL’s Erie Otters, is widely regarded as the top prospect in this draft class. Schaefer is known for his exceptional skating ability and high-level defensive play, making him a potential cornerstone for any franchise. Alongside him, center Michael Misa from the Saginaw Spirit is projected as a top-tier forward, capable of making an immediate impact in the NHL.
Should the Kraken win the lottery, they would have the opportunity to select either Schaefer or Misa, both of whom could fill significant needs within the organization. The Kraken’s management has expressed a desire to aggressively improve the team and return to playoff contention, making this draft lottery a crucial step in their long-term strategy.
As the anticipation builds ahead of the lottery, fans and analysts alike are keeping a close watch on the odds and potential outcomes. The Kraken's odds of remaining at No. 6 are 34.1 percent, while there is a 50.5 percent chance that they could drop to the seventh or eighth pick. This uncertainty adds to the excitement surrounding the lottery, as fans hope for a favorable outcome.
The Kraken are not the only team with a vested interest in the lottery. The San Jose Sharks, who won the 2024 draft lottery, have the best odds this year at 25.5 percent. The Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators follow with 13.5 percent and 11.5 percent, respectively. The Boston Bruins, with an 8.5 percent chance, are also looking to improve their draft position after a disappointing season.
For the Kraken, the importance of the draft lottery cannot be overstated. Historical data shows that the projected career production of a draft pick decreases significantly from the No. 1 spot onward. Securing a top pick could provide the franchise with a game-changing talent, a necessity as they seek to build a competitive roster.
As the clock ticks down to the lottery, the Kraken's fanbase is buzzing with speculation about who they might select should they move up. The prospect of landing a player like Schaefer or Misa could reshape the future of the franchise, making this lottery one of the most significant events in the team's brief history.
In the lead-up to the lottery, analysts and scouts are weighing in on the potential impact of the top prospects. Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects recently stated, “Matthew Schaefer is still the overwhelming favorite to go first overall,” emphasizing the defenseman’s skill set and readiness for the NHL. Meanwhile, Misa's ability to score and create plays has made him a hot topic among teams looking for offensive firepower.
The Kraken’s draft strategy will hinge on the outcome of the lottery, and the organization is prepared for any scenario that may unfold. Whether they land a top-tier prospect or have to settle for a lower pick, the team is committed to making the right choices to bolster their roster.
As fans tune in to the live broadcast of the lottery, the stakes could not be higher for the Seattle Kraken. The outcome will not only determine their draft position but could also set the tone for the franchise’s future direction. With the NHL Draft set for June 27, the excitement surrounding the Kraken's potential selection will only continue to grow.
In conclusion, the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery is a pivotal moment for the Seattle Kraken, who are hoping for a favorable outcome that could reshape their roster and future. With top prospects like Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa on the line, the stakes are high, and the anticipation is palpable as fans await the results.
