(670 The Score) The Blackhawks have landed the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
That was a result of the draft lottery Tuesday evening, where the math held true to form as the top two selections were awarded via a drawing of ping-pong balls. The San Jose Sharks entered the lottery with an NHL-high 25.5% chance to obtain the top pick, and they indeed landed it. At 13.5%, the Blackhawks had the second-best lottery odds and landed the No. 2 slot after finishing with the second-worst record in the NHL this past season.
Based on the format and odds, the Blackhawks had a 72.4% chance of dropping to No. 3 or No. 4 in the NHL Draft, so they avoided a negative outcome even though they didn't get the top prize. Chicago couldn't have landed a spot lower than No. 4.
The Blackhawks won the NHL Draft lottery in 2023, when they selected sensation Connor Bedard, who led all rookies with 22 goals and 61 points across 68 games in his debut season.
This will mark the second time in franchise history the Blackhawks have landed the No. 2 overall pick. They previously selected Andy Culligan at No. 2 overall in 1965.
The Blackhawks currently have nine picks in this upcoming NHL draft, including another first-round pick at No. 20 overall. They acquired that selection from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a trade. Chicago also has three second-round picks.
Boston University center Macklin Celebrini is the projected No. 1 overall pick. There's less certainty after that spot. Michigan State defenseman Artyom Levshunov, Medicine Hat (WHL) forward Cayden Lindstrom, U.S. National Team Development Program forward Cole Eiserman and St. Petersburg forward Ivan Demidov (MHL) are several of the other top prospects.
The NHL Draft will be held June 28-29 in Las Vegas.
