CHICAGO — At one level, Chicago Blackhawks common supervisor Kyle Davidson downplayed the significance of the NHL draft lottery on his workforce’s offseason plans.

Moments later, Davidson allowed himself a large grin as he contemplated the probabilities.

“The top of the draft’s good,” he mentioned with a smile. “Yeah, it’s a special top of the draft. There’s no doubt about it.”

It’s so good {that a} single ping-pong ball might have a ripple impact past the Blackhawks, the Anaheim Ducks, the Columbus Blue Jackets or one other fortunate NHL workforce trying to flip a dismal season right into a blue-chip participant.

High-scoring ahead Connor Bedard is the highest prize because the consensus No. 1 general prospect, however University of Michigan star Adam Fantilli can be fairly a return for whichever workforce will get the No. 2 decide. Matvei Michkov and Leo Carlsson are also anticipated to go within the high 5.

Land one of many these high spots within the May 8 lottery, and a rebuilding workforce might resolve to speed up its timeline by way of free company. The franchise that takes an opportunity on Michkov, who has a extra unsure future due to his contract together with his Russian workforce, might place itself for one more high decide in 2024.

PHOTOS: Lottery might alter offseason plans for NHL's worst groups

The tantalizing expertise of Bedard and Fantilli was an undercurrent all through a season when the underside of the standings was nearly as fascinating as what was happening on the high.

Anaheim (23-47-12) secured the league’s worst document by dropping its final 13 video games. The reward is a 25.5% probability of its first No. 1 decide within the draft, and the Ducks are assured of a top-three choice when the lottery is held.

If Columbus (25-47-9) loses Friday night time’s dwelling recreation towards Buffalo in regulation, it's going to have the second-best odds for No. 1 at 13.5%. If the Blue Jackets earn at the least one level towards the Sabres of their season finale, Chicago (26-49-7) will end with the league’s second-worst document.

The backside three groups are adopted by San Jose (22-44-16), Montreal (31-45-6) and Arizona (28-40-14).

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