What happened: ESPN is broadcasting the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, with consensus No. 1 ranked prospect Gavin McKenna on hand to await his future destination. The lottery will determine which franchise lands the first overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. Coverage is airing live on ESPN and the ESPN App.

Why it matters: McKenna has been the runaway top-ranked prospect in this draft class, making the lottery outcome unusually consequential for the franchise that wins it. Whichever team secures the No. 1 pick gains a potential franchise cornerstone in a draft headlined by a generational talent. The lottery sets the tone for offseason rebuilds across the league's bottom tier.

What to watch: Watch for the lottery results to reveal which club lands the No. 1 pick and the right to select McKenna. Reaction from the winning franchise and McKenna himself will follow immediately on ESPN.