NHL Draft Lottery

In what was once a two horse race, the NHL Draft Lottery has seemingly turned into the "John Tavares Sweepstakes." Due in large part to an excellent World Juniors, along with a less than inspiring performance from the 6'7'' Swedish force, Victor Hedman (due in large part to a shoulder injury but that's a whole other story), the draft lottery has turned into a drawing for the services of the "Next, Next, Next One" - or whatever "Next" we are on now.

Here's how the odds of obtaining the first overall pick break-down for the league's worst:

1. New York Islanders - 48.2 %
2. Tampa Bay Lightning - 18.8 %
3. Colorado Avalanche - 14.2 %
4. Atlanta Thrashers - 10.7 %
5. Los Angeles Kings - 8.1 %

If the Isles are awarded the top pick, they need to go with Tavares. They are in dire need of a marquee player with some star power (I like Kyle Okpose and Mark Streit but they aren't it), and most importantly it could help in their efforts to get the funding they need from Nassau County for a new arena.

If I were the Lightning, as tempting as it would be to have a Stamkos-Tavares connection, I'd be either taking Hedman at #1 or trading down to the #2 spot and taking Hedman there. Their defense is an absolute joke...they need a bona-fide potential #1 on the blue-line...and a #2, and a #3...

As far as the Avs, Thrashers, and Kings go, I'm thinking Tavares all the way. Boy, could you imagine if the Kings won first overall? They have enough young talent as it is.