The wait is almost over for hockey fans as the NHL prepares to hold its 2026 draft lottery. This year's event will determine the order of the first 16 picks in the highly anticipated draft, with the worst team from the 2025-26 season earning the top spot. To secure the number one pick, teams will need to perform poorly in their final season, a delicate balancing act that requires a mix of losing and strategic roster management. As the Predators look to rebuild and retool their roster, can they find the right combination of losses to secure the top pick and potentially land a generational talent in the 2026 draft?
Preview: How Preds Can Win 2026 NHL Draft Lottery NHL.com