Saturday, April 30. The only date that matters this spring for fans of Canadian hockey teams.
The NHL draft lottery will be held that night, and through play as of Sunday morning, the rebuilding Toronto Maple Leafs have the best odds at landing the top overall pick:
| Team | Odds | Points | GP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maple Leafs | 20% | 61 | 71 |
| Jets | 13.50% | 63 | 71 |
| Oilers | 11.50% | 65 | 74 |
| Canucks | 9.50% | 66 | 71 |
| Blue Jackets | 8.50% | 66 | 71 |
| Flames | 7.50% | 66 | 71 |
(Courtesy: TSN)
Before Maple Leafs fans get caught up in the excitement that is being in last place, Toronto's won three of four and has picked up points in five of seven. It's that time of year.
It's going to be a race to the bottom, and to, in all likelihood, American center Auston Matthews, projected to be the first overall selection in Buffalo in June.
