Which franchise would be the most interesting draft lottery winner?

The season is younger — for some groups. For others, just like the San Jose Sharks, the season feels previous. The clear rebuilders like them and the Montreal Canadiens would possibly already be considering forward to subsequent summer time’s draft.

We all know the Sharks are the early favorites to have probably the most lottery balls for June — however which staff can be probably the most fascinating final general finisher this season?

Over to you, Roundtable.

MATT LARKIN: I’d prefer to see the Philadelphia Flyers choosing first. To me, the NHL is a extra thrilling place when the Flyers are related. That fan base is rabid, and the rivalry with groups just like the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers at all times feels thrilling when the Flyers are contending. With Matvei Michkov already within the long-term fold, it could be enjoyable to see Macklin Celebrini or Cole Eiserman added to GM Danny Briere’s basis.

FRANK SERAVALLI: It looks like a little bit of a longshot given the present standings, however it could be cool to offer Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals with just a little further ammunition because the Nice Eight chases the Nice One’s file. The Caps are caught in a rut. Nicklas Backstrom’s unlucky withdrawal from the sport hurts — and it has left Washington on this awkward spot of making an attempt to resolve the best way to fill the outlet of their lineup and the void on their cap sheet. Do they commerce future property to attempt to load up once more? Do they play it patiently and attempt to stockpile it? Both approach, it feels just like the Caps are in no-man’s land proper now and that’s a tricky place to be for a franchise that’s achieved a complete lot of profitable over the past 15 years.

SCOTT MAXWELL: Ought to they proceed on their present trajectory of sub-mediocrity, I’m going to go together with the Seattle Kraken. Whereas their offense final season was pushed by percentages an honest quantity, it was additionally numerous enjoyable to observe, and we acquired to see how potent their depth was after they have been all on. They have already got Matty Beniers and Shane Wright to stay up for, and including one other prime choose both on offense or on the blueline may make all of them the extra enjoyable to observe after they turn out to be a persistently elite staff. Now if solely they may discover a goalie…

STEVEN ELLIS: Give me the Chicago Blackhawks. A 1-2 heart duo of Bedard and Celebrini? Eiserman ripping off pictures from 98? We may have the subsequent Edmonton Oilers-esque star duo, however doubtlessly with higher outcomes. The primary choose can be higher served going to a different staff that most likely wants the increase extra, however I need a pure energy duo. 

MIKE GOULD: How in regards to the Edmonton Oilers? Simply kidding. Let’s say the Calgary Flames, who’ve by no means picked first, second, or third within the draft of their 43-year historical past. Flames possession has lengthy held a mandate towards rebuilding in favor of chasing playoff income, however they could be compelled into it after a brutal begin to this season. The Flames sorely want so as to add high-end expertise by no matter means, and it’d be cool to see a younger Canadian star like Celebrini play in his house nation. It’d even be good to see Calgary make a excessive choose for a change after their provincial rivals have made (and bungled) so many.