The NHL Draft Lottery will follow a new, complicated format in 2020 due to the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the conclusion of the 2019-20 season.
Here is the new format explained:
• There will be one or two phases to the lottery, depending on the outcome of the first draw.
• The lottery will involve 15 teams as usual: The seven teams not participating in the 24-team expanded postseason, and the eight teams eliminated from the play-in phase.
• The lottery will be held June 26, before the play-in phase takes place.
• Because of this, the first phase of the lottery will feature the seven teams not in the 24-team expanded postseason, and eight placeholder spots for the play-in teams.