Panthers' Draft Lottery Chances Hinge on Final Games

Florida's first-round pick is protected if it lands in the top 10, but the team needs a bottom-8 finish to retain it.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:06pm

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A cubist, geometric painting in shades of red, blue, and gold, depicting the chaotic energy of an NHL draft lottery or hockey game, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes representing the uncertainty and high stakes facing the Florida Panthers.The Panthers' hopes for a high draft pick hang in the balance as the team's season comes to a close.Boston Today

The Florida Panthers, who won the Stanley Cup in 2024 and 2025, have been eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Now their focus shifts to the NHL draft lottery and the possibility of a top-10 pick, which they can retain if their 2026 first-round selection lands in the top 10. The Panthers need to finish the regular season with one of the eight-worst records in the league to have a shot at a top-10 pick.

Why it matters

The Panthers' recent success has made them a perennial playoff team, but this season's struggles have them looking toward the draft lottery for the first time in years. Retaining a top-10 pick could be crucial for the franchise's long-term future, especially with their next two first-rounders already traded away.

The details

The Panthers have traded away their first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, but both picks have a top-10 protection clause. If Florida's 2026 pick lands in the top 10, the team will retain it, with the 2027 pick going to the Blackhawks instead. The 2026 NHL Draft lottery is scheduled for May 5, with the draft itself taking place on June 26-27. The Panthers currently have the sixth-worst record in the NHL, but they could move up to as high as the second-best odds for the lottery if they lose their final five games in regulation.

  • The 2026 NHL Draft lottery is scheduled for May 5.
  • The 2026 NHL Draft is set for June 26-27.

The players

Paul Maurice

The head coach of the Florida Panthers, who has led the team to the Stanley Cup Final in each of his first three seasons.

Spencer Knight

The goaltender traded by the Panthers to the Chicago Blackhawks, along with a 2026 first-round pick, in exchange for defenseman Seth Jones.

Seth Jones

The defenseman acquired by the Panthers from the Blackhawks in exchange for goaltender Spencer Knight and a 2026 first-round pick.

Brad Marchand

The forward acquired by the Panthers from the Boston Bruins, with Florida sending their 2027 first-round pick in the trade.

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What’s next

The Panthers need to finish the regular season with one of the eight-worst records in the league in order to have a top-10 pick and retain their 2026 first-round selection. The team's final five games, including road games against the Canadiens, Senators, and Maple Leafs, as well as home games against the Rangers and Red Wings, will be crucial in determining their draft lottery position.

The takeaway

The Panthers' recent success has made them a perennial playoff team, but this season's struggles have them looking toward the draft lottery for the first time in years. Retaining a top-10 pick could be crucial for the franchise's long-term future, especially with their next two first-rounders already traded away. The team's performance in their final five games will be pivotal in determining their draft lottery odds and the potential to keep their 2026 first-round selection.