Which franchise would be the most interesting draft lottery winner?

The season is youthful — for some teams. For others, similar to the San Jose Sharks, the season feels earlier. The clear rebuilders like them and the Montreal Canadiens may already be contemplating ahead to subsequent summer season’s draft.

Everyone knows the Sharks are the early favorites to have most likely essentially the most lottery balls for June — nevertheless which employees may be most likely essentially the most fascinating closing common finisher this season?

Over to you, Roundtable.

MATT LARKIN: I’d favor to see the Philadelphia Flyers selecting first. To me, the NHL is a further thrilling place when the Flyers are associated. That fan base is rabid, and the rivalry with teams similar to the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers always feels thrilling when the Flyers are contending. With Matvei Michkov already inside the long-term fold, it could possibly be fulfilling to see Macklin Celebrini or Cole Eiserman added to GM Danny Briere’s foundation.

FRANK SERAVALLI: It seems to be like somewhat little bit of a longshot given the current standings, nevertheless it could possibly be cool to supply Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals with just a bit additional ammunition as a result of the Good Eight chases the Good One’s file. The Caps are caught in a rut. Nicklas Backstrom’s unfortunate withdrawal from the game hurts — and it has left Washington on this awkward spot of attempting to resolve one of the best ways to fill the outlet of their lineup and the void on their cap sheet. Do they commerce future property to try to load up as soon as extra? Do they play it patiently and try to stockpile it? Each strategy, it feels similar to the Caps are in no-man’s land correct now and that’s a difficult place to be for a franchise that’s achieved a whole lot of worthwhile over the previous 15 years.

SCOTT MAXWELL: Must they proceed on their current trajectory of sub-mediocrity, I’m going to associate with the Seattle Kraken. Whereas their offense closing season was pushed by percentages an sincere amount, it was moreover quite a few fulfilling to watch, and we acquired to see how potent their depth was after they’ve been all on. They already have Matty Beniers and Shane Wright to look forward to, and together with one different prime select each on offense or on the blueline could make all of them the additional fulfilling to watch after they become a persistently elite employees. Now if solely they might uncover a goalie…

STEVEN ELLIS: Give me the Chicago Blackhawks. A 1-2 coronary heart duo of Bedard and Celebrini? Eiserman ripping off footage from 98? We could have the next Edmonton Oilers-esque star duo, nevertheless doubtlessly with greater outcomes. The first select may be greater served going to a unique employees that almost certainly desires the rise further, nevertheless I want a pure vitality duo. 

MIKE GOULD: How regarding the Edmonton Oilers? Merely kidding. Let’s say the Calgary Flames, who’ve in no way picked first, second, or third inside the draft of their 43-year historic previous. Flames possession has prolonged held a mandate in the direction of rebuilding in favor of chasing playoff earnings, nevertheless they could possibly be compelled into it after a brutal start to this season. The Flames sorely need in order so as to add high-end experience by irrespective of means, and it’d be cool to see a youthful Canadian star like Celebrini play in his home nation. It’d even be good to see Calgary make a extreme select for a change after their provincial rivals have made (and bungled) so many.