TORONTO (AP) - The Edmonton Oilers will pick first overall in the NHL draft for a second straight year.
The New Jersey Devils won the draft lottery Tuesday, but teams can’t move up more than four spots, leaving Edmonton with the first overall pick.
The Devils will pick fourth, the New York Islanders fifth and the Ottawa Senators were bumped down to the sixth spot, with Colorado and Florida falling in order at second and third, respectively.
After finishing its season in 30th place, Edmonton held the highest odds of getting the No. 1 pick at 48.2 percent.
“Winning this first overall pick is an important moment for the organization and it’s an integral part of the process moving forward,” Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini said.
“This is a very exciting time for our organization and our fans as this just adds to the already bright future of our team.”
The NHL draft is scheduled for June 24-25 in St. Paul, Minn., where Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels is expected to be taken No. 1 overall. Defenseman Adam Larsson spent all season playing in the Swedish Elite League and was listed as the top European prospect.
“I could list you six players that our people are extremely excited about,” Tambellini said. “They’re all very good and they’re all a little bit different this year, which makes it a unique draft. It’ll be interesting.
“There’s going to be a lot of discussions of who (the scouts) believe is truly the best player now, and maybe more importantly later, and then what is the best thing for the Oilers.”
Edmonton selected winger Taylor Hall with last year’s first pick.
“I don’t plan on having the first pick overall next season,” Tambellini said. “When you do get a pick like this, it’s highly coveted with the organization because this is how you build something great.”
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