The 2025 NHL draft class boasts several excellent players. However, the No. 1 pick is determined through a lottery system, not simply by the team with the worst regular-season record. 14 ping pong balls are used in a lottery machine with 1,001 combinations. Each team is assigned random combinations based on their record. The San Jose Sharks have the highest chance at 18.5%. Rules include a maximum 10-spot move-up and restrictions on winning the lottery multiple times within five years.