Controversy and confusion once again overshadowed one of the NHL’s most anticipated annual events, as the league’s Draft Lottery left fans and analysts scratching their heads. With Commissioner Gary Bettman at the center of the storm, questions and criticisms about the fairness and transparency of the draft process have reached a fever pitch.

The stakes were high as this year’s lottery determined the fate of franchises ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft, but instead of celebration, the aftermath has been marked by a chorus of bewildered and frustrated voices across social media and beyond.

The New York Islanders’ dramatic leap from the tenth to the first overall pick has only fueled speculation and suspicion, with many questioning the logic behind the league’s complex lottery rules. As the NHL attempted to clarify its procedures during the live broadcast, confusion seemed to mount rather than dissipate, leaving fans more perplexed than ever. Amid accusations of favoritism and even conspiracy theories, the spotlight now shines brightly on Bettman and the league’s leadership. As teams prepare for the upcoming draft and fan bases come to terms with their new realities, the debate over the NHL’s draft lottery system shows no signs of quieting down.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

Photo credit: The Denver Post

The NHL’s Draft Lottery makes very little sense, and now Gary Bettman has been called out as the league tried to explain their rules to the fans.

On Monday before round two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs begins, the NHL held their annual Draft Lottery, set to determine the draft order for the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft.

In the process, it was the New York Islanders that made the major jump from 10 to 1 to land the top pick, with the likes of James Hagens, Porter Martone, Michael Schaffer and Michael Misa all considered top options for the No. 1 overall pick to New York.

While plenty of fans are upset that their team didn’t get the No. 1 overall pick, perhaps the most intriguing development from fans has been the confusion over the NHL’s Draft Lottery rules, as they tried to explain it to fans on the broadcast.

Looking at these numbers, it’s no surprise why fans are so confused with the situation, as many called out Gary Bettman and the league on social media for confusing and nonsensical format.

Not only that, but some fans have even called out the league for rigging the draft lottery for New York, especially given the fact that they lost the All Star Game that was meant to be held in 2026.

That’s more likely than not to simply be a fan that’s shown his frustration over their team losing out on the No. 1 overall pick, but given how confusing the format truly is, absolutely anything could happen behind the scenes.

Ultimately though, it’s now the Islanders that have the No. 1 overall pick as teams know their fate ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft, but it’s not very surprising to see fans take the opportunity to call out Gary Bettman in the process.