If the Thrashers were to win the 2011 NHL draft lottery Tuesday night, that would mean they’d get bumped up to the second overall pick. That’d be a good thing, and not just because of the general concept that the higher the pick, the better the prospect. This year’s draft class suffers a terrible drop off in ability as you go down past the top two. So, what are Atlanta’s (and everyone else’s) odds of winning?
Edmonton: 25.0%
Colorado: 18.8%
Florida: 14.2%
NY Islanders: 10.7%
Ottawa: 8.1%
Atlanta: 6.2%
Columbus: 4.7%
New Jersey: 3.6%
Boston: 2.7%
Minnesota 2.1%
Colorado: 1.5%
Carolina: 1.1%
Calgary: 0.8%
Dallas: 0.5%
Colorado’s second first round draft pick was acquired by them during the trade that sent Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk to St. Louis. It was conditional, meaning that if the Blues had the 11th-worst record in hockey or better, they’d have to give the pick to the Avalanche. Boston’s high first round draft pick is from the Toronto Maple Leafs. It, plus last year’s first rounder (and second overall) were included in the trade that helped the Leafs acquire Phil Kessel.