Why I’m watching the NHL Draft Lottery and St. Louis Blues fans should, too

It’s exciting, right? Ping-pong balls flying all over the place decide the fate of the top selection in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Sure, the St. Louis Blues don’t have a chance to gain the No. 1 or 2 pick. Per league rules, the highest they can move up is to the No. 6 selection, and even then, the odds are not in their favor.

But crazier things have happened. The Blues will most likely have a mid-pick, reflecting their No. 16th ranking this year. This is high enough to gain a decent player and, who knows, maybe a future star.

You need to keep up with your rivals

As fans, it’s crucial to stay informed about the league, especially your team's rivals. The Chicago Blackhawks, for instance, might win a No.1 pick in back-to-back drafts, a development that could significantly impact the league’s dynamics.

But there’s also the Utah hockey team (name unknown). They are fairly new to the Central division, but this selection is interesting. After all, we don’t know what hockey will be like in Utah. However, hockey will succeed if the loyal fan base of the Utah Jazz and Utah’s motto of the “Greatest Snow on Earth” is any indication. Regardless, their pick intrigues me. It starts a new era in Utah sports history.

Last is the Minnesota Wild, who will probably select near the Blues if the odds fall close to estimated predictions. The Blues won most of the season games between the Wild, but the Wild share similar growing pains. They will benefit from a mid-level pick, eyeing future production.

It’s just fun

In the end, the NHL Draft Lottery engages the fans. It’s a rather quick event that keeps hockey fans on the edge of their seats, anticipating the upcoming draft.

Sit back, relax, and have fun. As fans, we never know who the next great player will be. There are always surprises. The lottery is the first part of this excitement.