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NHL Draft 2020: Understanding the League's Updated Lottery Format

On Tuesday, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced that if the league resumes play, it will hold a modified Stanley Cup playoffs with 24 clubs in two "hub cities" and not resume the regular season.

The modified postseason will feature 12 teams from the Eastern and Western conferences based on points percentage when the NHL paused on March 12.

As a result, the league's other seven teams will look toward the upcoming draft lottery, which is now set for June 26.

The league announced a new protocol for the upcoming draft lottery. Here's a look at how it will work:

  • The seven teams that did not qualify for the 24-team playoff will automatically be entered into the lottery.