As the NHL approaches the 2025 draft lottery, five teams are identified as needing the first overall pick due to their current standings and rebuilding efforts.

The draft lottery is set to take place in April 2025, determining the order for the 16 teams that did not qualify for the playoffs, including two draws for pick allocation.

In the lottery, teams can only move up a maximum of 10 spots, and a franchise can win the lottery no more than twice within a five-year period.

The Chicago Blackhawks, who won the 2023 lottery and selected Connor Bedard, are looking for another top pick to help build a strong foundation alongside their young star.

The Nashville Predators, following significant free-agent signings, are aiming to balance veteran presence with young prospects and hope a lottery win could bring a potential superstar to lead the franchise.

The Montreal Canadiens are in their third season of rebuilding and are underperforming, seeking another top prospect to complement existing young stars like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.

The 2025 NHL Draft is scheduled for late June 2025, with the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles as the likely venue, pending league confirmation.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, who last had the first overall pick in 2002, are struggling to develop a superstar from a shallow prospect pool weakened by recent trades and injuries.

The Anaheim Ducks, who have never had the first overall pick, are in a rebuilding phase with young talents like Leo Carlsson and Trevor Zegras, aiming to energize their fanbase after seven years without playoff appearances.