Winnipeg Jets fans react to NHL Draft Lottery
Posted May 6, 2026 5:06 pm.
Last Updated May 6, 2026 6:57 pm.
The luck for the Winnipeg Jets just seems to be getting worse. With the NHL draft lottery held on Tuesday, the Jets had a 6.5 per cent chance at the first overall pick, but instead of a franchise-altering selection, the team fell to the eighth, one lower than their projected odds.
“Yeah, no, it doesn’t make any sense. I thought we were supposed to get a good position. Not number eight. I thought maybe one or two or something like that,” said Len Wheeler, a Jets fan.
Alex Hofstede, another Jets fan, said, “They got in the top eight, so that’s not too bad. Could be worse. But you know, it could have been a little bit better if it were one, two, or three. Hate to see Toronto get number one.”
The Toronto Maple Leafs, who had the fifth-highest odds with 8.5 per cent, have first dibs on the highly touted projected number one pick, Gavin McKenna.
As for the Jets, what could they do with their pick?
“You need a crystal ball, right? I mean, which way do you do it? If it’s a good pick, why not keep it? But Cheveldayoff should know that. If he’s doing things right. You think he should know which way to go. So I put my faith in the man who runs the place,” said Wheeler.
Hofstede added, “Let’s use the pick and get a good player. Top ten, got to be a good player out there that can help them right now.”
The 2026 NHL Entry Draft is slated for Friday, June 26, in Buffalo, where the Jets hold seven picks.
