The Sabres might have an opportunity to select Sam Bennett at No. 2. ©2014, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Sabres can’t keep top pick during draft lottery

BUFFALO – Chalk up one more loss for the Sabres this season.

The rebuilding club couldn’t retain the No. 1 overall pick during tonight’s NHL Draft Lottery in Toronto. Instead, the Florida Panthers moved up one spot to the top selection.

The Sabres will pick second in June. Thanks to their 30th ranking this season, the Sabres had a 25 percent chance of keeping the top pick, more than any other team. The Panthers had an 18.8 percent chance.

Earlier today, Sabres general manager Tim Murray said he wanted “to win the lottery.”

“I want to win something here,” he said.

The New York Islanders, who must give the Sabres their first-round pick this year or in 2015, kept fifth selection tonight.

2 thoughts on “Sabres can’t keep top pick during draft lottery”

  1. Can anyone explain to me how this was a lottery? No balls were seen, there were no auditors. Just one man with envelopes. And why is article about Buffalo “losing” the lottery? Since when is picking 2nd losing?

  2. Well it’s certainly not winning the lottery. Can’t catch a break this year, including with the Islanders holding their pick until next year. Could’ve really helped out, but that’s to be expected with a year like this. Like always, next year is the year

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