The Buffalo Sabres moved back two spots to the ninth overall selection in Monday’s NHL Draft Lottery.
The New York Islanders, who had the 10th-highest odds for the first selection, just 3.5 percent, won the lottery and the right to select perhaps defenseman Matthew Schaefer or center Michael Misa first overall.
The Sabres, thanks to their disappointing 79-point finish, had 6.5 percent odds for the top pick.
They’ve drafted ninth overall twice in their history, most recently when they picked center Matt Savoie in 2022. They also selected forward Paul Cyr in 1982.
The NHL Draft will be held June 27 and 28.
The complete lottery draft order is below.
1. New York Islanders
2. San Jose Sharks
3. Chicago Blackhawks
4. Utah Hockey Club
5. Nashville Predators
6. Philadelphia Flyers
7. Boston Bruins
8. Seattle Kraken
9. Buffalo Sabres
10. Anaheim Ducks
11. Pittsburgh Penguins
12. New York Rangers
13. Detroit Red Wings
14. Columbus Blue Jackets
15. Vancouver Canucks
16. Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary Flames)