The Buffalo Sabres stayed put in Tuesday’s NHL Draft Lottery, receiving the 11th overall pick.
The San Jose Sharks, who possessed the highest odds for the first selection, 18.5 percent, won the lottery and the right to select Boston University superstar Macklin Celebrini.
Mike Grier, a popular former Sabres winger, is San Jose’s general manager.
The Sabres, thanks to their disappointing 84-point finish, could’ve moved up as many as 10 spots. They had 3 percent odds for the top pick.
They’ve drafted 11th overall five times in franchise history, most recently when they picked defenseman Keith Ballard in 2002.
This year’s draft will be held June 28 and 29 in Las Vegas.
The complete lottery draft order:
1. San Jose Sharks
2. Chicago Blackhawks
3. Anaheim Ducks
4. Columbus Blue Jackets
5. Montreal Canadiens
6. Utah
7. Ottawa Senators
8. Seattle Kraken
9. Calgary Flames
10. New Jersey Devils
11. Buffalo Sabres
12. Philadelphia Flyers
13. Minnesota Wild
14. San Jose Sharks (from the Pittsburgh Penguins)
15. Detroit Red Wings
16. St. Louis Blues
