The Sea Dogs have, incredibly, been apart of five draft lotteries previously heading into tonight's showdown. For a team that just completed their 13th season and given the amount of on-ice success the franchise has had, the amount of draft lottery participation is striking.
Even more striking is the fact that Saint John has won all of the draws they have been involved in in the past - but all those featured just two teams. This year's draw will feature five clubs, a format that started last year to try and reduce tanking.
The Sea Dogs will have the most balls in the draw - and, therefore, the best odds at winning the first overall selection. Per lottery rules put in place by the league, Saint John can fall no lower than third - which happened to the Moncton Wildcats (who had the most balls in the draw) last year.
Saint John will have nine balls in tonight's draw, giving them a 43% chance of winning. The Shawinigan Cataractes will have six balls, Charlottetown Islanders (acquired from the Val-d’Or Foreurs) three, Chicoutimi Sagueneens two and the Sherbrooke Phoenix (acquired from the Moncton Wildcats) one. The probability of winning the draw was based off the league’s regular season standings.
Tonight's event begins at 8 p.m. AST at TVA studios in Montreal. It can be watched on TVA Sports.
The 2018 QMJHL Entry Draft takes place Saturday, June 2 in Shawinigan.
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