Edmonton Oilers win NHL draft lottery, get first overall pick

TORONTO – The Edmonton Oilers will pick first overall in the NHL draft for a second straight year.

The New Jersey Devils won the draft lottery Tuesday but teams aren’t allowed to move up more than four spots, leaving Edmonton with the first overall pick.

The Devils will pick fourth, the New York Islanders fifth and the Ottawa Senators were bumped down to the sixth spot, with Colorado and Florida falling in order at second and third, respectively.

After finishing its season in 30th place, Edmonton held the highest odds of getting the No. 1 pick at 48.2 per cent.

"Winning this first overall pick is an important moment for the organization and it’s an integral part of the process moving forward," said Oilers GM Steve Tambellini.

"This is a very exciting time for our organization and our fans as this just adds to the already bright future of our team."

The NHL draft is scheduled for June 24-25 in St. Paul, Minn., where Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels is expected to be taken No. 1 overall.

Edmonton selected winger Taylor Hall with last year’s first pick.

Order of selection for the opening round of the National Hockey League’s 2011 entry draft (remainder of order based upon playoff performance):

1. Edmonton Oilers

2. Colorado Avalanche

3. Florida Panthers

4. New Jersey Devils

5. N.Y. Islanders

6. Ottawa Senators

7. Atlanta Thrashers

8. Columbus Blue Jackets

9. Boston Bruins (from Toronto)

10. Minnesota Wild.

11. Colorado Avalanche (conditional from St. Louis)

12. Carolina Hurricanes

13. Calgary Flames

14. Dallas Stars.