NHL makes changes to draft lottery

Nathan MacKinnon, a center, pulls on a Colorado Avalanche sweater after being chosen 1st overall in the first round of the NHL hockey draft, Sunday, June 30, 2013, in Newark, N.J. (AP / Bill Kostroun)

NEW YORK -- The NHL draft lottery will have a slightly different look next year and a drastically different one in 2016.

In an effort to "more appropriately reflect the current state of competitive balance," the NHL announced changes to the draft lottery that will more evenly balance out the odds of teams drawing the No. 1 pick.

Beginning in 2015, the team that finishes with the fewest points will have a 20 per cent chance, down from 25, the second-lowest 13.5 down from 18.8, the third-lowest 11.5 down from 14.2 and the fourth-lowest 9.5 down from 10.7.

The 10 other teams will have increased odds of picking first.

Beginning in 2016, the NHL's draft lottery will resemble the NBA's, where the first three spots are up for grabs. The team with the lowest point total could drop as far as fourth, instead of second under current rules.

Next year's draft features top prospects Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel.