Possible leak of NHL draft lottery causes stir on social media

As the NHL Draft Lottery approaches, the anticipation is palpable, particularly around the prospect of Macklin Celebrini possibly being the top pick.

Amid this buzz, a photo shared by reporter John Buccigross has stirred a whirlwind of speculation and intrigue across the hockey community, especially after he swiftly deleted it from his social media.

Buccigross, on-site at the draft lottery, posted an image that appeared to preemptively reveal the draft results.

Intriguingly, the NHL draft lottery process is not conducted live but pre-recorded, adding layers to the unfolding drama. The leaked photo suggested that San Jose would win the first overall pick, followed by a new team from Utah, with the Montreal Canadiens picking sixth.

If accurate, this lineup would see San Jose selecting Celebrini, Utah picking up Ivan Demidov, and the Canadiens adjusting their strategy slightly.

You can view the conversation and speculation it spurred here:

However, it's crucial to note that these results have not been confirmed officially. NHL insiders have quickly pointed out that the image is likely just a graphic test, not the actual lottery outcomes.

Despite this clarification, the image has captured the imagination of many fans, convincing some that Buccigross has inadvertently leaked the results.

The situation has sparked extensive discussions and the sharing of the controversial image across various social platforms.

This scenario, if it were to play out as depicted in Buccigross's photo during the official announcement at 6:30 PM, would be an extraordinary coincidence, though highly unlikely.

Here's another thread discussing the potential implications:

Fans are now advised to await the official results and treat the circulating photo with skepticism.

While the pre-event excitement is a fun aspect of the draft lottery, distinguishing fact from speculation is essential as we near the moment of truth.

The unfolding drama adds an element of suspense and entertainment to the draft lottery, underscoring the passion and engagement of the NHL community. As the clock ticks closer to the official announcement, the air is thick with anticipation and conjecture, making this draft lottery a particularly memorable one.