How Flyers, Bruins are impacted by Maple Leafs NHL Draft Lottery result

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How Flyers, Bruins are impacted by Maple Leafs NHL Draft Lottery result

Christopher Hennessy, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Tue, May 5, 2026 ·

2 min read

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The Toronto Maple Leafs had a disastrous season and potentially an even-worse press conference to introduce a new general manager . But Tuesday night, they have the chance to change their luck. The NHL Draft Lottery is on Tuesday, but the Maple Leafs' situation is unique. What should Philadelphia Flyers , Boston Bruins , and Maple Leafs fans be rooting for?

At the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, then-general manager Brad Treliving made two significant trades. One sent a 2026 first-round pick, among other pieces, to the Boston Bruins for Brandon Carlo . Another sent a 2027 first-rounder to the Philadelphia Flyers for Scott Laughton . The 2026 pick is top-five protected, and the Leafs currently sit fifth in the draft order.

If someone below the Maple Leafs wins one of the draft lotteries, the 2026 pick will be transferred to Boston. If Toronto picks between one and five, Chris Johnston explains the mechanics of the picks.

"Further to this: It sounds like there's a good chance the NHL would rule in Philadelphia's favor if this scenario plays out. Meaning, if Toronto retains its 2026 1st after tonight's lottery, expect 2027 1st to go to Flyers and 2028 1st to Bruins … both unprotected."

As Johnston mentioned, this is how the Flyers want things to play out. The Athletic's Kevin Kurz reported that Philadelphia isn't positive that is how it will play out.

What should each team want from Maple Leafs draft lottery saga?

The Maple Leafs have hired John Chayka and Mats Sundin , who did not create this problem. They walked into it and should want the 2026 pick to be transferred to Boston. It may be better for them to get one of the trades out of the way now, especially if they are going to trade away key pieces and start rebuilding.

The Flyers and the Bruins should very clearly want the Maple Leafs to stay in the top five. With the uncertainty around the future of Auston Matthews in Toronto, an unprotected pick could be extremely valuable in the next two seasons. Both the Flyers and the Bruins made the playoffs this year, so a prospect coming up sooner doesn't matter to them as opposed to getting a better player down the road.

The Flyers and Bruins may be fearing protections on these picks if they slide. But according to Johnston, there is nothing to worry about. After a playoff season, there is a lot to watch on lottery night in Boston and Philadelphia.

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