Balls Didn't Fall Our Way

Skates & Plates35mMay 6, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this live episode of Skates & Plates, hosts Brandon Rewicki and Tyson Rewicki break down the NHL Draft Lottery results, focusing on the Winnipeg Jets' drop from a potential top pick to eighth overall. Despite the disappointment, the hosts emphasize that the Jets still hold a strong position in a deep draft class, with several top-tier prospects available. They explore the strategic dilemma facing Winnipeg: whether to keep the pick and select a high-impact defenseman like Keaton Verhoof or Albert Smiths, or take a high-upside, undersized center like Viggo Bjork. The conversation dives into mock drafts, team needs, and the broader implications of the lottery system, with both hosts criticizing the current structure for rewarding tanking teams like San Jose, who have won three consecutive lotteries. They advocate for rule changes to prevent repeat winners and promote long-term league parity. The episode ends with anticipation for Friday's follow-up, where they’ll continue analyzing the Jets’ potential offseason moves.

Key Takeaways
1

Winnipeg Jets dropped to 8th overall in the NHL Draft Lottery, but still have access to top-tier talent.

2

The Jets face a strategic choice between drafting a top defenseman or a high-upside undersized center like Viggo Bjork.

3

San Jose’s three consecutive lottery wins highlight concerns about tanking and the need for structural reform.

4

A proposed rule change: teams winning the top two picks are ineligible for the lottery for two years to promote fairness.

5

The draft lottery system currently rewards teams that prioritize losing, undermining competitive balance.

Chapters
0:00
3 min

Live Reaction to the NHL Draft Lottery

Hosts open the episode with live commentary on the NHL Draft Lottery, focusing on the Winnipeg Jets' drop to eighth overall and the Toronto Maple Leafs securing the first pick.

3:00
5 min

The Jets’ New Reality: 8th Overall

Discussion on how the Jets’ drop affects their draft strategy, with both hosts agreeing that the top eight is still strong and the pick remains valuable.

8:00
7 min

The Draft Debate: Defenseman vs. Center

I would go defense in this scenario. It's not that I really do like Viggo Dork as a prospect. It's just the Jets also do need help on the back end too.

Highlight
15:00
10 min

Mock Draft and Team Needs

Hosts construct a mock draft, predicting picks for Toronto, Vancouver, San Jose, and Chicago, and assess how those selections impact the Jets’ options.

25:00
15 min

The Bigger Picture: Tanking and Lottery Reform

I don't like rewarding complete and utter focus on losing. Same with Chicago. Like if Chicago jumped up, I would have felt the same way.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
I don't like rewarding complete and utter focus on losing. Same with Chicago. Like if Chicago jumped up, I would have felt the same way.
Brandon Rewicki30:50
Viral: 90.0
I don't know. I just don't like it. I don't like rewarding, and I know they haven't been bad, but I just don't like rewarding complete and utter focus on losing.
Brandon Rewicki30:45
Viral: 88.0
I would go defense in this scenario. It's not that I really do like Viggo Dork as a prospect. It's just the Jets also do need help on the back end too.
Tyson Rewicki11:36
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Hosts

Brandon RewickiTyson Rewicki
Topics Discussed
NHL Draft Lottery95%Tanking and League Parity92%Winnipeg Jets Draft Strategy90%Draft Lottery Reform88%Top Prospects in the 2026 Draft85%Defenseman vs. Center Debate80%Team Needs and Mock Drafts75%Trade Value of 8th Overall Pick70%
People & Brands

Brandon Rewicki

person

40xPositive

Tyson Rewicki

person

38xPositive

Winnipeg Jets

other

35xNeutral

Toronto Maple Leafs

other

18xNeutral

San Jose Sharks

other

14xNegative

Viggo Bjork

person

12xPositive

Vancouver Canucks

other

12xNegative

Chicago Blackhawks

other

11xNegative

Keaton Verhoof

person

10xPositive

Gavin McKenna

person

8xPositive

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