Fans believe the NHL draft lottery is rigged after LIVE mishap during broadcast

The cause of these suspicions lies in an unexpected revelation made by Kevin Weekes during the lottery broadcast. To everyone's surprise, Weekes confidently declared that the Columbus Blue Jackets had secured the third overall pick, without the customary card flipping or unveiling. The broadcast promptly cut to a commercial break, leaving fans and experts bewildered.

This startling turn of events has only fueled doubts, especially given Weekes' refusal to provide an explanation when approached by The Athletic. The subsequent silence has only intensified the speculation surrounding the lottery's transparency and fairness.

While it is important to approach such allegations with a dose of skepticism, it's understandable why fans are questioning the integrity of the lottery process. The NHL's credibility hinges on transparency and fairness, making it imperative for the league to address these concerns and provide a comprehensive account of the unusual circumstances.

Until more information is disclosed, the cloud of suspicion will loom over this year's NHL Draft Lottery, leaving a lingering doubt about the authenticity of the proceedings