2027 NHL Draft Rankings: Early-season top 40
Is the 2027 NHL Draft a good one? Well… it’s complicated.
On one hand, there aren’t a ton of players that scream “true game-changer” right now. Landon DuPont is the clear No. 1 prospect, with just about every scout and evaluator falling in love with the University of Michigan defender. There’s also a ton of centers projected to go early, with with a whopping 20 making up the first round below.
So… are any of them really going to be difference-makers? “No,” one scout bluntly told DFO.
But, on the other hand, it’s the first full week of October. It’s still so damn early, and many teams across the top developmental leagues have played between two and five games. So much can change, and maybe scouts will start singing a different tune come Christmas. Right now, though, many aren’t overly optimistic, and that’s a problem if your team doesn’t end up landing the first overall pick.
After taking a very early look in July, we’re back to look at the top 40 prospects for the 2027 NHL Draft. While no goalie makes the list, Eric Tu and Jakub Husár are among my early favorites and nearly landed in the top 40. We’ll continue to update with bigger lists throughout the season, leading up to the big show in June in a currently undisclosed city:
1. Landon DuPont, RHD (University of Michigan, NCAA)
Most scouts would agree here. DuPont is incredible with the puck, moving quickly and decisively. He’s more creative than any defenseman we’ve seen in quite some time. With the extra space, DuPont can absolutely take over a power play, either firing a hard shot or using it to take defenders out of position before setting up someone else. But DuPont brings much more than just offense. He blocks shots, competes hard and has the speed to get back after a scoring chance to break up a play. After watching him play so well in Everett, I’m excited to watch him in college – and he’s already off to an incredible start.
2. Sergei Skvortsov, LW (Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, KHL)
Skvortsov made the jump to the KHL this year and has looked solid, despite limited production early on. He finds ways to get himself open consistently, which is difficult for a young player to accomplish against pros. He’s strong, smart and has a great shot, and he’s always looking to get the puck where it needs to be. I also really like Skvortsov’s speed, which allows him to keep up with even experienced league stars. His ice time is still quite limited right now, but there have been flashes to suggest he belongs at this level, which should help his draft stock.
3. Nazar Privalov, LW (CSKA Moskva, KHL)
The reigning MHL rookie of the year is a big dude at 6-foot-4 and 227 pounds, making him extremely difficult to contain. Privalov can absolutely annihilate you with his punishing play. But he’s also a high-end playmaker who plays with a ton of pace, something that is far from a given for a bigger forward. He likes to get in the way and create havoc, but he has the skill to back it up. He had 30 goals in 51 games last season – there’s nothing left for him to prove at the junior level. Unfortunately, he’s not getting much playing time with CSKA in the KHL, which makes me wonder what the plan is here.
4. Dima Zhilkin, C (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)
Zhilkin was a total beast with Canada at the World Junior Summer Showcase and is already one of the top players in the CHL. The mid-sized forward plays with relentless energy, making sure he’s involved physically on every single shift. He’s not afraid to play on the edge of life or death, because he comes out with the puck more often than not. Zhilkin is an electric shooter, and he’s equally as good as a setup man. Teammates seem to love him, too – he was named captain of Saginaw before he even turned 17. There’s a bright future here, and it’s time to go all in on his potential.
5. Carter Meyer, C (Québec Remparts)
Meyer was one of the USNTDP’s top players last year while playing with the U-18 squad. He earned a call-up from the U-17 squad in the second half and never looked back. He’s a smart, hard-working forward who plays a reliable two-way game while hitting everyone in sight. He’s not even that big – he’s just strong and willing to throw his body at everyone. Meyer is already putting QMJHL teams on notice; he’s producing frequently. Meyer’s a fun player to watch and should have no problem going early this year. I could see a team betting high on his raw talent and making him the first center off the board.
6. Brock England, C (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)
England is the best skater in the draft right now. He’s always engaged in the play and uses his footwork to chase down opponents, force turnovers and create opportunities. With the puck, England is a smart distributor who gets the puck into high-danger zones, and he loves making moves on the power play. He’s also a little more physical than I remember from my early viewings last year. If England doesn’t crack it as a point-producer, his B-game alone should allow him to have a solid career.
7. Jonah Neuenschwander, C (EHC Biel-Bienne, NL)
I’m still trying to figure out if he’s a true top-end prospect because he’s good, or good because the rest of his Swiss teammates haven’t caught up yet, making him look better on the world stage. That being said, he’s one of the more intriguing prospects this year, and I enjoy watching him. It’s hard to ignore the appeal; he’s a big, strong forward who doesn’t lose many battles and continues to improve his playmaking game. Teams love 6-foot-3 centers, and he’s one of the best available this year. Neuenschwander didn’t have an explosive Hlinka Gretzky Cup by any means, but he was easily Switzerland’s best two-way player and one of the few play-drivers capable of making something happen. I’m excited to get another look at the World Juniors.
8. Brock Cripps, RHD (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL)
With Daxon Rudolph moving on to college, it’s Cripps’ time to shine. The 5-foot-10 defenseman had a massive rookie season, registering 37 points in the regular season and another 21 points in 20 postseason games. Add in a gold medal at the U-17s and it was hard to beat that type of introduction to the hockey world. I loved him at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup – he’s so, so, so good with the puck. Cripps is a highly skilled modern-day defenseman who plays a similar high-flying game to that of Xavier Villeneuve. Does that mean Cripps will fall in the draft? Probably, but nobody will deny his raw talent and hockey sense.
9. Alexis Joseph, C (Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL)
Joseph left a bad taste in the mouths of scouts at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. It felt like he was truly one of the most underwhelming forwards on Canada, a team that boasted a perfect record en route to a gold. The real potential, though, is obvious. The 6-foot-5 power forward had 60 points as a QMJHL rookie, while also putting the world on notice at the U-17 World Challenge with six goals and 13 points in five games. A lack of pace is still a problem here, though, and that’s something that’s going to really harm his draft stock. I expect him to go high still due to the raw profile, but I’m less convinced about him than I was back in July.
10. Milan Sundström, C (MoDo, Allsvenskan)
Sundström received some mixed reviews from the Hlinka Gretzky – he was excellent at points, namely against Slovakia. But he was too quiet during others, such as the loss to Switzerland. He hit the ground running at the U-20 level to kick off September and then got into full-time action with MoDo’s men’s team shortly after. Sundström is a big, 6-foot-2 center who shoots hard and thinks the game at a high level. His lack of intensity and pace holds him back, though; that’s something that has given me plenty of pause already. Maybe he’ll thrive more as a winger, who knows? Either way, he’s an intriguing option.
11. Andrei Pustovoy, C (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, KHL)
It’s a good year for Russians. The 6-foot-3 forward has spent the majority of the season in the KHL, and while Pustovoy’s ice time has been limited, his impact has been noticeable at times. That’s mostly on the physical side – he’s a specimen. His high-end hockey sense and strong physical maturity make him very intriguing at this age, and I hope his ice time will continue to rise. Pustovoy might lack high-end skill, but his raw power should allow him to thrive.
12. Sammy Nelson, C (University of Notre Dame, NCAA)
Nelson was one of the USNTDP’s shining stars this past season but missed the 2026 draft cutoff by four days. Had he been eligible, he’d join Wyatt Cullen as the only first-round picks out of the USNTDP. Nelson’s ability to drive the play and create consistent offensive opportunities made him so lethal. He’s a high-end shot generator, and he competes hard at both ends of the ice. I’m excited to see him play a leading role with Notre Dame this year.
13. Jaxon Jacobson, C (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)
Jacobson is an undersized center at 5-foot-10, but there’s actually a lot to like about his game. It’s hard not to be impressed after watching the high-end playmaker consistently dominate in open ice this past year. He had 60 assists and 85 points, which would have made him one of the most productive 2026 Draft prospects (he was born in December of 2008, three months after the cut-off). For a forward his size, Jacobson actually plays with quite a bit of muscle, so I’m not worried about him at the next level.
14. Jaakko Wycisk, C (Guelph Storm, OHL)
Wycisk was outstanding at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He finished first among draft eligibles with 10 points in five games while also being tough to read in the attacking zone. Wycisk isn’t a big guy, but he’s so mature for his age, using his body to win battles and get the puck down the ice. Wycisk also has a powerful shot, but scouts just want him to use it a bit more.. Wycisk was one of my favorite AAA players during the 2024-25 season because he had such an intimidating, all-around offensive game. After registering 43 points as a rookie for Guelph, look for him to be one of the OHL’s top forwards this season as the Storm host the Memorial Cup.
15. Noah Davidson, C (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL)
Davidson is a big dude who makes life miserable for everyone else – physically, and with the puck. At 6-foot-3 and nearly 220 pounds, he packs a lot of muscle into both his hits and his shot. He had 30 goals and 52 points as a rookie with the Tigers, often dominating older, stronger competition. The Boston College commit consistently showed up in big ways for Medicine Hat last year, and I’m excited to see him elevate that as the new WHL season wears on.
16. Kayden Stroeder, C (Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL)
Stroeder made a massive impression on me at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. These short-burst tournaments can be difficult, even for young, star talents. But Stroeder got better with every passing game. I’m going to continue keeping a close eye on him. The Oil Kings forward had a point in each of his three round-robin games, increasing his point total with every showing. He also looked good on the power play, both as a set-up guy and a shooter. He’s also an incredible skater, both in terms of raw speed and technical abilities. Stroeder is a bit undersized, but I think he’ll make up for that with the way he gets around the ice and his willingness to shoot from anywhere.
17. Diego Gutiérrez, RHD (USNTDP)
Gutiérrez was one of my favorite USNTDP players to watch last year. Against his age group, opponents struggled to break through the middle of the ice because Gutiérrez’s gap control gives them little to work with. He’s also a great passer, too. I think Gutiérrez has the skill to rush the puck even more than he does, and I expect him to do a lot of play-driving from the point. He skates well, has a solid 6-foot-1 frame and makes smart decisions under pressure. Scouts like him.
18. Luca Santala, RW (Kitchener Rangers, OHL)
Santala has already had an interesting start to the season. He joined the London Knights over the summer but was traded to the reigning OHL champions, Kitchener, after just one game as London needed to move an import player. The Finnish winger has looked good for the Rangers, where he has shown raw skill and hockey sense. Santala has built an impressive résumé internationally already, and this year will be all about getting comfortable in a new environment. His skating is good, and he creates a boatload of chances. Scouts are worried that there isn’t anything particularly special in his game, but he’s a hard-working forward who should still build a solid NHL career.
19. Bosse Meijer, C (Frölunda HC, SHL)
Meijer made the jump to the SHL as a 17-year-old this year, and his hard work paid off with a three-point effort in just his third game. He also had a couple of excellent showings with Frölunda’s Champions Hockey League squad, which showcased his raw skill and speed. He was excellent internationally in 2025-26 to help solidify him as one of the more intriguing European prospects. Meijer’s hands, hockey sense and off-puck play make him an intriguing threat. I love his skating, stickhandling and the fact that he never seems to have two bad shifts in a row. I could see him going anywhere from No. 10-20.
20. Levi Harper, RHD (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)
Harper is one of the most entertaining defenders to watch. On one hand, he’s a bit small at 5-foot-11. On the other, he’s a gifted offensive weapon who can dominate shifts in ways few can – that three-assist OHL opener last month was a great start. Harper is a remarkable skater who makes deceptive passes at speed with ease. He’s also quite involved physically, sometimes to a fault. Defensively, though, Harper’s game still needs a ton of work. It’s hard not to love his on-puck game, but if his off-puck effort doesn’t improve, his draft stock will suffer.
21. Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll, C (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL)
SGC moves well, has an accurate release and isn’t afraid to mix it up in open ice if you want to challenge him physically. I like the way he thinks the game at speed – he knows when it’s better for him to just do it all himself. Gordon-Carroll didn’t put up a ton of points in Medicine Hat this year, but his role should expand this coming season, and he could see some time with the Ruck twins, too. I like Gordon-Carroll’s hard-working nature, and I can’t wait to see how he develops this coming season. So far, it’s been a bit slow, but it’s still super early.
22. Yevgeni Yakunin, C (MHK Spartak Moskva, MHL)
Some scouts think Yakunin has an outside chance of going in the top 10. Others aren’t as convinced – either way, he’s an intriguing 6-foot-3 forward who plays with so much physical strength. He’s a solid playmaker who just missed out on the 50-point mark in the MHL last year, and he has typically looked good with the puck on the Russian national team. Yakunin has spent some time in the KHL and VHL already, but he’s also tracking for close to 80 points in the MHL, too. As it stands, he owns a KHL contract until 2031 with Spartak Moskva. That means – barring an expensive buyout situation – the team who drafts him will have to be very patient. Will it be worth the wait? We’ll see.
23. Petr Tomek, C (HC Energie Karlovy Vary, Czechia)
Tomek had a big season in the top Czech pro league last year, registering 20 points in 51 games. The other 11 U-18 players that season combined for two points, in comparison, and only Jiri Hudler (46 points in 2001-02) and Petr Sykora (26 points in 1993-94) have more points among 17-year-olds in league history. Despite that, scouts aren’t fully convinced. For starters, he has struggled this season. They like his motor and his ability to find loose pucks, but at 5-foot-10, he can get pushed around far too frequently. Players with his profile often struggle in the NHL, but I like his work ethic and two-way game where it is right now.
24. Timothy Kazda, RW (Guelph Storm, OHL)
Kazda was outstanding at the 2026 U-18s, finishing with 12 points in seven games. It came after an impressive first year in North America with the USHL’s Chicago Steel, where he put up 41 points in 59 games. He’s on a loaded Guelph Storm team this year, where veterans will get a bit more prominence thanks to the team’s automatic berth in the Memorial Cup. The Boston College commit will have his work cut out for him to ensure he can steal ice time away, but he has honestly looked solid over the past few games while starting to really find his footing. Look for Kazda to be one of Slovakia’s most important players at the World Juniors.
25. Nolan Fitzhenry, C (USNTDP)
Fitzhenry was electric with the U-17 team last year, and I thought he had some solid moments in a more limited role with the U-18 squad, too. He’s been the team’s best all-around forward early on this year and will remain a focal point of the program’s draft success this year. Fitzhenry seems to thrive the most in chaotic situations. The more back-and-forth it is, the better Fitzhenry tends to be. Fitzhenry is confident with the puck, and he has a great shot, too. If he can use the middle of the ice a bit more to his advantage, he’ll be excellent.
26. Malik L’Italien, LHD (Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL)
L’Italien put up decent numbers in the Q last year, but he’s already on pace for more than 80 points as a 6-foot-4 defender. He hits exceptionally hard and isn’t afraid of anyone, as you’d expect to see from someone his size. L’Italien is better as a distributor than a shooter, but he continues to get better at getting pucks where they needs to be. His gap control is solid, and he’s a pain to beat around his net. Scouts want him to use his physicality a bit more consistently while continuing to develop his shot.
27. Aleks Kulemin, C (Kingston Frontenacs, OHL)
Kulemin had a quiet showing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, but he has been one of Kingston’s top players this season. He plays with so much power and gives opponents little room to work with in individual battles. Kulemin possesses good work habits, which are traits you’d hope to see from someone with NHL bloodlines (his father, Nikolai, played 669 games). It feels like he’s rounded enough to be a true first-round talent; let’s see if the offense continues to hold up.
28. Jamie Glance, RW (Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL)
Glance plays a highly detailed game – a lot of what he does well doesn’t get rewarded on the scoresheet. He forces giveaways, does a good job of chasing after attackers, and draws penalties as well as anyone on the USNTDP this past year. It just feels like every time I zeroed in on Glance, he made something happen. The QMJHL is loaded with more talent than usual, with Glance being one of the biggest reasons why. It’s going to be a difficult season for the Sea Dogs, but Glance has already been one of their most impactful forwards.
29. Roberts Naudiņš, LW (Penticton Vees, WHL)
It’s difficult to miss the 6-foot-7 forward. He’s huge, smart, skates well for his size and has an absolutely booming wrister. Naudiņš is a good puck distributor who doesn’t lose many battles, especially in front of the net. I like him on the perimeter, and as long as he continues to enter the zone through high-danger areas, I think he could establish himself as a true first-round pick. He’s shooting quite a bit right now, so there’s no lack of confidence.
30. Max Calce, C (Adler Mannheim, DEL)
Calce has long been regarded as one of the top young German players. He’s been productive at every level, and even spent some time in the top German pro league this past season. I’ve liked him internationally – he has often been Germany’s top forward at the U-18 level – and he plays with relentless energy. Calce is smart, skilled, and equipped with an excellent shot, and I have full belief he’ll have a productive year with Mannheim. So far, so good.
31. Gunnar Conboy, C (Green Bay Gamblers, USHL)
Conboy has a truly remarkable name – but he’s a stout hockey player, too. The 6-foot-4 center dominates most of his battles thanks to his massive frame, but he’s exceptionally smart, too. He plays with so much power, but he’s a solid skater, too. Conboy’s game is already quite mature, and he continues to get better defensively. Conboy’s shot can terrify goalies, too. He doesn’t need to lead a team offensively to be valuable; his off-puck play is quite impressive.
32. Vladimir Shtyrkhunov, RHD (Shawinigan Cataractes)
Shtyrkhunov played around 20 minutes a night last season in the MHL and didn’t disappoint. The mid-sized blueliner put up 32 points, and has always been one of the most offensively minded defenders in his age group. He’s in the QMJHL now, where he has quickly shown how engaged he can be offensively, even on a bad team. I think he needs to bulk up and can be a bit more active defensively, but he’s definitely going to be interesting to watch.
33. Ryerson Edgar, C (Niagara IceDogs, OHL)
Edgar’s draft stock seems to be all over the place. He did help himself at the Hlinka Gretzky, though, where he finished with a point-per-game through five outings. The former York Simcoe Express star has struggled offensively a bit in Niagara, but his off-puck game has been decent. The speedy forward is reliable defensively for his age, but he also battles hard through the middle of the ice despite not being that big. I love his toe drag and how tough he is to contain under pressure. I think Edgar would benefit from bulking up a bit, but I really like his game.
34. Cooper McAslan, RHD (London Knights, OHL)
McAslan has received rave reviews from scouts already early this season. He’s been tasked with heavy minutes with London and had goals in each of his first three games. The 6-foot-3 defender is a bit flashier than I remember seeing him while being defensively responsible, too. He has good reach and does an excellent job of forcing opponents to the outside. It just feels like there aren’t a ton of flaws in his game right now, but there also isn’t anything exceptional, either. Regardless, he’s extremely intriguing.
35. James Scantlebury, C (Québec Remparts, QMJHL)
Some scouts love Scantlebury’s puck game – he’s tracking for more than 100 points in the Q, so it’s easy to see why. He’s been productive at every level, and he never seems to lack intensity on the forecheck. Scantlebury knows where he needs to be almost all the time, and he’ll try to outwork you no matter what. The knock against him, though, is while he’s always moving, he’s not particularly speedy and gets pushed around way too frequently. I could see him becoming a supplementary scoring threat deeper down the NHL lineup, but some added muscle would go a long way.
36. Douglas Johnsson, RHD (Skellefteå AIK, Sweden U-20)
Johnsson is one of the more skilled small European blueliners I’ve seen in quite some time. He’s an excellent skater who moves the puck as well as anyone his age. His numbers have been superb across all levels in recent years, and he was one of my favorite international D-men at any level in 2025-26. His game is all about controlling the puck and exploiting open space, while using his skill to win individual battles. I also think his defensive game is solid right now. Will it be enough to offset the fact that he’s 5-foot-10? We’ll see.
37. Michal Hartl, RW (HC Kometa Brno, Czechia)
Hartl has been productive at all levels domestically and has plenty of experience with the U-18 team already. His numbers were nothing to get excited about, but it was impressive how he adapted his game to all different situations and handled defensive assignments. He’s a detail-oriented forward who shows some flashes of skill and a quick motor. Hartl will play a lot of minutes internationally this year, and it’s well deserved.
38. Gavin Burcar, C (Spokane Chiefs, WHL)
Burcar made a huge first impression at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, scoring a hat-trick against the Czechs on the opening day. The Villa Park, Calif., native had just one point the rest of the preliminary round (a goal against Germany) but bounced back with a four-point effort against Slovakia in the playoffs. That tournament was huge for his draft stock because he proved he can shoot, create opportunities, win faceoffs and dominate physical battles. Burcar put up just 17 points with Spokane last year but he’s playing some excellent hockey to kick off the year. I’m excited to follow him closely this year.
39. Boston Tait, LHD (Wenatchee Wild, WHL)
It wasn’t easy being a Wenatchee Wild defenseman this past year and it hasn’t been much better this year. But despite the seemingly endless onslaught in the Wild’s zone, Tait found opportunities to impress. He had 23 points and 55 penalty minutes, showing a nice physical edge to his game without sacrificing offensive opportunities. The offense has been limited this year, but it feels like he’s more engaged defensively. He likes to move the puck, and he’s always seeking high-quality passing opportunities. I think Tait needs to work on his decision-making in his own zone, but there’s a solid base here.
40. Kohyn Eshkawkogan, RHD (Ottawa 67’s, OHL)
Eshkawkogan has looked good in most of my viewings. He’s smart, skilled, and works hard to win every battle despite being a bit smaller. Eshkawkogan plays like he has a chip on his shoulder, allowing him to physically handle himself against bigger competition. Eshkawkogan plays with a ton of skill and high-end hockey sense, but will that be enough to offset being under six feet? I think that’s something scouts aren’t sure about yet. I’m not sure what role he’d have in the NHL, but I still think he’s a solid prospect.
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