2027 NHL Draft Rankings: DuPont, Privalov and Joseph lead extremely early top 32
The 2026 NHL Draft is ancient history. All the cool kids are gearing up for the 2027 NHL Draft now.
Most NHL development camps are still underway, with the recently drafted players not even having returned home from Buffalo yet. But for the 2027 prospects, the prep has already begun for the biggest year of their lives. This summer, we’ll see various international tournaments, highlighted by the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in August. European teams will get back into the swing of things later in August, and then the rest of the hockey world will get going again in September.
Two early observations: if you need a center, this is as good as it gets. Also, the USA Hockey National Team Development Program has one heck of a crop this year… and, yet, who knows how many will bolt for the CHL this summer? There’s been plenty of talk about top talents looking to go north, so we’ll see what materializes.
Here’s a very early look at the 2027 NHL Draft class. This is based on conversations with scouts and my own personal viewings of these players over the past few months, mostly between international competitions and other league action. Expect some notable changes when my first in-season ranking happens in September:
1. Landon DuPont, RHD (University of Michigan, NCAA)
DuPont is special. Period. Like most modern-day defenders, 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.
2. Nazar Privalov, LW (Krasnaya Armiya Moskva, MHL)
Privalov is a machine. The MHL rookie of the year is a big dude at 6-foot-4 and 227 pounds – a similar profile to Ethan Belchetz from the 2026 NHL Draft. Privalov and can absolutely annihilate you with his punishing play. But he also is 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 also has the skill to back it up. He had 30 goals in 51 games this past year – I can’t wait to see him get a taste of the KHL sooner rather than later. Speaking of that… the long-term KHL deal could scare teams off.
3. Alexis Joseph, C (Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL)
Joseph really impressed me when I watched him at the U-17 World Challenge training camp a year ago. In one game, in particular, he had an incredible four goals and five points – a scrimmage, sure, but he was clearly a step ahead of the rest. 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. He’s going to be a massive problem for defenders over the next year.
4. Sergei Skvortsov, LW (Chaika Nizhny Novgorod, MHL)
The mid-sized forward is coming off a massive MHL campaign that saw him score 19 goals and 43 points in 52 games. I’ve also been impressed with my viewings of Skvortsov with the Russian junior team, and while he hasn’t exactly faced top-end competition, he was a standout thanks to his tremendous mix of skill and hockey sense. He’s a powerful skater who never stops moving, and he has some of the best hands you’ll find in this draft class.
5. Carter Meyer, C (USNTDP)
Meyer was one of USA’s top players this past year… at the U-18 level. 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. Of note, Meyer requested a release from the USNTDP to join the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL for next season, but he hasn’t been granted one yet.
6. 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 eligbile, he’d join Wyatt Cullen as the lone 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.
7. Brock England, C (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)
England was the primary reason to watch the Thunderbirds throughout the year. I loved his play at the U-17 World Challenge, and it was nice to score more than 20 goals and 50 points as a WHL rookie. The strong skater does a great job of creating quality chances on the fly, blasting past older opponents like they’re standing still. He’s an excellent playmaker, too. For a mid-sized forward, England isn’t afraid of physical contact, either.
8. Petr Tomek, C (HC Energie Karlovy Vary, Czechia)
It was hard to ignore Tomek this past season. Born a month after the 2026 draft cutoff, the two-way center had a tremendous 20 points in 51 games in the top Czech league. For reference, the other seven Czech D-1 players combined for one point the whole season. I thought he had a solid U-18s and was generally one of the more productive players in his age group. He’s a great skater, and he’s very smart, too.
9. Dima Zhilkin, C (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)
Zhilkin was a good minor hockey player, but he really came alive in the past two years with Saginaw. The mid-sized forward plays with relentless energy, making sure he’s involved physically in 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.
10. Jaxon Jacobson, C (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)
Jacobson is an undersized center at 5-foot-10, but count me in as a believer. It’s hard not to be 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.
11. Timothy Kazda, RW (Chicago Steel, USHL)
Kazda had a huge showing at the U-18 World Championship, registering 12 points in just 12 games. It wasn’t overly surprising, given how good he looked in the USHL – but it was still a sign of just how skilled he could be. He’s so confident and smart, and is definitely one of the best Europeans in this class with the puck. I expect him to go early in the 2027 NHL Draft – he’s just so dangerous in 1-on-1 situations and can beat just about anyone.
12. Luca Santala, RW (Kiekko-Espoo, Finland U-20)
Santala had a massive international season, scoring at just under a goal-per-game rate with the I-18 national team. He also put up excellent numbers in the Finnish U-18 league while also playing quite a bit in the U-20 division. The 6-foot-2 forward isn’t overly physical, but he has an excellent shot and can dominate shifts in a way very few his age can do. I still want to see some improvement in consistency, but I was amazed watching him this year, more often than not.
13. Max Calce, C (Adler Mannheim, DEL)
Note: Formerly known as Max Penkin
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 boasts an excellent shot, and I have full belief he’ll have a productive year with Mannheim. It’s worth noting his 13-year-old brother, Danny, has absolutely ripped up the German U-15 ranks and could end up being even better. He’s eligible for the 2030 NHL Draft.
14. Jonah Neuenschwander, C (EHC Biel-Bienne, NL)
Neuenschwander made the Swiss World Junior team two years ago as a 15-year-old, which was truly remarkable. We haven’t seen him produce much in the two WJC tournaments, but it’s easy to understand the appeal. He’s a strong 6-foot-3 forward who is equally good as a shooter and a passer. Opponents struggle to deal with his raw muscle, and he’s quick, too. I don’t think he has the high-end offensive upside to go in the top 10, but he already looks like one of the premier power forwards for 2027. Of note, Neuenschwander had the most productive campaign by a Draft-1 player in the Swiss-based National League in 60 years – but at 12 points, it wasn’t a huge bar to clear.
15. Milan Sundström, C (Modo, Sweden U-20)
Milan is the son of former NHLer Niklas Sundström, and you can see the hockey sense clearly carried over. He’s a hard-working forward who easily dominated U-17 national team competition while also scoring at a rate of a goal per game. Sundström will beat you with his play reads, great passing ability and his tendency to find scoring lanes where others won’t. Sweden has always done a good job of developing quality two-way centers and Sundström is the next one up. I’m excited to see what type of role he has at the World Juniors.
16. 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 game at the U-17s and it was hard to beat that type of introduction to the hockey world. Cripps is a highly skilled modern-day defenseman who plays a similar high-flying game to that of Xavier Villeneuve. Does that mean he’ll fall in the draft? Probably, but nobody will deny his raw talent and hockey sense.
17. Yevgeni Yakunin, C (MHK Spartak Moskva, MHL)
Yakunin will be an intriguing prospect, because, 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. He’s a solid playmaker who just missed out on the 50-point mark, and he has typically looked good with the puck with the Russian national team. There’s a ton of intrigue in the 6-foot-3 power forward, and I’m excited to follow him closely.
18. Andrei Pustovoy, RW (Loko Yaroslavl, MHL)
Pustovy is a 6-foot-3 forward coming off a massive 32-goal, 62-point MHL campaign. He’s a late 2008-born forward, so scouts will hope to see him either blow away the MHL or contribute consistently in the KHL next year. I wouldn’t count him out making the KHL because of his high-end hockey sense and strong physical maturity. Pustovy might lack high-end skill, but his raw power should allow him to thrive.
19. Levi Harper, RHD (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)
Harper is skilled, quick and slippery around the ice. He might not be physically strong, but his puck game is. Harper put up 57 points as an OHL rookie and is bound for another major offensive explosion this year. I loved him at the Hlinka Gretzky and thought he had some bright moments at the U-18s despite only playing a handful of games. His high-end offensive generation will make him very interesting, but, like many mid-sized defenders, his defensive game often takes a back seat to his puck play.
20. Boston Tait, LHD (Wenatchee Wild, WHL)
It wasn’t easy being a Wenatchee Wild defenseman this past 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 last year, showing a nice physical edge to his game without sacrificing offensive opportunities. 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.
21. Bosse Meijer, C (Frolunda, Sweden U-20)
Meijer assumed No. 1 center duties during the U-18s and put up more than a point-per-game en route to a gold. He also scored at nearly half a goal per game in the Swedish U-20 league before exploding for nearly two points per game in the playoffs. Meijer loves to shoot the puck and can dance around defenders with some quick hands. While he isn’t the most skilled, he does a good job of out-thinking opponents on the rush, and he’s got the footwork to make some serious damage.
22. Diego Gutiérrez, RHD (USNTDP)
Gutierrez seems built for the modern-day NHL game. He has a decent frame at 6-foot-1, but he also skates so well and loves to rush the puck. Against his age group, opponents struggled to break through the middle of the ice because Gutierrez’s gap control gave them little to work with. He’s also a great passer, too. I think Gutierrez 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.
23. Vladimir Shtyrkhunov, RHD (Krasnaya Armiya Moskva, MHL)
Shtyrkhunov played around 20 minutes a night all season 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. 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.
24. Nolan Fitzhenry, C (USNTDP)
Fitzhenry was electric with the U-17 team this year, and I thought he had some solid moments in a more limited role with the U-18 squad, too. He 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.
25. Rocco Pelosi, C (USNTDP)
The younger brother of Boston Bruins prospect Chris Pelosi, Rocco commands attention every time he hits the ice. He does a great job of playing through the middle of the ice and beating guys with speed. Pelosi’s shot release is so deadly, and he’s no slouch as a passer, either. He does a great job of entering the zone and getting plays started, which isn’t always easy to do once minor hockey stars move up to junior. He can be a bit streaky, but when he’s hot, he’s tough to contain.
26. Ryerson Edgar, C (Niagara IceDogs, OHL)
Edgar just missed the 50-point mark this past year, but he should be able to put up massive numbers as an OHL sophomore. 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.
27. Jamie Glance, RW (Team TBD)
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. Of note, Glance hasn’t signed a deal with the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs yet, but is listed on their preseason roster and would benefit highly from playing alongside Alexis Joseph. We’ll see if this all works out.
28. Noah Davidson, C (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL)
Davidson is a big, big dude. 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 and I’m excited to see him elevate that in 2026-27.
29. James Scantlebury, C (Quebec Remparts, QMJHL)
Scantlebury was drafted ninth overall by the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts, but he elected to sign with the USHL’s Steel instead last year. Now, he’s set to join Quebec, where he’ll look to be the top prospect taken out of the Q. Scantlebury moves well and has some of the best playmaking in the 2027 draft class. Scouts wish he’d simplify his game at points – he can use his linemates a bit more. But in terms of pure, raw talent, Scantlebury is as good as they come right now.
30. Kohyn Eshkawkogan, RHD (Ottawa 67’s, OHL)
Eshkawkogan has looked good in most of my viewings. I thought he was one of Canada’s better players at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup camp, despite being one of the youngest players (he was ultimately cut). He’s smart, skilled, and works hard to win every battle despite being a bit smaller. Eshkawkogan plays with a ton of skill and high-end hockey sense, but will that be enough to offset being under six-foot? We’ll see.
31. Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll, RW (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.
32. Douglas Johnsson, RHD (Skellefteå AIK, Sweden U-20)
I hesitated putting another smaller defender on here, but 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.
Also considered: Lenni Kokkonen, RHD (Kärpät, Finland U-20); Trevor Daley Jr., LW (Soo Greyhounds, OHL); Lukáš Kachlíř, RHD (Bílí Tygři Liberec, Czech U-20); Michal Hartl, RW (HC Kometa Brno, Czechia U-20); Roberts Naudins, C (Penticton Vees, WHL)
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