2027 NHL Draft: Landon DuPont and the New Generation of Talents Stand Out

After the dust from the 2026 NHL Draft has fully settled, the ice hockey world has already turned its eyes to the 2027 draft. In the previous draft, two wingers, Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg, were at the top of the list, followed by numerous defensemen. However, the 2027 class is expected to paint a completely different profile and offer a rich picture in terms of player diversity. Over the course of the next year or so, it is inevitable that there will be many changes in the rankings based on the players' performances. While some players may drop in the rankings, names that are not currently on the radar could rapidly rise.

At the top of the list is defenseman Landon DuPont, who is almost certain to be selected first overall. DuPont not only had an extraordinary regular season but also made a name for himself with a tremendous performance during the playoffs. This talented defenseman, playing for Everett Silvertips (WHL), stands out with his hockey IQ, speed, and ability to man-mark the opponents' top-line forwards one-on-one. Furthermore, despite the uncertainties in the 2026 Memorial Cup semifinals, he carried his team to the final with his dominant performance and has approached various records among exceptional status players. This dominant structure of his virtually guarantees that he will be selected first overall in the draft.

Right behind DuPont, a deep center pool that will determine the overall character of the draft draws attention. Ranked second, Alexis Joseph stands out as a player who perfectly combines size, speed, and skill, plays in the QMJHL, and attracts the attention of teams needing an elite center. Milan Sundstrom, son of former NHL player Niklas Sundstrom, is in third place; shining in the Swedish development system, this player will become much more effective on the ice as he increases his physical strength. Carter Meyer, ranked fifth, is a player who has committed to Boston University, competed against older age groups, and proven his talent in the American National Team Development Program (NTDP).

Other notable names in the rankings also include rising international values. For example, Russian left winger Nazar Privalov, listed fourth, had a tremendous regular season performance but experienced a decline in the playoffs; still, his physical dominance and striking goal-scoring ability are enough to keep him at the top. Max Calce (formerly Penkin), one of the standout players for Germany at the World Under-18 Championship, has secured the sixth spot with his fighting spirit and desire to change the game. Swiss player Jonah Neuenschwander possesses potential with his large frame and skating-based ice hockey skills, while impressing with his recently increased offensive productivity.

There are also undeniable talents in the latter parts of the list; Finnish center Luca Santala, ranked eighth, stands out as the son of former NHL player Tommi Santala and draws attention not only for his great one-timer ability but also for the points he recorded at the World Under-18 tournament. Brock Cripps, in ninth place, is evaluated as an offensive defenseman who has embraced a modern style, emphasizes his offensive power over his size, and produces at least one point per game in the WHL. All these names are proof that the 2027 NHL Draft will be a deep and highly competitive class heavily reliant on centers. These preliminary evaluations prepared by reputable organizations like The Hockey News also give the first signals of how intense the teams' scouting processes will be.