The 2026 NHL Draft may have just ended, but scouting departments are already turning their attention toward the next group of potential franchise-changing players. The early favorite to lead the 2027 class is defenseman Landon DuPont, but this group also features promising power forwards, creative centers and several intriguing international prospects.
A lot can change during a draft year. Players will grow, roles will expand and new prospects will force their way into the first-round conversation. These are not Sportsvival’s final rankings. They are ten players we believe every hockey fan should begin following as the 2026-27 season approaches.
1) Landon DuPont, D, University of Michigan
Projected draft position: No. 1 overall
DuPont enters the season as the clear early favorite to become the first player selected. The right-shot defenseman combines elite skating, vision and offensive instincts with the confidence to control a game from the blue line. He produced 18 goals and 73 points in 63 games for Everett last season before deciding to continue his career at Michigan. DuPont can lead the rush, operate a power play and create offense from nearly anywhere on the ice. He was also the first defenseman granted exceptional status to play a full WHL season at 15.
Most important development point: Continue improving his strength, defensive positioning and ability to handle bigger college forwards below the goal line.
2) Nazar Privalov, C/LW, Krasnaya Armiya Moscow
Projected draft position: Top five
Privalov brings an exciting combination of size and offensive skill. At approximately 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds, he already owns the frame of an NHL power forward, but he also possesses the hands and scoring touch to create offense in tight spaces. Privalov scored 30 goals and recorded 49 points in 51 MHL games during the 2025-26 season. He can overpower younger opponents, protect the puck and become extremely difficult to contain once he establishes position around the net.
Most important development point: Improve his first-step quickness and demonstrate that his production will translate against stronger professional competition.
3) Alexis Joseph, C, Saint John Sea Dogs
Projected draft position: Top five
Joseph could become one of the biggest centers available in the class. The 6-foot-4 pivot recorded 24 goals and 60 points in 54 games for Saint John while also winning just over 50 percent of his faceoffs. He protects the puck well, sees passing lanes and has the reach to extend possessions in the offensive zone. Joseph also captained Canada Red to a gold medal at the 2025 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, producing 13 points in five games. NHL.com
Most important development point: Add more explosiveness to his skating so he can create separation instead of relying primarily on his size and reach.
4) Carter Meyer, C, United States National Team Development Program
Projected draft position: Top ten
Meyer is an intelligent, competitive two-way center who can contribute in several situations. He plays with pace, supports the puck and works hard when possession changes. His hands and vision give him legitimate offensive upside, but his effort and defensive awareness could make him valuable even when he is not producing points. Meyer registered 45 points in 41 games with the United States National Under-17 Team last season.
Most important development point: Establish a consistent development path and turn flashes of high-end offense into dependable game-to-game production.
5) Milan Sundström, C, MoDo Hockey
Projected draft position: Top ten
Sundström is one of the most intriguing Swedish prospects in the class. The 6-foot-2 center possesses soft hands, good offensive awareness and a dangerous scoring touch. He recorded 20 points in only 12 games at Sweden’s under-20 level last season, including 12 goals. Sundström can find quiet areas of the offensive zone and finish opportunities quickly, but he is more than just a goal scorer. His passing ability allows him to create chances for his linemates when defenders collapse toward him.
Most important development point: Prove that his offensive success can continue over a larger sample while earning minutes against older and more physically developed competition.
6) Sergei Skvortsov, LW, Chaika Nizhny Novgorod
Projected draft position: Top ten
Skvortsov is a creative winger with excellent hands, powerful skating and an advanced understanding of how to manipulate defenders. He keeps his feet moving through traffic and can attack either as a shooter or a playmaker. Skvortsov recorded 19 goals and 43 points in 52 MHL games last season. His skill level immediately grabs attention, but his intelligence and willingness to remain involved away from the puck make him more than a one-dimensional offensive prospect.
Most important development point: Add strength to his 6-foot, 154-pound frame without sacrificing the speed and agility that make him dangerous.
7) Dimian Zhilkin, RW, Saginaw Spirit
Projected draft position: Top ten
Zhilkin may be one of the most entertaining players in the entire class. He produced 36 goals and 75 points in 59 games for Saginaw while serving as the Spirit’s captain. The 5-foot-10 winger plays with speed, skill and tremendous determination. He attacks loose pucks, competes in traffic and does not allow his size to keep him away from physical areas. Zhilkin also led Canada with seven points in five games at the 2026 Under-18 World Championship. NHL.com
Most important development point: Show that he can continue creating offense against tight checking when opponents take away his transition speed.
8) Sammy Nelson, C/W, University of Notre Dame
Projected draft position: First round
Nelson missed eligibility for the 2026 draft by only a few days, making him one of the older prospects in the 2027 class. The 6-foot-2 forward finished with 27 goals and 54 points in 58 games for the United States National Under-18 Team. He plays a responsible, hard-working style and has the vision and hands to help drive a line. Moving into college hockey at Notre Dame will give evaluators an opportunity to see how quickly his game adjusts against older competition.
Most important development point: Produce offensively as a college freshman and prove that his success is based on skill and processing rather than his age advantage.
9) Jaxon Jacobson, C, Brandon Wheat Kings
Projected draft position: First round
Jacobson was one of the most productive draft-eligible players in major junior hockey last season, collecting 25 goals and 85 points in 63 games. He is a crafty playmaker who can manipulate defenders, delay with the puck and locate teammates through traffic. Despite standing around 5-foot-10, Jacobson competes hard and refuses to remain on the perimeter. His creativity and passing touch give him a chance to climb much higher than this early projection. Elite Prospects 2027 Draft Center
Most important development point: Become a more consistent play-driver at five-on-five and show that he can control games rather than simply collect points.
10) Brock England, C, Seattle Thunderbirds
Projected draft position: First round
England is one of the best skaters in the early 2027 group. His acceleration allows him to create separation through the neutral zone, and he can combine that speed with skilled puckhandling and creative passing. England registered 21 goals and 51 points in 64 games during his first full season with Seattle. He is not an imposing physical presence at approximately 5-foot-11, but he competes through contact and does not avoid the difficult areas of the ice.
Most important development point: Maintain his offensive impact throughout the entire season and improve his finishing ability after creating chances with his skating.
Final Thoughts
DuPont begins the year at the top, but the 2027 NHL Draft is far from a one-player class. Privalov and Joseph bring tremendous size down the middle, while Zhilkin, Jacobson and England offer speed and creativity. Meyer and Nelson will be tested in important North American roles, and the development of Sundström and Skvortsov will give this class an international storyline worth following.
These projections will undoubtedly change as the season moves forward. New names will emerge, highly ranked players will face adversity and someone currently outside the spotlight will play his way into the first-round discussion. Sportsvival will continue following this group throughout the season as we build toward the 2027 NHL Draft.