3 Early Targets for the Canadiens in the 2027 NHL Draft – The Hockey Writers – Montreal Canadiens

The 2026 NHL Entry Draft has been completed a bit over a month ago, but that does not mean NHL teams have stopped preparing for the next one. Scouts are already spending countless hours watching the players eligible for the 2027 NHL Entry Draft, trying to identify the next wave of talent before the rest of the league catches up.

For the Montreal Canadiens, the focus remains on adding as much high-end skill as possible while continuing to build one of the deepest prospect pools in hockey. While rankings will certainly change over the next year, here are three intriguing 2027 NHL Draft prospects that Canadiens fans should keep an eye on.

James Scantlebury

One of the most interesting names for the 2027 draft class is forward James Scantlebury. The talented youngster spent the 2025-26 season with the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League, recording 16 goals and 39 points in 62 games. While those numbers may not immediately jump off the page, they came in one of the top junior leagues in the United States and showed that Scantlebury can consistently contribute offensively against strong competition.

The next step in his development will be an important one as he joins the Quebec Remparts in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. A move to the QMJHL should provide him with more offensive opportunities, and it would not be surprising to see a significant jump in production. His offensive instincts, skating ability and willingness to attack defenders make him an exciting player to watch, especially if his confidence continues to grow.

For Montreal, there is an obvious bonus. Playing in Quebec means Scantlebury will likely receive plenty of attention from the organization’s scouting staff throughout the season. If he takes the expected step offensively, he could quickly establish himself as one of the premier forwards available in the 2027 draft.

Wiggo Forsberg

Another player who could become one of the biggest risers over the next year is Swedish forward Wiggo Forsberg. The 6-foot-1 forward enjoyed an outstanding season with Frölunda’s U18 team, producing 32 points in just 19 games. Those numbers highlight the offensive talent he possesses and explain why so many scouts are already keeping a close eye on his development.

Forsberg is known for his excellent vision and high-end skill with the puck. Sweden has become one of the NHL’s most reliable producers of skilled forwards, and Forsberg appears to be following that same path. As he moves up the development ladder and begins facing tougher competition, scouts will be watching to see if his offensive production translates against older and stronger opponents.

The Canadiens have not hesitated to draft Europeans in recent years, and adding another highly skilled forward would certainly fit Kent Hughes’ long-term philosophy of stockpiling talent regardless of where it comes from. If Forsberg continues progressing, he could hear his name called early in the first round next summer.

Kohyn Eshkawkogan

The Canadiens have dramatically improved their defensive pipeline over the past few years, but teams can never have too many puck-moving defensemen. That is where Kohyn Eshkawkogan becomes an intriguing option.

The 5-foot-10 defenseman suited up for the Ottawa 67’s in the Ontario Hockey League during the 2025-26 season and produced 53 points in 68 games, an impressive total for a draft-eligible blueliner. His offensive instincts stand out immediately. Eshkawkogan is comfortable leading the rush, quarterbacking the power play and using his skating to create space. His ability to move the puck efficiently allows his team to transition quickly from defense to offense, a trait that has become increasingly valuable in today’s NHL.

His size will naturally generate discussion throughout his draft year, but recent NHL success stories have shown that undersized defensemen can thrive if they possess elite skating, intelligence and puck-moving ability.

The Canadiens have already demonstrated that they are not afraid to bet on skill over size. Lane Hutson is the perfect example of that philosophy paying off, and while every prospect is different, Montreal has shown it is willing to take a chance on dynamic offensive defensemen. Eshkawkogan still has plenty of development ahead of him, but another productive OHL season could firmly establish him among the top defensemen available in the 2027 class.

Projecting draft prospects a full year in advance is never an exact science. Some players explode onto the scene, while others need additional time to develop. Rankings will shift throughout the season as scouts gather more viewings and prospects face tougher competition.