9 2027 Draft-Eligible Players to Watch at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup – The Hockey Writers – NHL Entry Draft

It only felt like yesterday that the 2026 NHL Draft took place. Now, we’re already looking forward to the 2027 Draft season as it kicks off with the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Last year, Team USA took home the gold, while a number of players got their chance to get an early head start to increase their draft stock. 

While it’s the beginning of the season for these players and there’s plenty of time for players to increase their value, there are always going to be the top names in the draft to watch at this tournament. Here are nine players that you should keep an eye on.

Landon DuPont, RD, Canada

The projected top pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, Landon DuPont is the next in line to be a game-changing, puck-moving defender. The Western Hockey League Rookie of the Year in 2024- 25 and Champion last season has it all to be a difference maker. The offensive vision, IQ and reads and high-end skill makes him a dynamic threat on the backend. He had four assists in five games in last year’s tournament and will captain Canada this time around. 

Alexis Joseph, C, Canada

The amount of power and skill that Alexis Joseph brings is impressive. He put up 60 points in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League last season and dominated the U17 Hockey Challenge with 13 points in five games. Jospeh can power and force his way through defenders off the rush with his ability to shield the puck extremely well, his soft hands and foot speed. He has great strength and is a unit on the ice with his intensity and drive. 

Brock England, C, Canada

He’s on the smaller side, but Brock England can absolutely fly. He can create separation between defenders easily and is very quick to transition to offense with his first few steps. He has a well- rounded offensive tool kit; a decent shot, excellent playmaking abilities and works hard to regain possession of the puck. He had 51 points with the Seattle Thunderbirds last season and can easily improve on that this season. 

Michal Hartl, C/W, Czechia

Michal Hartl is already making his presence felt in pre-tournament play after having a goal and two assists in a 6-0 win over Canada. Hartl knows how to put the puck in the net and has been tearing it up offensively in the Czechia U20 league with 43 points in 39 games combined. He can play in any situation and get results, showing a great compete level and energy in the process. He also has some pro experience under his belt and this tournament should help improve his value as a prospect. 

Lukáš Kachlíř, RD, Czechia

Lukáš Kachlíř was extremely effective in last year’s tournament leading the team with four points in four games. That’s going to be the case again this time as he’ll lead the offensive charge from the backend. He’s a great skater in transition and despite being undersized at 5-foot-8, 150 pounds, he can get out of tough situations with his evasiveness and mobility. He has great offensive awareness and composure when leading an attack. He had 27 points in 29 games in the Czechia U20 league last season. 

Luca Santala, C/W, Finland

Although he should be using his size to his advantage more, Luca Santala excels at creating offense and getting quality scoring chances. He has a great release in the middle of the ice and does a great job of finding routes to get there. He has great power and accuracy and has great awareness without the puck as well. He signed with the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League, so you know he’ll develop well in that system. 

Dorian Eklund Aspe, C/W, Sweden

It’s early, but I’m becoming a fan of Dorian Eklund Aspe. He doesn’t just have an NHL-frame at 6-foot-4, 209 pounds, but he has the skill and awareness to go along with it. He can disrupt plays and force turnovers very well, possesses a strong shot and has a great work ethic and intensity to his game. He had 29 points in 19 games with Djurgårdens IF U18 and will look to be a major offensive contributor for Sweden in this tournament. 

Milan Sundström, C, Sweden

Being productive at both the U18 and U20 level, Milan Sundström possesses great attention to detail in his game. He never takes a shift off and is always making something happen; winning battles, getting to the danger areas on the ice and adds a layer of deception with his playmaking and always finds the passing lanes. He’s a responsible player defensively and always finds that balance of defense with his offensive production. He’s going to be relied upon in every situation for Sweden.

Jonah Neuenschwander, C, Switzerland

Jonah Neuenschwander made headlines as a 15-year-old, making the Swiss Junior team in 2024 and in his draft-year, he’s going to be the go-to guy for Switzerland in this tournament. He has great strength and power in his game as he’s tough to contain. He can out-muscle defenders while he shields the puck and does a great job to get into shooting lanes to unleash his shot.