2027 NHL Draft: Baracchini’s Top 32 Preseason Rankings – The Hockey Writers – NHL Entry Draft
- 1. Landon DuPont, RD, Univ. of Michigan (NCAA)
- 2. Nazar Privalov, C/LW, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)
- 3. Sergei Skvortsov, LW, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
- 4. Alexis Joseph, C, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
- 5. Jonah Neuenschwander, C, EHC Biel- Bienne (NL)
- 6. Carter Meyer, C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
- 7. Dima Zhilkin, RW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
- 8. Brock England, C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
- 9. Sammy Nelson, F, USA U18 (NTDP)
- 10. Jaxon Jacobson, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
- 11. Brock Cripps, RD, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
- 12. Milan Sundström, C, MoDo U20 (Nationell)
- 13. Andrei Pustovoy, C/RW, Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)
- 14. Luca Santala, RW, London Knights (OHL)
- 15. Jaakko Wycisk, C/RW, Guelph Storm (OHL)
- 16. Bosse Meijer, C, Frolunda HC U20 (Nationell)
- 17. Kayden Stroeder, C, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
- 18. Timothy Kazda, RW, Guelph Storm (OHL)
- 19. Kohyn Eshkawkogan, RD, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
- 20. Levi Harper, RD, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
- 21. Gavin Burcar, C, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
- 22. Boston Tait, LD, Wenatchee Wild (WHL)
- 23. Yevgeni Yakunin, C, MHK Spartak Moskva (MHL)
- 24. Malik L’Italien, LD, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
- 25. Tomas Selic, RW, HC Kometa Brno (Czechia)
- 26. Noah Davidson, LW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
- 27. Vladimir Shtyrkhunov, RD, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)
- 28. Dorian Eklund Aspe, C/W, Djurgårdens IF U20 (Nationell)
- 29. Lukas Kachlir, RD, Bílí Tygři Liberec (Czechia U20)
- 30. Roberts Naudins, F, Penticton Vees (WHL)
- 31. Ryerson Edgar, C, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
- 32. John McLaughlin, C, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
With the completion of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and junior hockey leagues about to get underway, the 2027 NHL Draft season is in full swing. It just feels like yesterday that the 2026 Draft just finished. Now, the shift focuses to the next crop of prospects looking to get the attention of NHL scouts.
This year’s class is going to be a fun one to watch. Landon DuPont is the early favourite heading in, but a number of high-end skilled and powerful forwards in Nazar Privalov, Alexis Joseph, Sergei Skvortsov and Jonah Neuenschwander are looking to surpass him. DuPont has been gaining attention since being granted exceptional status back in 2024. He has been turning heads with his dynamic puck-moving abilities. He has a number of accolades and heading to the NCAA should challenge him to take a big step forward.
Could he have a draft year of Matthew Schaefer (minus the injury) and impress everyone from the start? Or could it be like a transition and adjustment like it was for Keaton Verhoeff?
This season will also a see a number of Russian players that could end up being excellent prospects and were already seeing that with Privalov and Skvortsov headlining and both looking to make their marks in the KHL as 17-year-olds. Could this be the year where Russian prospects take over once again?
Not only that, there are a number of players that have the high-end IQ, compete level and skill that scouts love as those are always winning qualities that everyone looks for. Without further ado, let’s get into my early pre-season rankings for the 2027 NHL Draft.
1. Landon DuPont, RD, Univ. of Michigan (NCAA)
The 2024-25 Western Hockey League Rookie of the Year had an encore performance. DuPont’s point production jumped from 60 points to 73 last season, torching the WHL and winning the league Championship in the process. The 17-year-old comes into next season as the projected first overall pick and his play at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup solidified that as he continues to elevate his game and become even more dangerous.
DuPont’s elite level vision, processing, smarts and skill are what makes him a premiere and dynamic offensive, puck-moving defenseman. He’s got great speed and agility in transition and is constantly showing great reads, deception with his passes and creativity with his play. He’s a facilitator in all three zones, showing great confidence and poise when leading an attack. He executes breakouts and exits flawlessly, either with his passing or his mobility as it allows him to push the pace and move the play forward flawlessly. Everything he does is effortless.
2. Nazar Privalov, C/LW, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)
Getting comparisons to Evgeni Malkin, Nazar Privalov is an absolute unit. He stands out at a towering 6-foot-4, 227-pounds and he doesn’t let that go to waste as he uses every bit of that on the ice to assert his dominance offensively. He’s a goal scorer (30 last season in the MHL) and can score in a variety of ways, but he’s also a playmaker as well as he distributes the puck very well.
He plays with a great amount of power, intensity and physicality. He’s dangerous when he attacks, carrying the play or finding the open spaces to make himself available for a high danger chance. He’s got a powerful and swift wrist shot and the speed he possesses on the rush really makes defenders hesitant as he powers through them with ease. He protects the puck extremely well, provides a strong net front presence to outmuscle defenders and does an excellent job to always drive the play and be in command. Will his four-year extension in the KHL put some teams off?
3. Sergei Skvortsov, LW, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
While Privalov will be getting most of the attention, Sergei Skvortsov isn’t going to go unnoticed. He was another standout in the MHL last season, posting 43 points in 52 games, but is already taking a major step forward with his play.
Skvortsov has a strong motor, an accurate wrist shot, great energy and skill to boot. He can evade pressure well, feather passes in the offensive zone, but it’s his relentless work ethic to stay with plays and maintains control of the puck that really impresses me. He’s an excellent skater, showing great speed in transition and while he needs to bulk-up, the hands, puck control ability to make moves at a quick pace and attack the open space really makes him a lethal offensive threat. He already has his first goal in the KHL at 17. Watching him this season is going to be really fun.
4. Alexis Joseph, C, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
Alexis Joseph didn’t have the best performance at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. I’m not writing off a highly skilled, power forward this early as he definitely has more to give. He was named to the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League All-Rookie Team as he finished with 60 points in 54 games.
Joseph is an all situations, power forward player and has handled that workload very well last season with the Sea Dogs. At 6-foot-5, 201 pounds, he uses every bit of that with the amount of strength and puck skills he brings to the table. Although he lacks explosiveness with his skating, he has the ability to power his way through opponents on the rush and cut through defenders efficiently when he comes barrelling down the ice, showing great control and timing to execute dekes at a quick pace in the process. He has the positioning to always get the inside track, attack the middle very well and make his mark in the high danger area.
5. Jonah Neuenschwander, C, EHC Biel- Bienne (NL)
One of the top draft-eligible player at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Jonah Neuenschwander was a dominant force and easily the Swiss’ best player on the ice every time. The talk surrounding him has been around for the last few years as he cracked the World Junior team at 15 years old. Now in his draft year, he’s poised to assert himself as a top pick.
Neuenschwander excels in every aspect of the game. He can be a consistent shooting and scoring threat as he can walk into open spaces and attacking the middle of the easily ice for quality opportunities. He was setting up plays in the process, but was playing with a great amount of strength to push his way through opponents and get the inside edge to attack. He’s competitive and is constantly elevating that to the next level. The pro experience he already has is sure to help him take the next step as he had 12 points in 32 games last season.
6. Carter Meyer, C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
Meyer was a major standout on the U17 team, being third in team scoring with 45 points in 41 games. That production continued with the U18 team as he had 25 points in 29 games. Meyer plays a detailed and skilled, two-way game. He provides a great amount of energy and intensity as he never takes a shift off, hunting down pucks, playing the body and can let his skillset and offensive play take over when he has the puck. He shows a great amount of determination and compete and it shows as he never stops or quits on plays. He’ll be a treat to watch in the QMJHL this season.
7. Dima Zhilkin, RW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
I’m a big Dima Zhilkin fan. He dominated the World U18 Championship for Canada, showing that he can elevate his play in big moments. Zhilkin is ultra-competitive, a natural born leader and a pace setter as he’s constantly setting the tone, driving the play and making an impact in all three zones. He’s very agile and slick with the puck, showing great creativity and patience. He’s always noticeable every shift and has a motor that doesn’t stop. He was named captain at 17 years old and put 75 points and 100 penalty minutes in his second season in the Ontario Hockey League. After a strong showing at the World Junior Summer Showcase, his stock is rising.
8. Brock England, C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
He’s on the smaller side compared to other forwards in this draft, but at 5-foot-11, 174-pounds, Brock England can flat out fly. He has excellent straight-line speed to create separation between him and defenders, force turnovers and is tough to contain in transition when he reaches top speed. Combine that with his strong playmaking instincts, lethal shot and hands to excel in smalls spaces, he can be a real problem in the offensive zone. He can create and execute plays at a quick pace and does a great job to find the open ice to make himself available for dangerous looks.
9. Sammy Nelson, F, USA U18 (NTDP)
The younger brother of New York Islanders prospect Danny, Sammy was an offensive dynamo for the NTDP last season, finishing with 54 points in 58 games. He excels in every aspect of the game; great two-way abilities, a strong skater with great strength to power past defenders, great vision to make plays and a powerful shot in the open ice. He’s always involved in the play and is always making his presence known on the forecheck or on cycle plays. He uses his 6-foot-2, 192-pound frame to win battles, keep plays alive and protects the puck extremely well.
10. Jaxon Jacobson, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
In his second full season, in the WHL, Jaxon Jacobson finished with 85 points in 63 games, good for a top-15 finish in league scoring and a 41-point jump from his rookie total of 44. Jacobson’s awareness and playmaking vision is what makes him special. He’s extremely deceiving when he has the puck, making quick heads up plays for his teammates and does a great job to draw attention and open things up. He has a great work ethic and attention to detail on the defensive side of the puck and can be relied on in any situation. He’s an underrated shooter as well as.
11. Brock Cripps, RD, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
Aside from DuPont, Brock Cripps was easily Canada’s next best defender at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. The way he was able to assess his options and quickly react to them was really impressive. Cripps can push the play effectively, showing great tendencies with the puck to attack and lead a rush, but also shows great patience to create openings and make a play. He’s quick, agile and confident when transporting the puck through the neutral zone and entering the offensive zone. He’s skilled and can play a simple and effective game. He had 37 points in 62 games last season with the Raiders.
12. Milan Sundström, C, MoDo U20 (Nationell)
At both the U18 and U20 level, Milan Sundström was extremely productive, posting 32 points and 20 respectively while being a point per game player. He’s 17, but doing all that as a 16-year-old is very impressive. He’s equal parts playmaker and shooter while displaying a high level of hockey IQ and quick moves to catch opponents off their game. He’s always leading the charge, getting into shooting lanes effectively, creating plays to opening things up and showing a layer of deception. He’s a smooth skater and has good agility in transition and isn’t afraid to challenge defenders head on. He’s already got a pro frame and continues to excel.
13. Andrei Pustovoy, C/RW, Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)
Another powerful Russian forward, Andrei Pustovoy uses every bit of his 6-foot-3, 201 pound-frame to get results on the ice. He fends off defenders well and does a great job to power his way in and cut to the middle of the ice. He showcases a strong combination of his hands, control and puck protection skills. He has great hockey IQ and is always putting himself in great spots for scoring opportunities, sneaking in from the point and gets the puck off quickly. He has a powerful one-timer and swift wrist shot to beat goaltenders easily.
14. Luca Santala, RW, London Knights (OHL)
I really liked Luca Santala at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He not only displayed his high-end shot, but also showcased his playmaking vision and awareness, making a lot of creative heads-up plays. He can find the scoring lanes very easily and walk in to get a quality look on net. He’s not overly physical, but can still get the body position to win battles and protect the puck very well. He’s reliable defensively and does a great job to force turnovers to quickly attack. Going to the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League, Santala instantly will become a key offensive contributor on that team.
15. Jaakko Wycisk, C/RW, Guelph Storm (OHL)
Out of all the draft-eligible players, I was extremely impressed with Jakko Wycisk at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He was one of Canada’s most consistent players, was making a lot of high-end plays and was a physical force on that dominant third line that consisted of Kayden Stroeder and 2028 draft-eligible Benjamin Veitch. He was quick to establish a forecheck, made strong cycle plays and worked quick touch passes effectively to work give-and-go plays. He had a decent rookie season with 43 points in 60 games and should feel good after his performance to take a big step this season.
16. Bosse Meijer, C, Frolunda HC U20 (Nationell)
Bosse Meijer had a really impressive U18 Championship. He was only behind Elton Hermansson in team scoring with eight points and was an alternate captain. On top of that, he really took charge in the U20 Nationell in the postseason as he had 25 points in 13 games after he put up 37 points in the regular season. He’s undersized, but he’s extremely speedy, skilled and talented as a play facilitator and creator. He’s constantly creating opportunities for everyone around him. He can draw defenders in easily, can rip the puck well and is constantly buzzing in the offensive zone.
17. Kayden Stroeder, C, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Stroeder was one of many x-factors for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and got better and more impactful as the tournament went on. He displayed a mix of everything; goal scoring, playmaking, physical play and tenacity and great habits without the puck. He has a high-end work ethic, pressuring defenders on the forecheck but has the skillset to generate quality looks and setup plays and results. He was constantly noticeable on both sides of the puck and it showed. He’s 5-foot-10, 150-pounds, but he played like he was 6-foot-2, 200 pounds.
18. Timothy Kazda, RW, Guelph Storm (OHL)
Along with a strong showing in the USHL with 41 points in 59 games, Timothy Kazda had an impressive U18 Championship where he was tied for the tournament lead in points with 12. The amount of skill he has and the ability to keep up with a number of top prospects shows that he’s worth keeping an eye on. He has great hands and patience in the small spaces and can beat players head on with his execution and pace. Joining the Storm with Wycisk should make watching them both a treat this season.
19. Kohyn Eshkawkogan, RD, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
Kohyn Eshkawkogan had a strong sophomore season with the Ottawa 67’s last season, posting 53 points in 68 games. His puck-moving abilities and skating alone make him a threat on the breakout and in transition as he shows great pace and poise. Known as more of a dynamic puck-mover and rush attacker, Eshkawkogan does bring a well- rounded game showing some defensive upside to pressure puck carriers. He has great agility, puck skills and vision as he can do a bit of everything. He’s committed to Penn State.
20. Levi Harper, RD, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Levi Harper has a great blend of mobility and offensive instincts. He had 57 points and was third among rookie skaters in points last season as he’ll look to elevate that this season. He does a great job to jump into the attack and find the open spaces for better quality looks and shots. He’s a lethal shooter when he gets to those spots, be it with a wrist shot or with a quick catch and release. He shows great patience with the puck to make plays and distribute the puck effectively. Defensively, his decision making and processing could use work, but he can produce from the backend and teams need that.
21. Gavin Burcar, C, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Gavin Burcar’s play at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup reminded me of the kind of impact Nikita Klepov had in terms of being the go-to offensive producer and facilitator last year. He was a consistent shot generator, getting not just a high number of shots on net, but quality ones as well. Whether it was finding the back of the net or creating rebound opportunities, his shot placement and accuracy was great to see. He’s going to improve on the seven goals and 17 points as he’s a player that you can rely on in any situation.
22. Boston Tait, LD, Wenatchee Wild (WHL)
The Wenatchee Wild were near the bottom of the standings last season, but Boston Tait was a bright spot for them as he was always a noticeable presence on defense. He had 23 points in 62 games, but the way that he was creating offensive plays from the blue line was impressive. He has great puck placement, putting it towards the net for deflections, rebounds or second chance opportunities. He can walk the line well to get into shooting lanes, can spot passing lanes and is competitive defensively, showing great pressure and physicality without the puck. He’ll be relied upon even more this season.
23. Yevgeni Yakunin, C, MHK Spartak Moskva (MHL)
There are a lot of pro qualities to Yevgeni Yakunin’s that I already like. He’s got the pro-size, the work ethic and awareness of where he needs to be in order to execute plays and keep them alive. He’s constantly in motion and makes his presence felt with his ability to impact the game. He’s effective on both sides of the puck, making smart plays and reads with the puck and being quick on the backcheck to help out defensively and force turnovers. He tracks the puck well and provides support for his teammates in any situation.
24. Malik L’Italien, LD, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Named to the QMJHL’s All-Rookie Team last season, Malik L’Italien shows the upside of a solid, two-way defenseman. He has great gap control and an active stick to disrupt plays and does a great job to keep attackers to the outside. He has good mobility to lead a rush and breakout effectively to stretch the play with his crisp passing. He shows great poise and confidence with and without the puck and playing with DuPont showed that he can keep up and play an impactful game as a result.
Tomas Selic was an absolute work horse and standout for Slovakia at both the World U18 Championship and Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He was extremely productive, but the work ethic, energy and smarts were evident as he was a factor in all situations. He’s always putting himself in the right areas on the ice to make or finish plays. He has a great shot, great patience in tight to make slick plays and evade pressure and is always outmuscling players for the puck. He uses his size effectively when he gets in and it’s almost difficult to knock the puck off him.
26. Noah Davidson, LW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Noah Davidsson had an impressive rookie campaign with the Medicine Hat Tigers, putting up 30 goals and 52 points. You can’t miss him on the ice with his 6-foot-3, 213-pound frame. He can hurt you in tight with his slick hands and puck skills, fooling both defenders and goaltenders with his patience. Although his skating is a bit choppy, he still moves well and has great speed to cut in or beat defenders to the outside. He has a decent shot, but his backhand is really impressive. I expect him to play a big role for the Tigers this season.
27. Vladimir Shtyrkhunov, RD, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)
Making the jump to the QMJHL, Vladimir Shtyrkhunov finished top-10 in scoring among defenders in the MHL with 32 points as a 16-year-old. That alone is impressive as he was playing against older players within his age group. Now, he’s looking to take another big step in his draft year. Shtyrkhunov is a very fluid skater and puck carrier, can breakout effectively, make crisp passes and has a decent shot. He can take time and space away defensively and has the ability to break up plays well.
28. Dorian Eklund Aspe, C/W, Djurgårdens IF U20 (Nationell)
I really like how imposing Dorian Eklund Aspe can be with his 6-foot-4, 209-pound frame. He’s at his best when he uses that to his advantage to win battles and push his way through defenders. He has a great amount of skill, puck control and a burst of speed to go along with it in order to beat them to the outside. He can play a heavy, but smart game that can yield positive results offensively. Sweden didn’t have the best tournament at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, but I thought he still made his presence felt.
29. Lukas Kachlir, RD, Bílí Tygři Liberec (Czechia U20)
Smaller, puck- moving defenders seem to be more common and Lukas Kachlir is just as noticeable and impactful. He was easily one of Czechia’s best players at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and it’s clear to see why. He’s so confident when leading an attack; making smart reads, showing great deception and pace when skating through the neutral zone. He’s such a dynamic skater with great agility and edgework to slip through defenders and evade pressure. There’s some risk with undersized defenders, but Kachlir’s ability to produce remains.
30. Roberts Naudins, F, Penticton Vees (WHL)
Latvia is producing some quality prospects and Roberts Naudins could be the next one to fall in line. He posted some impressive numbers with Shattuck St. Mary’s last season, finishing second in team scoring with 74 points in 51 games. He’s now taking a step to play for the Penticton Vees in the WHL. He has great skill, power and strength to his game. He has good mobility with a smooth stride and shows a willingness to fight through traffic and create havoc in front of the net.
31. Ryerson Edgar, C, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
After a strong rookie campaign where he had 49 points and a strong performance at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Ryerson Edgar really impresses with his work ethic and relentless pace. He’s constantly buzzing and forcing pressure anyway that he can. When he has control, he can attack and push his way to the danger areas, has great evasiveness and puck control. He’s a buzz saw and even though he’s 5-foot-10, 161 pounds, he finds ways to be effective and play a bigger game than his stature shows. He is committed to the University of Michigan.
32. John McLaughlin, C, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Don’t let the 16 points in 50 games last season fool you, but the upside that John McLaughlin has is tremendous. He even added another eight in 13 post season games, showing that he has the ability to elevate his game even more. He shows great attention to detail on both sides of the puck and great creativity to set up his teammates. He provides great support on passing plays and is always an outlet to receive the puck. He’s a great straight-line skater with strong edges to turn on a dime and evade pressure.
Other Names to Watch
Camryn Warren, LW, North Bay Battalion (OHL), Nolan Fitzhenry, C, USA U18 (NTDP), Diego Gutierrez, RHD, USA U18 (NTDP), Petr Tomek, C, HC Energie Karlovy Vary (Czechia), Max Calce, C, Adler Mannheim (DEL), James Scantlebury, C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
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