Top Prospects Emerge for 2027 NHL Draft
As the 2026 NHL Draft concludes, attention is already turning to the potential talent pool for the 2027 NHL Draft, with several players from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) anticipated to be prominent selections. Among these, Landon DuPont of the Everett Silvertips and Alexis Joseph of the Saint John Sea Dogs are highlighted as leading prospects.
Many of these promising players will also be vying for a spot on Team CHL for the 2026 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, scheduled to take place in Chicoutimi and Quebec City on December 1-2. This event offers an early showcase for players expected to be high on draft boards.
DuPont and Joseph Lead the Way
Landon DuPont, a defenceman for the Everett Silvertips in the Western Hockey League (WHL), is projected by some to be a top pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. He has achieved significant milestones in his two seasons since being granted exceptional status, accumulating 133 points in 127 games, which ranks fifth in his franchise’s history. In the most recent season, his 73 points were fourth among WHL defencemen, contributing to the Silvertips’ first WHL title and an appearance in the Memorial Cup final. DuPont was recognized for his performance by being named to the tournament’s All-Star team, the CHL’s Third All-Star Team, and the WHL’s West First All-Star Team.
David Gregory, associate director of NHL Central Scouting, noted DuPont’s ability to process the game at an elite level from a young age, playing effectively against older and stronger opponents. Gregory also highlighted DuPont’s elite skating and edge work, enabling him to make plays from various positions on the ice. John Williams, Central Scouting’s senior western scout, added that DuPont’s game has evolved, allowing him to play a more physical role against top lines and contribute to both penalty kill and power play units. Internationally, DuPont, a Calgary, AB, native, earned a bronze medal at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Alexis Joseph, a centre for the Saint John Sea Dogs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), was the first overall pick in the 2025 QMJHL Draft. As a rookie, he recorded 60 points in 54 games, with his 24 goals placing him eighth among QMJHL rookies and his overall scoring ranking sixth. Jean-Francois Damphousse, NHL Central Scouting’s senior eastern scout, described Joseph as a strong, skilled centerman with good skating ability who attacks the net with strength. Joseph’s international performance includes winning gold with Canada Red at the 2025 World U17 Hockey Challenge, where he led the tournament with six goals and accumulated 13 points, earning a spot on the All-Star team. The Lachenaie, QC, native also represented Canada at the 2026 U18 World Championships.
Other Notable Prospects
Other players expected to be considered for the 2027 NHL Draft include Dima Zhilkin, a forward for the Saginaw Spirit in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Zhilkin, the 19th overall pick in the 2024 OHL Draft, demonstrated offensive skill in his rookie season (2024-25), earning him a spot on the OHL’s First All-Rookie Team. The past season, he increased his totals to 36 goals and 75 points, finishing third in Spirit scoring. Nick Smith of NHL Central Scouting noted Zhilkin’s strong work ethic and competitive nature. Zhilkin contributed to Canada’s bronze medal win at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup with three goals, and led Canada at this year’s U18 World Championships with five goals and seven points.
Jaxon Jacobson, a forward for the Brandon Wheat Kings in the WHL, made significant progress in the 2025-26 season, achieving a career-high of 25 goals and 85 points. The fifth overall pick in the 2023 WHL Draft, Jacobson nearly doubled his rookie season total of 44 points and was named to the WHL’s East Second All-Star Team. He also won silver with Canada Red at the 2024 World U17 Hockey Challenge.
Ryerson Edgar, a forward for the Niagara IceDogs in the OHL, was the 10th overall pick in the 2025 OHL Draft. As a rookie, he scored 23 goals and 49 points in 64 appearances, placing fourth in team scoring. Edgar, from Holland Landing, ON, was named to the OHL’s Second All-Rookie Team and won gold with Canada Red at the 2025 World U17 Hockey Challenge. Additionally, Ilya Kolmakov, a defenceman from Perm, Russia, impressed in his debut season with the Sherbrooke Phoenix in the QMJHL. The 27th overall selection in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, Kolmakov tallied 48 points for the Phoenix.
Other players generating interest for the 2027 NHL Draft include Brock Cripps (Prince Albert Raiders), Patrick Deniger (Quebec Remparts), Brock England (Seattle Thunderbirds), Kohyn Eshkawkogan (Ottawa 67’s), Shaeffer Gordon Carroll (Medicine Hat Tigers), Levi Harper (Saginaw Spirit), Timothy Kazda (Guelph Storm), and James Scantlebury (Quebec Remparts).
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Source: chl.ca
