The top of next year’s NHL Draft is exciting. My top three ranked prospects in 2027 would all have been in the conversation, and some would have been ranked over, any of the top prospects in the 2026 draft, although there’s a notable drop off following Nazar Privalov at No. 3. While a lot of these observations will change significantly in the next 12 months, it’s fair to note 2027 early on looks like a forward-heavy draft. Following Landon DuPont, the next defenseman doesn’t appear until the 14th pick. The draft order is based on team future odds for the 2026-27 season.1. Calgary Flames: Landon DuPont, RHD, Everett (WHL)DuPont, an exceptional status WHL player, is an exceptional NHL prospect as well. He’s a high-end skater with the edge work, first few steps and top speed to clearly move at an NHL pace. He has excellent stick skills, makes a ton of difficult plays with the puck and is dangerous whenever he’s around the play. He also has a great shot from the point. DuPont is a competitive defenseman, but he’s undersized by NHL standards and despite his great feet, whether he’ll be able to match up with good players will be a minor question. He still has the potential to be a star because he checks every other box with emphasis. DuPont committed to play his draft year at Michigan.2. Vancouver Canucks: Alexis Joseph, C, Saint John (QMJHL)Joseph is a prototypical top prospect. 6-foot-5 centers with high-end skill who can skate are very rare, and it’s why he’s reminded some scouts of Evgeni Malkin, although he’s not quite that level of talent. He makes highly difficult plays at a fast pace and sees the ice at a high level. Joseph is a big, hardworking center who can play both ways and gets to the net to score. He’s a potential No. 1 center in the NHL.Winners and losers from the 2026 NHL DraftScott Wheeler3. Chicago Blackhawks: Nazar Privalov, LW, CSKA (MHL)Privalov is an extremely athletic and skilled winger. He has clear NHL speed and excellent hands, showing the transition skills to be a premier play-driver at the next level. He’s very creative as a handler and passer, showing the instincts to create chances off the rush and from the perimeter. Privalov is talented, but it’s his motor that defines him. He’s a big, mean, punishing forward who embraces the physical parts of the game. He projects as an impact power winger in the NHL. According to a league source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, he has signed a four-year deal with CSKA, which starts this season.4. Seattle Kraken: Milan Sundström, C, MoDo (Sweden Jr.)Sundström, the son of former NHL player Niklas Sundström, is the clear best player in his Swedish age group. A 6-foot-2 center with excellent hands and vision, it’s easy to see him running an NHL power play and racking up points. His pace and energy level aren’t the best, though, and how his game translates to the pros is a minor question.5. Nashville Predators: Jonah Neuenschwander, C, Biel-Bienne (NL)One of the best Swiss prospects since Nico Hischier, Neuenschwander has already shown well versus men as a 16-year-old following a significant growth spurt. He’s now a tall, fast, highly skilled center who projects to be a points producer at higher levels. Is he the most dynamic or hardest center I’ve ever seen? No, and figuring out his level of offense is something I’m on the fence about.6. St. Louis Blues: Sammy Nelson, C, U.S. NTDP (USHL)Nelson is a 6-foot-3 right-shot center who has been a leader for his U.S. NTDP age group. He’s a strong skater with a direct style of play who can play at an NHL speed. He has good hands and vision, although he’s not a super creative type who projects as a major pro scorer. He’s detailed, works hard and has two-way center potential.7. Detroit Red Wings: Gunnar Conboy, C, Green Bay (USHL)Conboy had a great first season in junior. He’s a tall center who’s highly athletic and physical, showing a brand of hockey that will excite evaluators. The pure skill and offense in his game are minor questions, but as of now, he looks good enough to be a significant NHL prospect.8. New York Rangers: Timothy Kazda, RW, Chicago (USHL)Kazda is a very talented winger who scored a lot this season between the USHL and an MVP performance at the U18 worlds. His stick skills and offensive sense are high-end, and he projects to continue to score as he advances levels due to having good pace in his game. His physicality isn’t the best, but he competes OK enough that it’s not a major issue.9. Winnipeg Jets: Dima Zhilkin, RW, Saginaw (OHL)Zhilkin is an undersized winger, but he projects to be a play driver at the next level. He’s very talented with excellent stick skills, speed and the ability to make difficult plays. His game is driven, though, by his compete level. He’s a tenacious forward who is physical, wins a lot of battles and plays both ways.10. New York Islanders: Noah Davidson, LW, Medicine Hat (WHL)Davidson has all the looks of a future top-six NHL forward. He’s a tall, fast, highly skilled winger. He’s a reliable player off the puck who competes well and wins battles while also having a lot of offense. He has a great shot, makes difficult plays with the puck and creates chances in a way that will translate up levels.