DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Author: Ben Novosyolok

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Milan Sundstrom (C)

    Milan Sundstrom #24

    Nationality: Sweden – C – May 6 2009 – Ornskoldsvik, Sweden – 6’2” / 198lbs – Left Handed – MoDo Hockey (Hockey Allsvenskan)

    Milan Sundstrom is an extremely raw offensive forward whose flashes of high-end skill suggest significant NHL upside. His passing and shooting are his most impressive tools, with the ability to make crisp cross-zone passes, create scoring opportunities from difficult angles and finish with a high-quality shot. He has also shown strong puck protection along the boards and a willingness to use his size and physicality to win possession. At his best, Sundstrom can take over shifts through his offensive skill, with his overtime goal against Slovakia providing a strong example of his top-end speed and ability to attack through multiple defenders. His offensive instincts and ability to create plays are clearly present, and there are legitimate flashes of a first-line NHL player within his game.

    However, Sundstrom’s current game is defined as much by its inconsistencies as its high-end flashes. His effort level, defensive awareness and positioning are significant concerns, with repeated instances of failing to track back, losing assignments and reacting slowly to developing plays. His upright posture and passive skating contribute to these issues, while his tendency to lunge rather than establish proper body positioning can leave him vulnerable defensively. These deficiencies have been particularly evident against stronger competition, where he has struggled to consistently impact the game away from the puck. Sundstrom’s offensive tools are too intriguing to overlook, but there is a substantial amount of development required before they can consistently translate at the professional level.

    If he can improve his skating, defensive habits and overall engagement, his ceiling is considerably higher than his current level of play suggests.

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Bosse Meijer (C)

    Bosse Meijer #16

    Nationality: Sweden – C – December 17, 2008 – Vasteras, Sweden – 5’10” / 168lbs – Left Handed – Frolunda HC (SHL)

    Bosse Meijer is an extremely skilled, playmaking forward whose skating and hockey IQ immediately stand out. He is an excellent skater with high-end speed, fluid edge work and the ability to change direction quickly, allowing him to consistently create separation and stay involved in the play. His hockey sense is equally impressive, as he reads plays extremely well, finds open ice and consistently makes himself available for the puck. Meijer is an excellent passer, particularly on the rush, and looks more naturally suited as a playmaker than a pure goal scorer. He is also an aggressive forechecker who uses his skating and work rate to pressure opponents into turnovers. Despite his smaller frame, he competes hard physically and does a good job battling larger players along the boards, while his puck protection allows him to maintain possession under pressure. He has also shown strong shooting mechanics and a dangerous one-timer, although he does not shoot frequently enough yet to fully evaluate that part of his game.

    The biggest question surrounding Meijer is how his 5’10”, 168-pound frame will translate against NHL competition. He already competes well against bigger players, but the physical demands of the NHL will be significantly greater, and adding strength without sacrificing his skating will be important. There are otherwise relatively few obvious deficiencies in his game from the games evaluated. He tracks back reliably and shows the awareness to contribute defensively, giving him a legitimate two-way profile despite his offensive strengths. His offensive ceiling will likely depend on whether he can continue developing his shooting and become more of a threat to score rather than relying primarily on his playmaking. If he can add strength while maintaining his elite skating and IQ, Meijer has the potential to develop into a top-six NHL forward; otherwise, his skill set could translate into a strong bottom-six role

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Max Calce (C)

    Max Calce #9
    C – June 11, 2009 – Mannheim, Germany – 5’11” / 181lbs – Left Handed – Adler Mannheim (DEL)


    Max Calce is an extremely well-rounded two-way center whose maturity, Hockey IQ and overall reliability provide him with an exceptionally high floor. At just 17 years old, he has already shown that he can hold his own as a regular player in the DEL, including against established professional competition. Calce skates well, protects the puck effectively and consistently makes intelligent decisions with possession. His passing is arguably his standout offensive attribute, with the vision and awareness to identify difficult lanes and create scoring opportunities for teammates. He also demonstrates strong offensive instincts away from the puck, recognizing developing plays and finding advantageous positions around the net. Defensively, Calce is responsible and positionally sound, with a good stick and the physical maturity to compete against grown men despite his age.

    The challenge with projecting Calce is that his game currently lacks an obvious elite trait that would suggest significant star-level upside. His skating, IQ, passing and defensive play are all strong, but none consistently separates him from other high-level prospects, while his faceoff performance remains an area for improvement. He was relatively quiet against Munich, although the quality of the opposition and their ability to limit top players provides important context. Conversely, his goal against Nuremberg showed that he possesses the speed, puck handling and intelligence to identify and exploit mistakes from experienced professional defenders. Calce’s combination of two-way intelligence, passing ability, skating and physical maturity gives him a very high floor, particularly given his ability to already function in the DEL at 17. His ultimate ceiling is less certain, however, as he will need one or more of his existing tools to develop into a genuine high-end strength if he is going to progress beyond a complementary NHL role.

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Douglas Johnsson (RD)

    Douglas Johnsson #7
    D – July 1 2009 – Lulea, Sweden – 5’10” / 170lbs – Right Handed – Skelleftea AIK U20 (U20 Nationell)


    Douglas Johnsson is a highly mobile offensive defenseman whose skating, puck movement and offensive instincts give him legitimate upside at higher levels. His skating is his standout physical tool, with strong speed and change-of-direction ability allowing him to escape pressure, join the rush and create space for himself offensively. He has shown the ability to make crisp breakout passes and contribute on the power play, while his shooting and ability to manipulate defenders with changes of direction and feints provide another offensive dimension. Johnsson also displays solid Hockey IQ in offensive situations and has shown flashes of competitiveness around his own net, including the willingness and strength to battle larger opponents. His ability to cut off shooting lanes has also emerged as a positive defensive trait.

    The major concern with Johnsson is his defensive game, particularly his ability to defend the rush and consistently handle pressure in his own zone. Across multiple viewings, he was caught flat-footed or beaten cleanly off the rush, while questionable puck decisions and failed breakouts occasionally created dangerous chances against. His smaller frame also makes it easier for opponents to move him around in his own end, and he does not yet consistently drive defensive play at the level expected of a top-pairing defenseman. The offensive upside is clear, but the defensive deficiencies create a significant limitation on his projection. Overall, Johnsson projects as a mobile, offensive-minded defenseman whose skating and puck-moving ability could translate to an NHL role, but his path to that level will depend heavily on improving his rush defense, defensive positioning and ability to execute reliable exits under pressure.

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Petr Tomek (C/RW)

    C/RW – October 23, 2008 – Trebic, Czechia – 5’10”/ 165lbs – Left Handed – HC Energie Karlovy Vary (Czech Extraliga)

    Petr Tomek is an undersized but highly dynamic forward whose skating, Hockey IQ and passing ability give him a legitimate high-end offensive foundation. His elite speed, edge work and stop-start ability allow him to generate separation and attack defenders with pace, while his quick release and strong shooting mechanics make him a dangerous scoring option off both his forehand and one-timer. Despite his 5’10”, 165-pound frame, Tomek consistently competes in the dirty areas, protects the puck extremely well and is willing to battle against significantly larger opponents. His strongest attribute is his Hockey IQ, as he consistently identifies passing lanes, anticipates developing plays and makes decisions that benefit his teammates. He also displays impressive leadership and communication, directing older teammates at Karlovy Vary in a manner that reflects the maturity he showed as captain of Czechia’s U18 team. His active stick and willingness to compete defensively further suggest he can contribute away from the puck.

    Tomek’s primary concern is his physical profile, as his 165-pound frame creates questions about how effectively his game will translate against the size and physicality of the NHL. While he possesses good upper-body strength and is difficult to knock off the puck, he is not naturally a physical or aggressive player and relies more on skill, intelligence and speed than imposing himself physically. His ability to consistently withstand NHL-level contact will therefore be an important developmental factor. At the same time, his performances against both Slovakia and the United States at the U18 World Juniors, followed by strong showings against Czech Extraliga competition, indicate that his tools can remain effective as the level of competition increases. Overall, Tomek’s combination of elite skating, rapid release, playmaking ability, Hockey IQ and leadership gives him legitimate NHL upside. If he can add significant strength and mass without sacrificing his skating, he projects as a top-six offensive winger at the NHL level.

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Jonah Neuenschwander (F)

    Jonah Neuenschwander #19
    RW/C – March 10 2009 – Biel-Bienne, Switzerland – 6’3” / 187lbs – Left Handed – EHC Biel-Bienne (NL)

    Neuenschwander is a physically mature forward whose elite skating and powerful shot provide him with a strong foundation at higher levels. His acceleration and long, powerful strides allow him to create separation in transition, while his frame makes him difficult to contain once he establishes possession in the offensive zone. He protects the puck well and uses his size effectively to create passing lanes, with strong vision and an ability to find teammates through seams. His release is a legitimate weapon, capable of producing goals from both the rush and set offensive situations. He has also shown the ability to contribute on both special teams and uses his stick effectively defensively.

    Neuenschwander’s impact was inconsistent across viewings, although this should be considered within the context of his age and competition. He spent much of his 2025–26 season as a 16-year-old competing regularly in Switzerland’s National League, facing established professional players on a nightly basis, and his ability to earn that role at such a young age is itself significant. However, he did not consistently drive play or create offense at a level expected of a premier draft prospect. His passing can become careless under pressure, while his defensive awareness and engagement away from the puck remain inconsistent. His combination of elite skating, size and shooting gives him legitimate NHL upside, but his eventual ceiling will depend on whether he can translate those tools into more consistent play-driving, decision-making and overall impact as he matures physically and gains experience against professional competition.

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Tomas Selic (RW)

    Tomas Selic #24
    RW – May 8 2009 – Bratislava, Slovakia – 6’3” / 197lbs – Left Handed- HC Kometa Brno (Czech Extraliga)

    Tomas Selic is a large, intelligent offensive winger who uses his 6’3” frame effectively and possesses strong offensive instincts. His Hockey IQ is the most notable aspect of his game, consistently finding gaps in defensive coverage, fading into open space and making quick decisions with the puck. He has shown good vision and passing ability, particularly on the power play, and has a strong understanding of where to position himself to create scoring opportunities. Selic also has a good shot and can contribute around the net, while his willingness to use his body has been evident in several viewings. His change of direction was particularly impressive against Switzerland, where he demonstrated the ability to turn quickly and make plays despite some concerns with his overall skating. He has also shown value on both the power play and penalty kill.

    The primary concerns with Selic are his skating, defensive consistency and physical engagement. His stride can become choppy and lacks the power and efficiency expected from a player of his size, while his skating appeared particularly problematic when he stepped into the Czech Extraliga against professional competition. Defensively, he can lose positioning or fail to remain engaged in his own end, and his overall defensive awareness needs significant improvement at 5v5. His shot is effective but relies heavily on his lower body and is less developed when he needs to release quickly off his back foot. Selic’s performance was noticeably stronger against players closer to his age, where his Hockey IQ and offensive tools allowed him to influence the game consistently, while the professional game exposed a substantial gap in pace and confidence. Overall, his offensive intelligence, size, passing and ability to find space give him NHL upside, with a potential bottom-six power-forward projection if he can improve his skating and become a more reliable defensive player.