DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Author: Gord Susinski

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Boston Tait (LD)

    Boston Tait

    #4 Wenatchee Wild. Left shot defenseman, 6.02 / 197

    DOB: April 13, 2009

    Boston Tait is a good-sized defensive defenseman who uses his frame effectively to win puck battles, establish possession, and protect the puck during transitions. He displays a good first pass, allowing him to move the puck efficiently out of the defensive zone and help initiate the attack. Defensively, he does a good job closing the gap early, limiting opponents’ time and space to generate offense.

    Tait also brings some offensive ability to his game, possessing a good shot with a nice release. He can get pucks through traffic and toward the net, creating opportunities for rebounds and deflections. His combination of size, defensive awareness, puck protection, and ability to move the puck makes him an intriguing prospect with top-four potential at the professional level.

    Projection: Early second round. Projects as a top-four defenseman at the professional level.

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Eli McKamey (F)

    Eli McKamey 

    #17 Tri-City Americans. Right-shot right wing. 5.10 / 184 

    DOB: January 19, 2009

    McKamey is a skilled two-way forward who keeps his feet moving, draws penalties, and shows strong offensive instincts. He has excellent vision as a playmaker, moves the puck efficiently, and can find teammates in scoring positions. When given the opportunity to shoot, he has the release and accuracy to beat goaltenders. He also sees time playing the point on the power play, where his puck distribution and offensive awareness can be valuable assets. 

    Defensively, McKamey needs to make better decisions when operating at the point on the power play, as mistakes in that position can lead to short-handed opportunities for the opposition. Adding more physicality to his game would also help him become a more complete player. 

    His point production is beginning to trend upward, and he is showing signs of growing confidence. As he matures and continues to develop, I believe he has the potential to become a productive offensive contributor. 

    Projection: Middle of the fourth round in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft. Despite standing 5’10”, McKamey’s playmaking ability, offensive vision, and scoring touch give him the potential to develop into a top-six forward at the professional level. His size may be a consideration for some NHL teams, but continued production and improvement could strengthen his draft stock. 

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Odin Vauhkonen (LD)

    Odin Vauhkonen

    #4 Victoria Royals. Left shot defenseman. 6.02/189

    DOB: September 16, 2008

    Odin Vauhkonen projects as a dependable defensive defenseman with the tools to develop into an NHL second- or third-pairing contributor. He plays a mature, structured game and consistently makes smart decisions with the puck. While his primary value comes from his defensive reliability, he also shows solid playmaking ability and can contribute to the power play. Vauhkonen moves the puck effectively, distributes with confidence, and helps maintain possession through clean exits and simple, efficient plays.

    Defensively, he is an engaged shot blocker who willingly sacrifices his body to protect the net. One of his better habits is closing gaps early and using body positioning to separate opponents from the puck before dangerous plays can develop. His awareness and willingness to compete make him a difficult defender to play against.

    To maximize his potential, Vauhkonen would benefit from adding strength and becoming more powerful on his skates. Improving the speed of his puck movement will help reduce turnovers under pressure, while better anticipation and preparation for opponent transitions out of the offensive zone will strengthen his overall defensive game.

    At this stage, I project Vauhkonen as a middle second-round selection with the upside to become a reliable NHL second- or third-pairing defenseman.

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Schaeffer Gordon-Carroll (C)

    Schaeffer Gordon-Carroll

    #11 Medicine Hat Tigers. Right shot centre. 6.00 / 193

    DOB: November 26, 2008

    Gordon-Carroll projects as a hard-nosed power forward who consistently impacts the game in all three zones. His defining qualities are his pro-level puck movement, excellent one-timer execution, and quick, accurate release. He displays soft hands in tight areas and has the skill to create offense while playing through contact.

    A highly competitive player, Gordon-Carroll, applies relentless pressure in the offensive zone and forces defenders into mistakes through his tenacity and work ethic. He is willing to establish position in the blue paint, absorb punishment, and create traffic to generate scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His effectiveness around the net is a significant asset.

    He is also a dependable penalty killer and a strong face-off performer, providing value in key defensive situations and late-game scenarios. His combination of skill, compete level, and willingness to play a physical, hard-driving style makes him a difficult player to defend against.

    At this stage, I project Gordon-Carroll as a late first-round selection with the upside to develop into a reliable second- or third-line NHL centre who can contribute to both special teams roles.

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Prabh Bhathal (C)

    Prabh Bhathal

    #14 Brandon Wheat Kings. Left shot centre. 6.02 / 214

    DOB: May 14, 2009

    Prabh Bhathal is an offensive forward with a pro-sized frame who is most effective around the net and in high-traffic areas. He contributes in all situations, seeing regular time on both the power play and penalty kill. Bhathal uses his size well, establishing strong net-front positioning and taking away sightlines for goaltenders. He consistently creates offense by battling in tight and capitalizing on loose pucks around the crease, showing a willingness to play in difficult areas of the ice.

    His faceoff ability is another strength, as he has proven to be a dependable option in the circle and can help his team start with possession in key situations. Combined with his special-teams usage and physical presence, he brings versatility and value to a lineup.

    At this stage of the season, I view Bhathal as an early second-round prospect. His size, net-front effectiveness, and ability to contribute in all situations project well to the next level. Long term, he projects as a 3/4 NHL centre, and provide value on both special-teams units.

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Jaxon Jacobson (C)

    Jaxon Jacobson

    #9 Brandon Wheat Kings. Left shot centre. 5.11 / 190

    DOB: December 11, 2008 

    Jaxon Jacobson is an offensive forward who contributes in all situations, seeing time on both the power play and penalty kill. He displays good puck-handling ability and uses strong body positioning to protect possession and prevent opponents from separating him from the puck. His growth in the faceoff circle has been noticeable, as he has developed into a more reliable option on draws.

    On this viewing, Jacobson appeared somewhat flat compared to expectations. His backchecking effort was inconsistent, and he will need to keep his feet moving more consistently to improve his pace and overall effectiveness. Increased quickness and urgency away from the puck would help elevate his impact at both ends of the ice.

    Despite an underwhelming performance on this particular night, Jacobson remains a prospect with offensive upside and versatility. Based on this viewing and his body of work to date, I currently rank him 16th among eligible prospects. His long-term NHL projection is as a dependable 3/4 centre role while contributing on special teams.

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Kayden Stroeder (C)

    Kayden Stroeder

    #10 Edmonton Oil Kings, Left shot centre. 6.00 / 165

    DOB: March 1, 2009

    Kayden Stroeder is a reliable two-way centre who impacts the game in all three zones. He plays with a high compete level and consistently works hard every shift. Stroeder is strong on his skates, allowing him to maintain possession through contact and win battles along the boards. He skates well with quick feet and above-average speed, enabling him to pressure opponents, close on pucks, and support the attack. He is trusted in all situations, contributing on both the power play and penalty kill, where he does an effective job of plugging passing and shooting lanes. His awareness and work ethic make him a dependable presence in defensive situations while still providing offensive upside. 

    To take the next step, improving his faceoff effectiveness will be important, particularly if he projects as a full-time NHL centre. Overall, Stroeder projects as a late first-round selection, currently around the 25th overall range. Depending on his development and organizational fit, he has the potential to become a first- or second-line NHL centre who can be utilized in all situations.

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Brock England (C)

    #16 Seattle Thunderbirds, left-shot centre. 5.10 / 160

    DOB: August 22, 2009

    England is an offensive-minded centre with the skill set and hockey sense to project as a future first-line NHL forward. He combines good speed and agility with strong offensive instincts, consistently finding open ice and getting pucks to the net quickly. A natural shooter, he creates scoring chances with his release while also displaying good playmaking ability, making him a threat as both a scorer and facilitator.

    He contributes effectively on the power play and shows a willingness to compete in all three zones. Defensively, England does a good job disrupting passing and shooting lanes, recovering pucks, and making efficient exits from the defensive zone. He adds value through his physical play, willingness to block shots, and ability to win key faceoffs, helping his team gain possession in important situations.

    England’s combination of offensive upside, two-way awareness, and competitive nature makes him a highly intriguing prospect. He impacts the game in a variety of ways and has shown the traits NHL organizations look for in a top-line centre. At this stage, he projects as a potential top-10 selection in the 2027 NHL Draft, with legitimate first-line NHL centre upside.

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Brock Cripps

    Brock Cripps

    #12 Prince Albert Raiders. Right-shot defenseman. 5.11 / 166

    DOB: July 23, 2009

    Player Type: Offensive Defenseman

    Report: Cripps is an offensively driven defenseman whose game is built around puck movement, creativity, and offensive instincts. He displays excellent poise under pressure, consistently keeping his head up and identifying passing lanes. His puck movement is quick, deceptive, and efficient, allowing him to create opportunities in transition and the offensive zone. He possesses a strong shot, soft hands, and the confidence to carry the puck through traffic and attack the net. Cripps is effective on both special teams units, serving as a power-play quarterback while also contributing on the penalty kill. His agility, edgework, anticipation, active stick, and ability to hold the offensive blue line help maintain possession and generate scoring chances.

    I would like to see him use his shot more. Defensively, there is room for growth with respect to plugging lanes and shot blocking. I would like to see him use the physical side of his game more consistently and simplify decisions when necessary. 

    Projection: This early in the season, I have him at 12th overall in the 2027 NHL Draft. Long term, I see him as a second- or third-pairing defenseman with offensive upside.

  • 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Alexander Bilecki (LD)

    Alexander Bilecki:

    Description: Offensive defenseman


    Strengths: Bilecki is a mobile, offensively inclined defenseman who plays with pace and confidence. His skating ability stands out, allowing him to close space quickly, recover efficiently, and contribute effectively in transition. A crafty puck mover, he shows strong instincts jumping into the play and times his pinches well to sustain offensive zone pressure. Defensively, he utilizes an active stick to disrupt passing lanes and break up plays before they develop.


    Opportunities: Improving the consistency and accuracy of his first pass will help elevate his puck management and transition game. Adding more physical engagement and assertiveness in the defensive zone would also strengthen his overall effectiveness, particularly in net front battles and board play.

    Skating: 6/10

    Shooting: 5/10

    Playmaking: 6/10

    Defense: 5/10

    Compete: 6/10

    Hockey IQ: 6/10

    Projection: Projects as a middle four defenseman with offensive upside and is currently viewed as a potential 3rd round selection, around 84th overall.