DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Tag: 2027 NHL Draft

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Malik L’Italien (LD)

    Malik L’Italien 

    #77 Halifax Mooseheads. Left shot D. 6’4” / 198 

    DOB: June 10, 2009 

    September 26, 2026 vs. Newfoundland Regiment 

    L’Italien is a big, rangy defenceman who was one of Halifax’s brighter spots in a difficult 6–0 loss. Playing nearly 25 minutes, he handled a heavy workload at even strength, on the penalty kill and on Halifax’s second power-play unit. He retrieved pucks effectively in the defensive zone and consistently moved them out with ease. He showed good composure under pressure, rarely appearing rushed, and generally made smart, simple decisions rather than forcing plays that were not available. 

    For his size, L’Italien moves well. His pivots were smooth, and his mobility allowed him to defend effectively in space. He used his length particularly well against the rush, extending his stick to disrupt attacks and take away passing or shooting options before they could develop. Offensively, his game was relatively simple but effective, moving pucks quickly and taking what the defence gave him. 

    Despite the blowout, L’Italien made very few noticeable mistakes. His most significant came following a defensive-zone faceoff, where he was slow to identify and stay with his assignment, allowing his man to get open at the back door for an uncontested tap-in. Moving forward, L’Italien should continue to handle major minutes for Halifax. His combination of size, mobility, reach, composure and defensive reliability gives him an intriguing foundation, and based on this viewing, he looks like a potential first-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.

  • 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 – Roberts Naudins (F)

    Roberts Naudins

    #18 Penticton Vees.  Center.  6.06. 210lbs

    DOB: November 28, 2008

    Naudins is a big center in his first year in the WHL. He is very responsible and trustworthy in the D-zone, getting down low and covering in front of the net to support the defenceman. When he is F2 or F3, he stays high, covers the high slot, and gets in shooting and passing lanes to stop cross-ice passes and point shots. In the offensive zone, he does well when he goes to the net, using his size to protect the puck and bang in rebounds.

    He needs to use his size more and play bigger and more physically. Drive to the net more than taking shots from low-danger areas from the outside. Naudins should utilize his size more effectively and play a more physical game. He can improve his faceoff skills and work on leaning into opposing players to create turnovers. He can do this by playing more aggressively and using his strength to gain an advantage on the ice.

    With his size and as he continues to mature on the ice, I think he can be a solid two-way bottom-six forward with enough offensive skill to produce as a depth forward. I see him as a 2nd- to 4th-round pick.

  • 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Landon DuPont (RD)

    Landon DuPont

    #8 Michigan Wolverines. Right Shot Defenseman. 6.00/190

    DOB: May 28, 2009

    Landon DuPont is an elite-level defenseman who is responsible at both ends of the rink. Landon can contribute on the power play, 5-on-5, and on the penalty kill. His edge work and skating help him be aggressive on puck carriers and get into shooting and passing lanes. 

    DuPont’s vision and Hockey IQ make him stand out on the backend. His quick decision-making and precise first pass help his team in transition to get up the ice quickly. He is always moving his feet, looking for open ice and a soft spot in the offensive zone to create Grade A scoring chances for him and his teammates with quick tape-to-tape passes.

    Landon Dupont is projected as the first overall pick in the 2027 NHL draft for his elite-level skill. He is a good defender who may get overshadowed by his offensive ability. I see him as a top pairing defenseman at the next level who will play big minutes on a nightly basis. He is always one step ahead when he is on the ice with the puck.

  • 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.

  • Weekly 2027 Draft Eligible Three Stars

    Another week of hockey is in the books, and that means a new set of draft-eligible three stars. This edition features an undersized Czech defender trying to follow in the footsteps of some other highly drafted diminutive offensive producers, an Ontario Hockey League centre with NHL bloodlines, and, finally, a Western Hockey League pivot trying to prove his production at a summer showcase wasn’t a fluke.

    Here are the 2027 NHL Draft eligible three stars for the week of September 28 to October 5:

    Lukas Kachlir | RHD | Bílí Tygři Liberec / Czechia

    Czech defender Lukas Kachlir has started his draft year with a bang offensively. He has six points in 10 games. Those points include three goals and three assists across Czechia’s pro league and the U20 level. After getting a taste of pro hockey last season in 13 appearances, Kachlir has already gotten into eight pro games in 2026.

    This week the 5-foot-8, 150-pound defender opened with a trio of assists in a 5-3 loss for his team in U20. He joined the pro squad for three games and, despite low ice time, was able to make an impact.

    The offensive dynamo got his team on the board against HC Litvinov. With the game tied at one midway through the first, Kachlir walked in from the point to find a loose puck. He then wired a wrist shot up and over the goalie’s blocker side shoulder.

    Kachlir played just over 12 minutes in his second pro game of the week. He registered two shots in a 2-0 win.

    The Czechia native added another goal in his last game of the week. After taking a pass from his partner at the point, he walked into some open ice. Using the opposing defender as a screen, Kachlir fired a hard wrist shot into the top corner.

    Aleks Kulemin | C | Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

    Kingston Frontenacs centre Aleks Kulemin is getting off to a great start in his draft year. With nine points (three goals, six assists) in seven games, he is tied for second in points in the Ontario Hockey League among draft-eligible players.

    The son of former Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders winger Nikolai Kulemin is paving his way to his own NHL future. In two games this week, the 6-foot-2 pivot had four points in two contests.

    Kulemin helped the Frontenacs to open the scoring in his first game of the week against the Peterborough Petes. Using his big frame down low, Kulemin picked up the puck down below the opposing goal line. He fed Landon Wright, who found draft-eligible defender Matt Henderson wide open at the point. Henderson wired a wrist high and over the goalie to give Kulemin a secondary helper. The Woodbridge, ON native added another helper later in the first period. He won an offensive zone face-off straight to winger Robin Kuzma. Subsequently, the winger sent it to New York Rangers draft pick Andre Mondoux, who wired a wrist shot home.

    In a wild 8-6 defeat at the hands of the Erie Otters, Kulemin tickled twine twice. Midway through the first period Kulemin made his way to the front of the net. Following a shot from the point, the power forward tipped the puck past the Otters’ keeper for a 2-0 Kingston lead. In the second period with the game knotted at 4, Kulemin doubled up. Sneaking in behind the defense, he found a rebound in front of the net. He tapped the puck off his backhand to his forehand and chipped it over the goalie.

    Kayden Stroeder | C | Edmonton Oil Kings

    Kayden Stroeder’s impressive showing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in August with nine points (four goals, five assists) set the stage for him to have a big draft year. Despite starting slowly with just one goal and one assist for the Oil Kings through his first four games, the Saskatoon, SK, native broke out against the Regina Pats.

    The 2024 Western Hockey League fifth overall pick posted a hat trick in his team’s lone game of the weekend. The 6-foot, 165-pound centre got himself a breakaway in the second period. The Regina goalie was able to make the initial save and his backhand, but with a second effort, the Oil Kings forward slipped the puck in. Later in the frame with Edmonton on the power play, Stroeder went for a skate around the top of the offensive zone before whipping a wrist shot that went off the inside of the crossbar and out. About halfway through the third period with the Oil Kings on the power play, Stroeder brought down the hats at Rogers Place. Following up on a rebound from a point shot, the Hlinka Gretzky gold medallist in 2026 chipped the puck over the goalie’s glove.

  • 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 – Maxmilian Mares (F)

    Maxmilian Mares

    #91 Rimouski Océanic. Left shot C/W. 6’6” / 231

    DOB: April 3, 2009

    September 19, 2026 vs. Baie-Comeau Drakkar

    Mares is a massive forward who was at his best in board and corner battles, where his 6’6”, 231-pound frame and long reach made him difficult to separate from the puck. He protected possession well along the walls and played a responsible defensive-zone game, using his reach effectively to take away space and disrupt opposing players.

    Mares lined up on the wing and had a relatively limited offensive impact. His feet looked heavy, particularly on his first few steps, and he lacked acceleration when trying to separate from defenders or close space. He struggled to create high-danger opportunities and, despite possessing a major size advantage, did not use it consistently to work off the walls or drive into the middle of the ice and net-front areas. At this stage, I also do not see much natural playmaking in his game, as he rarely created offense for himself or his linemates.

    Moving forward, Mares should continue to push for a larger role in Rimouski’s top six. His combination of size, reach and strength gives him intriguing upside, but becoming more assertive offensively and improving his pace will be important if he is going to establish himself as a legitimate early-round NHL Draft prospect.

  • 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.