The race for the 2027 NHL Draft has officially taken its first major step forward. NHL Central Scouting has released its preliminary players to watch list, offering the hockey world its initial comprehensive glimpse at the next generation of prospective NHL talent. While the list avoids hard numerical rankings in favor of a tiered letter-grade system, it immediately establishes the foundational storylines, standout prospects, and early debates that will dominate scouting circles for the remainder of the season.
At the very top of the conversation stands 17-year-old defenseman Landon DuPont. The University of Michigan standout enters the 2027 draft cycle as the undisputed head-and-shoulders top prospect in the class, according to NHL Central Scouting. DuPont has enjoyed a seamless transition to the fiercely competitive NCAA level, showcasing a level of maturity and poise that is exceptionally rare for a player of his age.
Thus far, DuPont has done nothing to dispel the notion that he is a generational blueliner in the making. Beyond his early offensive contributions—highlighted by six assists through his first six games with Michigan—he has proven to be a true difference-maker in every facet of the game. He defends with intelligence and discipline, dictates the tempo of play from the back end, and excels in transition. The only historical caveat attached to his evaluation is his stature; at 5-foot-11, scouts will naturally monitor how he handles the physical grind over a full collegiate season. Still, if he possessed the traditional 6-foot-3 frame typically associated with top-tier defensive prospects, the debate over the number-one overall selection would likely already be over. Instead, NHL organizations will watch closely to see him continue his dominant trajectory.
With 28 players earning an "A" rating—designating a projected first-round selection—the broader 2027 draft class offers a fascinating mix of styles, skill sets, and developmental paths. The preliminary list also utilizes "B" ratings for projected second- or third-round candidates, "C" ratings for fourth- or fifth-round targets, and "W" ratings for late-round watch-list hopefuls. As teams prepare for marquee events such as the upcoming CHL USA Prospects Challenge and the World Junior Championship, a lack of clear consensus among scouts and analysts is already guaranteeing an entertaining and unpredictable evaluation season.
Dima Zhilkin Forcing His Way Into Conversations At The Top
While DuPont commands the top spot, the fierce competition immediately behind him is heating up. Forward Dima Zhilkin has forced his way into high-end draft discussions on the strength of a phenomenal start with the Saginaw Spirit, where he racked up 24 points in his first 13 games.
Zhilkin faces similar questions regarding his size, standing at 5-foot-10, as NHL talent evaluators remain cautious when projecting undersized skaters to the highest level. However, his relentless, high-energy style of play makes those concerns secondary when watching him compete. Zhilkin operates as a competitive firecracker on the ice, combining impressive offensive creativity and puck skills with a notorious edge after the whistle. Not afraid to get under the skin of opponents and mix it up in the tough areas, he represents this draft class’s closest equivalent to a high-end "super pest," combining skill and tenacity in a package that commands attention.
Jonah Neuenschwander Looks Legit
International competitions and professional leagues are also yielding high-end contenders, led notably by Swiss center Jonah Neuenschwander. Playing against men in Switzerland’s top professional league, Neuenschwander managed seven points in his first 15 games—an extraordinary feat for a player of his age.
Given the premium placed on elite centers with size and two-way responsibility, Neuenschwander currently presents the most formidable challenge to DuPont for the ultimate top selection. Having already logged impressive minutes internationally above his age level for multiple seasons, Neuenschwander is well-positioned to break out further. If he delivers a standout performance at the upcoming World Junior Championship, he could firmly cement himself not only as a top-five selection, but as a legitimate challenger for the number-one overall pick.
Russia Returns With Impact Prospects
After a few quieter draft cycles relative to their historical output, Russian prospects have returned to the forefront with a deeply intriguing group of players in the 2027 class. Big center Nazar Privalov and smooth-skating defenseman Sergei Skvortsov were widely anticipated to earn "A" ratings, but they are joined by two additional Russian talents who also captured top-tier evaluations.
Among them is Andrei Pustovoi, a 6-foot-3 forward who has managed to break into the KHL at the professional level. While his ice time has been limited, Pustovoi has made a noticeable impression and shown positive signs in his early professional opportunities. Meanwhile, Bogdan Yakushevsky has taken his game to North America, earning an "A" rating following a hot start with the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires. Playing with noticeable pace and purpose, Yakushevsky has produced 16 points in his first 14 games. Though his processing speed remains a work in progress, his dynamic tools make him one of the most entertaining watch-list prospects in the Canadian Hockey League.
The Defense Class Lacks Depth
While DuPont headlines the defensive group, the overall depth of the blue line in the 2027 class appears notably thin. Only four defensemen captured coveted "A" ratings from NHL Central Scouting: DuPont, Brock Cripps, Levi Harper, and Malik L’Italien.
While each brings intriguing stylistic traits to the table, none of the supporting trio has forced their way into the upper-echelon conversation near the very top of the draft board. At present, they project primarily as mid-first-round selections, reflecting a defense class that lacks the elite high-end depth found among forwards. Meanwhile, "B"-rated defenders such as Vilgot Linden, Diego Gutierrez, and Douglas Johnsson offer interesting upside, though projecting any of them into first-round territory at this early stage remains premature. How the defensive landscape evolves over the course of the winter will be one of the more compelling subplots of the scouting calendar.
Final Thoughts on an Unpredictable Class
The 2027 NHL Draft class is shaping up to be an exceptionally engaging group to follow. With a wide array of developmental outcomes and distinct prospect profiles, tracking how these players progress will provide plenty of entertainment for scouts and fans alike. Players like Alexis Joseph and Milan Sundstrom command strong followings due to their imposing physical tools, while dynamic talents like Brock England and Dorian Eklund Aspe boast skill sets that will require continued refinement as the season unfolds.
NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary watch list serves as an initial roadmap, identifying the broader group of players worthy of close observation rather than casting definitive judgments. As team scouts dig deeper into their viewings, substantial movement is virtually guaranteed when subsequent lists are released. For now, the preliminary list offers a clear window into what professional talent evaluators are prioritizing, setting the stage for a winter defined by debate, diverse skill sets, and high-stakes competition.