Landon DuPont earns top grade on NHL 2027 draft watch list

NHL Central Scouting has released its preliminary watch list for the 2027 NHL Draft, featuring 28 players assigned an ‘A’ rating, which identifies potential first-round picks.

Calgary defenceman Landon DuPont, a 17-year-old freshman at the University of Michigan, is projected to be selected first overall. DuPont, who previously played two seasons with the Everett Silvertips in the Western Hockey League, has recorded six assists in six games this season.

Other players receiving an ‘A’ rating include Dima Zhilkin of the Saginaw Spirit, Alexis Joseph of the Saint John Sea Dogs, and Brock England of the Seattle Thunderbirds. Central Scouting is scheduled to release midseason rankings in January and final rankings in April.