NHL announces 2027 Draft dates and format

The NHL has scheduled the 2027 Draft for June 25-26. The event will continue to use a decentralized format, allowing the 32 franchise front offices to remain in their home markets rather than gathering in a single location. This marks the third consecutive year the league will utilize this structure, a policy originally influenced by the virtual drafts held during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decentralized approach has drawn mixed reactions from league professionals and fans. Los Angeles Kings president Luc Robitaille noted that the format reduces travel and distractions for scouts, while some executives have criticized the move for lacking the intimacy of a centralized draft floor.

While the host city has not yet been announced, the 2027 prospect class is expected to feature University of Michigan defenseman Landon DuPont, along with notable players such as Nazar Privalov and Alexis Joseph.