Happy Halloween, hockey fans! The calendar is about to flip to the month of November. The 2026-27 NHL season has been quite the show, hasn't it? Dylan Larkin is refusing to play for the Detroit Red Wings. Stunningly, Nikita Kucherov wants off the Tampa Bay Lightning. And this could only be the tip of the iceberg.
Of course, each NHL team is concerned with how they are doing right now. But there is always an eye toward the future. Each of these teams, especially those with star players wanting a new home, is worried about what the future core will look like.
With this in mind, it's time for ClutchPoints to present its first 2027 NHL Mock Draft. The order used for this mock comes from Tankathon and is updated as of 2:45 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, October 31st.
1. Vancouver Canucks – Landon DuPont, D, University of Michigan (NCAA)
The University of Michigan landed Landon DuPont out of Canadian junior hockey this summer. DuPont is seen as a potentially generational defenseman. That word is certainly bandied about a lot, but with DuPont, it may fit. The Michigan rearguard is the best player in this class, and he is the early favorite to go first overall next June.
2. Chicago Blackhawks – Nazar Privalov, C, CSKA Moscow (KHL)
The Chicago Blackhawks have not had the best start to the season. However, they have a very talented young core in place. Adding a player like Nazar Privalov could make them a potential juggernaut down the line. Privalov is drawing comparisons to Nikita Kucherov in Russia right now. The only reason he may not be a serious contender for the first overall pick is that his KHL contract runs until May 2030.
3. Philadelphia Flyers – Milan Sundstrom, C, MoDo Hockey (HockeyAllsvenskan)
The Philadelphia Flyers tried to land Leo Carlsson in NHL Free Agency over the summer. This attempt did not pan out, and the search for a top-line center continues. Thankfully for them, the 2027 NHL Draft class is loaded down the middle of the ice. Milan Sundstrom is one of a few centers that could land in this spot. He goes here due to his size, talent, and experience in the pro game.
4. Winnipeg Jets – Jonah Neuenschwander, C, EHC Biel-Bienne (NLA)
The Winnipeg Jets traded Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils, signaling a new era for this franchise. If they end up with the fourth overall pick, they'd have a chance to grab the next building block of their franchise. Jonah Neuenschwander made his pro debut at the age of 15 and has become a star in the Swiss National League. He contributes in all facets of the game and could become an all-situations center at the top of the lineup.
5. Los Angeles Kings – Brock England, C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
The Los Angeles Kings are without Anze Kopitar after his retirement over the summer. Los Angeles is trying to pick up the pieces, but adding center depth is a necessity for this team. There may not be a more exciting player to watch in this class than Brock England. England is the best skater in this class, and his game is defined by his unreal speed. He moves at a quicker pace than his peers, and it's not close. He also has the skill and talent to play high in the lineup.
6. Anaheim Ducks – Dima Zhilkin, LW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
The Anaheim Ducks drafted Nikita Klepov in the first round back in June. In this 2027 NHL Mock Draft, the Ducks return to the Saginaw Spirit well. Dima Zhilkin was voted as one of the hardest-working players in the OHL last season by the league's coaches. He plays with a ton of physicality and skill that has him rocketing up draft boards early in the season. Anaheim is set at center, so they go for another winger here.
7. Columbus Blue Jackets – Alexis Joseph, C, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
The Columbus Blue Jackets have a good young core at this time. Adam Fantilli is an excellent center. Kent Johnson has flashed a lot of skill. And newcomer Matthew Knies has been an incredible addition to the team. The Blue Jackets could use a bit more depth behind Fantilli, though. Alexis Joseph is a big-bodied center with a ton of skill. He was the first overall pick in the 2025 QMJHL Draft, and for good reason. Joseph plays with a lot of strength and power to complement his skill. He'd be an excellent addition to the Blue Jackets' prospect pipeline.
8. Pittsburgh Penguins – Carter Meyer, C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
The 2027 NHL Draft is a good one for teams who need depth down the middle of the ice. The Pittsburgh Penguins are going to need young centers sooner rather than later. Carter Meyer is a very competitive player who will be a pest to opposing players. The Boston University commit is an offensive play driver who, while not working on the penalty kill for Quebec, has the skill to aid a penalty kill in the NHL. With Evgeni Malkin potentially retiring after this season, the Penguins could begin developing a successor in Meyer.
9. Calgary Flames – Sammy Nelson, C, Notre Dame (NCAA)
Sammy Nelson was very nearly eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft. He could've been a first-round pick in that class had he been eligible. He has maintained that same level of buzz through the early part of this season. Nelson has been strong on and off the puck at Notre Dame. The production hasn't been there as much, but he has a strong toolset that will make him a high-end first-round pick, especially if the production comes along.
10. Nashville Predators – Brock Cripps, D, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
The Nashville Predators could go with one of the many centers in this draft. However, they could also use a bit of defensive help. If it weren't for the incredible forward talent in this class, Brock Cripps would be higher in this NHL Mock Draft. Cripps is fantastic with the puck on his stick. He is extremely agile and has good skating ability. He is one of many undersized defensemen in this class that could make a major impact. Don't let the lack of size fool you, though. Cripps is a legitimate prospect with loads of potential.
11. St. Louis Blues – Malik L'Italien, D, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Malik L'Italien is a big defenseman who brings athleticism and skating ability to the table. He possesses a good shot and plays with a ton of confidence. He needs to work on his decision-making at both ends of the ice. This can be worked through, though. His talent is clear to see when watching him play. The Blues need a big injection of talent on defense, and L'Italien could be what they are looking for.
12. Philadelphia Flyers (via TOR) – Sergei Skvortsov, LW, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
The 2027 NHL Draft is a very good one for Russian prospects like Sergei Skvortsov. Many view him as one of the absolute best players in this class. However, with so many centers available, the positional value takes over, and drops the Russian winger here to the Philadelphia Flyers. Skvortsov is a right-shot winger who can put up points in a variety of ways. He's deceptive in more ways than one, and he can rifle his shot as quickly as a strike of lightning. It would not be a surprise to see him go well before this point.
13. New York Rangers – Andrei Pustovoy, RW, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)
Continuing with the Russian theme, Andrei Pustovoy brings positional versatility to the table. He could be a winger at the NHL level. But he has the skill and experience needed to play down the middle of the ice. Pustovoy has played primarily in the KHL this season and is very good at catch-and-release shots. His snap shot off the rush is a real threat, and he is always looking to make a play in the offensive zone. He does need to improve his skating, but the talent and upside are real.
14. Detroit Red Wings – Bosse Meijer, C, Frolunda HC (SHL)
Once again, we are returning to the surely novel idea of the Detroit Red Wings drafting a hockey player from Sweden. Bosse Meijer may endear himself to the local fanbase in Detroit off his last name alone. If Red Wings fans aren't big on nods to local grocery chains, then his play on the ice will more than make up for it. Meijer is one of the older players in this class, but is a team player who skates well and consistently makes the right decisions. In light of recent events, Meijer seems like the sort of player the Red Wings need.
15. Buffalo Sabres – Kayden Stroeder, C, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Kayden Stroeder is a talented forward who made a name for himself at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He had a slow start to the WHL season, but he is starting to pick up the pace. He is a playmaker first with a ton of intelligence to set his teammates up for success. The Buffalo Sabres have an incredible group of young forwards, but the value here makes a lot of sense. Especially if Buffalo wants to dip into that group of forwards to improve other areas on the team.
16. Ottawa Senators – Noah Davidson, C, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
In 2025-26, the Medicine Hat Tigers enjoyed some high-octane offensive production from Liam and Markus Ruck. The twin brothers were huge contributors for Medicine Hat and were drafted in 2026. In the second half of the season, they played on the same line with Noah Davidson. Davidson has been sidelined to begin this season with an injury, but the tools he possesses have him right in the middle of the first round. Should he come back strong, he could go further up our NHL Mock Draft in the future.
17. San Jose Sharks – Diego Guiterrez, D, USNTDP
The San Jose Sharks need defense in a class that heavily favors forward talent. That's not to say that defensive talent is non-existent in this class, though. Diego Guiterrez showed out with Team USA last year, and we're seeing more of that this season. Some question his decision-making, and more specifically, his confidence. In our view, he makes the right reads more often than not, and his gap control is among the best in this class. Guiterrez could be a very good player down the line.
18. Dallas Stars – Jaxon Jacobson, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Over the last two seasons, very few players have been more productive than Jaxon Jacobson in the WHL. The Brandon Wheat Kings star led the team in points last year while serving as alternate captain. It's been a bit of a slow start for him this year, but he is an incredibly skilled forward who can generate offense in a variety of ways. The Stars could use some depth down the middle, especially with veterans such as Matt Duchene and Tyler Seguin struggling with injuries late in their careers.
19. Toronto Maple Leafs (via COL) – Yevgeni Yakunin, C, HC Spartak Moscow (KHL)
We said it was a good year for Russian prospects, and we meant it. Yevgeni Yakunin is a productive center who has not let the level of competition stop him. Whether he's skating against grown men or his peers, he puts up points. If the puck isn't on his stick, or in his team's possession, he often finds ways to ensure the puck is stripped from his opponents. There are players that have a nose for the puck, and then there are players like Yakunin. He is always involved and has a bright future in the NHL.
20. Seattle Kraken – Jamie Glance, RW, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
Jamie Glance is one of the older players in this class, alongside Bosse Meijer. But he is establishing himself as a legit first-round pick. Glance is a smart player who makes quick decisions on and off the puck. He is very good off the puck, opening space on the ice for his teammates. But his shot is one of his best traits, and he could play in the NHL right now. He is undersized, but the Kraken won't mind that if he can put up points at the next level.
21. New York Islanders – Levi Harper, D, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
The Saginaw Spirit are producing some intriguing talent, and Levi Harper is another one to watch. He is an offensive force who quarterbacks his team both with the man advantage and at even strength. He is skillful and can deceive his opponents quite well. There is a bit of an injury history here, but it hasn't slowed him down much. Harper is a quality defensive prospect and would help the Islanders give Matthew Schaefer a bit of support on the back end.
22. New Jersey Devils (via VGK) – Petr Tomek, RW, HC Energie Karlovy Vary (Czech Extraliga)
The New Jersey Devils are riding high with Connor Hellebuyck on the roster. It certainly helps that they didn't give up either of their two first-round picks. New Jersey elects to replace some of the forward value lost in that Hellebuyck trade. Petr Tomek is listed as both a center and winger on various scouting reports, and he could play in either role. His lack of size may make him best suited for the wing. He is a very good two-way player with strong skating and does really well in give-and-go situations. He's a name to watch as the season rolls along.
23. Chicago Blackhawks (via FLA) – Jaakko Wycisk, C, Guelph Storm (OHL)
The Blackhawks added a center earlier in this 2027 NHL Mock Draft. However, they stand to add more forward depth. Jaakko Wycisk brings size and skating ability to the table. He does play a mostly straight-line game, but he's very dependable. He leans more defensive, with his skill and offensive IQ not being his strong suit. But he can contribute offensively, and if the offensive side of his game comes around, he could be an excellent addition to an NHL roster.
Article Continues Below24. Utah Mammoth – Max Calce, C, Adler Mannheim (DEL)
Max Calce jumped onto NHL radars a few years ago when he dominated German junior hockey at the age of 15. In 2026-27, he has earned a full-time spot on Adler Mannheim in Germany's pro league, the DEL. He lacks size, but his work in the faceoff circle has not suffered. In fact, despite his lack of size, he has won half of his faceoffs. There is a lot to like here, and there may be even more to his game that hasn't come to the surface yet.
25. New Jersey Devils – Cooper McAslan, D, London Knights (OHL)
The Devils added a forward earlier in this NHL Mock Draft. With this selection, they add some talent to the back end. Cooper McAslan was an early-round draft pick in the 2025 OHL Draft. This year, he has become a first-round candidate in the 2027 NHL Draft. McAslan is a bit raw as a prospect. He especially struggles with his stick work in the defensive zone. At the same time, he has been trusted enough to play some incredibly tough minutes as a 17-year-old. He could be a good find late in the first round this year.
26. Washington Capitals – Timothy Kazda, RW, Guelph Storm (OHL)
Timothy Kazda, or any winger drafted by the Washington Capitals this coming year, will not be a replacement for the retiring Alex Ovechkin. The young Guelph Storm star also should not have those expectations placed upon him. Washington needs depth on the wing with or without Ovechkin's retirement. Kazda is a great play driver at even strength and can rip a one-timer in open space. He can also play center, if needed, which only adds to his value.
27. Boston Bruins – Vladimir Shtyrkhunov, D, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)
The Boston Bruins have had a rough time defensively over the last couple seasons. So far, their issues stopping shots have led to Jeremy Swayman once again needing to stand on his head. Vladimir Shtyrkhunov is not the sort of defenseman that will take on the bang-and-crash style the Bruins historically prefer. However, he plays a patient game defensively and is willing to sacrifice his body to stop pucks. Boston needs more of that now and for the future.
28. Montreal Canadiens – Easton Walos, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Montreal Canadiens fans may want Dylan Larkin, but for now, Dylan Larkin doesn't want Montreal Canadiens fans. This means the team's search for center depth continues. The Habs will eventually trade for that second-line center behind Nick Suzuki. In the meantime, they can build up their internal organizational depth with Easton Walos. Walso can fill the net with pucks and play on the penalty kill. He is not the biggest player, but don't tell him that. He plays with the sort of grit teams appreciate, and the Sarnia Sting star has a bright future in the NHL.
29. Minnesota Wild – Nolan Fitzhenry, C, USNTDP
The Minnesota Wild want Dylan Larkin, and Dylan Larkin wants the Minnesota Wild. But they have not been able to get a deal done with the Detroit Red Wings at this time. So to the NHL Draft the Wild go to add more young talent down the middle. Nolan Fitzhenry is a talented forward with a great release. He took over the top center role for the US National Team Development Program after Carter Meyer left for the QMJHL. Fitzhenry and Meyer are likely to both be first-round picks in June.
30. Seattle Kraken (via TBL) – Vilmer Salen Forsberg, G, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Your eyes do not deceive you. This is a goaltender in the first round of an NHL Mock Draft. And arguably, Vilmer Salen Forsberg could go higher. He is a huge goaltending prospect and has drawn a lot of praise from NHL scouts. He is off to an incredible start in the OHL this season. He seals his posts well and tracks the puck with ease. Salen Forsberg can be beaten a bit too easily when aiming at his hands, but the tools are there for him to be a starter in the NHL.
31. Chicago Blackhawks (via EDM) – Ben Geiger, D, USNTDP
After two forward picks in this 2027 NHL Mock Draft, the Blackhawks elect to go with a defenseman. Ben Geiger is rising through the draft boards right now. He is a very athletic right-shot defenseman who is a good skater and an extreme competitor. He does well breaking pucks out of the defensive zone and can chip in some offense. Defensive talent is a bit sparse in this draft, but Geiger is starting to stand out among the pack. He is on the rise, and one to watch as the season rolls along.
32. Carolina Hurricanes – Aleks Kulemin, C, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
The Kulemin name will be familiar to longtime hockey fans. And yes, Aleks Kulemin is related to former NHL veteran Nikolai Kulemin. Aleks is his son. Do you feel old yet? Familiar ties aside, Aleks Kulemin plays similarly to his old man. The younger Kulemin does not allow his opponents any breathing room in one-on-one battles. He is a smothering, powerful player who just works his tail off and makes good decisions. There are questions about his offensive upside, but the first-round buzz is real.