Early on, the top of the 2027 NHL Draft board looks really promising. This could be one of the deeper draft classes we've seen in recent memory, especially with the top three or four prospects for 2027 being a truly elite group of talents.
At this moment, it's too early to know where the Los Angeles Kings will be picking in the 2027 NHL Draft, or whether general manager Ken Holland and the front office will even keep their first-round draft pick.
If the Kings do find themselves drafting near the top of the board in the 2027 draft lottery, this class already looks like it will be loaded with franchise-player-type talent, particularly at the center position and on the blue line.
An early look at the prospects who could hear their names called first in the 2027 NHL Draft
Here's a way-too-early ranking of the top 10 best prospects in the 2027 NHL Draft following the recent conclusion of the 2026 draft this offseason.
10. Dima Zhilkin, W (Saginaw, OHL)
Forward Dima Zhilkin's draft stock exploded in this past couple of years thanks to his play in the OHL with the Saginaw Spirit. The undersized winger has excellent stick skills and he knows how to drive the play. Zhilkin also plays with an extremely high compete level and a motor that never stops.
His combination of energy, skill, and a quick shot release makes Zhilkin a likely first-round draft pick next year, despite being a bit undersized at the position.
9. Timothy Kazda, W (Chicago, USHL)
Between his amazing performances at the U-18 World Championship and in the USHL this past season, winger Timothy Kazda has proven how skilled and dangerous he can be with the puck on his stick in the offensive zone. Kazda scored a point-per-game in 12 games played in the World Championships earlier this year.
Kazda is expected to be an early first-round draft pick in the 2027 draft thanks to his puck handling skills, ability to beat opposing defenders 1-on-1 and with his hockey IQ in the offensive zone.
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