5. Sammy Nelson, C (Notre Dame, NCAA)
As one of the oldest players in this draft class early on for 2027, rising Notre Dame Fighting Irish freshman center Sammy Nelson is a polished prospect who will undergo heavier scrutiny in the coming months. Nelson played for the US National Team Development Program this past year. He will be playing with his brother, center Danny Nelson, at Notre Dame for this upcoming season.
Nelson is a really good prospect, and he was nearly eligible for the 2026 draft class, missing the cutoff for this year by just a handful of days. If he had entered the 2026 draft class, Nelson would've been a lock to be a first-round draft pick at center.
With his ability to handle the puck, see the ice well, and drive the play in the offensive zone, Nelson is a really special talent with his offensive skill when the puck is on his stick. He's got a lethal shot release and a great motor.
4. Milan Sundstrom, C (MoDo, Sweden Jr.)
The top Swedish prospect in this projected early draft class for 2027 is MoDo Jr. forward Milan Sundstrom. The 6-foot-2 Sundstrom is a very smart player with the puck on his stick. His ability to find open teammates where passing lanes might be pretty small and to create high-danger scoring opportunities in the offensive zone makes him a constant threat to score.
The son of former NHL winger Niklas Sundstrom, Milan brings excellent hockey IQ and compete level on both sides of the ice. Sundstrom's two-way game makes him a really intriguing prospect as one of the most talented centers to come out of Sweden in this past couple of years.
3. Alexis Joseph, C (Saint John, QMJHL)
At 6-foot-5, Saint John Sea Dogs center Alexis Joseph profiles as the typical top forward prospect on both sides of the ice. Joseph combines athletic tools, a special skating ability for a prospect of his size and stature, playmaking, and offensive skill to create a real matchup nightmare for opposing teams.
In the QMJHL this past season, Joseph registered 60 points in 54 games played during his rookie campaign with the Sea Dogs.
Many early evaluators view Joseph as having the upside that easily projects him to be a No. 1 center at the next level in the future.
Some scouts and media personalities have Joseph ranked as high as the No. 2 player in this draft class early on for 2027.
A big and versatile center who can excel on both sides of the ice and drive the play to the net, like Joseph, will always impress pro scouts.
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