As one of the most intriguing American defensemen in this draft class, Diego Gutierrez has the puck movement, fluidity, and offensive upside to be a solid blue-liner on both sides of the ice.
Boston University commit Jamie Glance doesn't get the recognition he deserves for his versatility and hockey IQ, consistently staying engaged and making smart plays with and away from the puck in all three zones on the ice.
This draft class features multiple smaller defensemen who could be picked in the first round in 2027, including Sweden's Douglas Johnsson, who possesses above-average skating ability with high-level offensive production from the blue line. His defensive game is sound and he knows how to win puck battles in his assignments around the boards and the open ice in the neutral zone.
You won't find many defensemen who are quicker and more agile in all three zones and with the puck on his stick than Saginaw's Levi Harper. After registering 57 total points in his OHL rookie season, Harper has put his name on the map as a legitimate first-round-quality prospect in the 2027 draft.
The offensive instincts and play-driving ability that Russian defenseman Vladimir Shtyrkhunov brings make him one of the most potent offensive blue-liners in the 2027 draft class.
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