The early picture for the 2027 NHL Draft is already starting to take shape, and it looks like a strong one. The top of the board is drawing attention for all the right reasons, with the first three or four prospects standing out as a genuinely elite group. If this class keeps trending the way it has, it could end up being one of the deeper drafts in recent memory.
For the Los Angeles Kings, it’s still far too soon to know where they’ll land in 2027, or even whether general manager Ken Holland and the front office will hold onto their first-round pick. But if the Kings do end up near the top of the lottery, the early read on this class suggests they could be looking at franchise-level talent, especially down the middle and on the blue line.
Here’s an early ranking of the top 10 prospects in the 2027 NHL Draft, coming off the recent conclusion of the 2026 draft.
- Dima Zhilkin, W (Saginaw, OHL)
Dima Zhilkin’s rise has been one of the bigger developments of the last couple of years. His play with the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL has pushed his stock up fast, and it’s easy to see why. He’s an undersized winger, but he brings real skill, sharp stick work and the ability to drive play.
Zhilkin’s game is built on pace and pressure. He competes hard every shift, keeps his motor running and has a quick shot release that adds another layer to his offensive threat. Even with his size working against him at the position, that mix makes him look like a likely first-round pick next year.
- Timothy Kazda, W (Chicago, USHL)
Timothy Kazda has already shown what he can do on bigger stages. His play at the U-18 World Championship and in the USHL this past season highlighted just how dangerous he is when the puck is on his stick in the offensive zone. At the World Championships earlier this year, he put up a point per game in 12 games.
Kazda’s appeal comes from the full package of offensive skill. He can handle the puck in traffic, beat defenders one-on-one and make smart reads in the offensive zone. That combination has him tracking as an early first-round pick in 2027.
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