Projected No. 1 pick DuPont earns top grade on NHL’s 2027 draft watch list

TORONTO — Calgary defenceman Landon DuPont is among 28 players given an A rating on NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary watch list for the 2027 NHL Draft, released Monday.

The 17-year-old University of Michigan freshman is projected to go first overall.

The A rating identifies potential first-round picks, with Central Scouting set to release its midseason rankings in January and final rankings in April.

Other A-rated prospects include Dima Zhilkin of the Saginaw Spirit, Alexis Joseph of the Saint John Sea Dogs and Brock England of the Seattle Thunderbirds.

DuPont has six assists in six games this season after spending two years with the Western Hockey League’s Everett Silvertips.

A total of 176 Canadian Hockey League-developed players made the list, including 19 with A ratings.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 26, 2026.

The Canadian Press