2027 NHL Draft: DuPont, Privalov, Joseph headline early top…
2027 NHL Draft Rankings: DuPont, Privalov, Joseph top early top-32
Connor DuPont, Daniil Privalov and Carson Joseph headline the first 2027 NHL Draft top-32 rankings from Daily Faceoff, signaling the next wave of teenage talent poised to redefine the league’s future.
The first 2027 NHL Draft top-32 rankings from Daily Faceoff place Connor DuPont, Daniil Privalov and Carson Joseph at the head of the pack. DuPont, a 17-year-old forward, already holds exceptional status in the Canadian League after dominating at the major-junior level. His blend of offensive skill and physical maturity sets him apart as the early favorite for the 2027 draft class.
The CHL’s exceptional status rule allows him to play in the league at 16, a path taken by elite talents like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews. That head start has accelerated his development, with 22 points in 18 games this season placing him among the league’s top rookie scorers. Scouts note his ability to drive play at even strength, ranking among the CHL’s top forwards in primary points per game.
Daniil Privalov, a 16-year-old defenseman from Russia, enters the rankings with a rare two-way profile—elite puck-moving ability paired with shutdown defensive metrics. Scouts highlight his composure under pressure and advanced hockey IQ as cornerstones of his projection. His KHL junior circuit numbers—14 points in 20 games—underscore his ability to impact both ends of the ice, a trait that separates him from typical teenage defensemen.
International performances, including a gold medal at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, have further solidified his reputation as a franchise-defenseman prospect. His 65% offensive-zone exit rate in the KHL juniors ranks among the best for his age group, a metric teams increasingly prioritize in defensemen. Carson Joseph, a 17-year-old center from the USNTDP, rounds out the top trio with a lethal shot and playmaking touch.
His production in the USHL this season—18 points in 20 games—has drawn comparisons to top NHL draft picks of recent years. Joseph’s two-way game and faceoff prowess (winning 62% of draws this season) add layers to his NHL-readiness, traits that align with the modern center’s demands. His USNTDP tenure has also exposed him to high-level competition, including international showcases like the 2024 World U18 Championship, where he notched three points in five games.
Advanced metrics from the USHL rank him in the 90th percentile for controlled entries among U18 forwards. Daily Faceoff’s early rankings reflect a broader trend: teams are increasingly valuing teenage talent with NHL-ready tools. The trio’s inclusion in the top 32 underscores their readiness to step into professional roles within two years, a shift from past draft classes where raw potential often trumped immediate impact.
Their profiles—DuPont’s scoring touch, Privalov’s defensive reliability, Joseph’s all-around game—mirror the archetypes franchises now prioritize in early-round selections. The 2027 class is already shaping up as one of the deepest in recent memory, with depth beyond the top tier showing comparable upside to mid-first-round picks in previous drafts. The rankings also expose the widening gap between North American and European development paths.
DuPont and Joseph’s exposure to the CHL and USNTDP systems provides structured, high-intensity competition that accelerates their readiness. In contrast, Privalov’s development in the KHL’s junior circuit, while elite, operates in a less transparent scouting environment. This disparity could influence how teams evaluate non-North American prospects, particularly as the NHL expands its global scouting reach.
The KHL’s junior league lacks the same standardized statistical tracking as North American leagues, forcing scouts to rely more on qualitative assessments for prospects like Privalov. What’s next: The rankings will evolve as the season progresses, with international tournaments and junior league showdowns providing fresh data points. The CHL/USHL playoff pushes in spring 2025 will be critical for DuPont and Joseph, while Privalov’s development in the KHL’s junior circuit will be closely monitored.
The 2025 World Junior Championship could serve as a pivotal stage for all three, offering a high-stakes platform to validate or challenge their current standing. Scouts will also be watching for DuPont’s progression in the QMJHL playoffs, where his physicality and offensive production will face stiffer competition. Teams drafting in 2027 will face a dilemma: bet on the established track records of DuPont and Joseph or take a risk on Privalov’s upside as a potential generational defenseman.
The answer may hinge on how each prospect performs in the coming months, particularly in environments that simulate NHL pressure. Privalov’s ability to log heavy minutes in the KHL juniors—averaging 22:15 per game—suggests he’s already handling responsibilities beyond his years, a factor that could sway decision-makers weighing his risk-reward profile. Read at GNews.io
Why this matters
Ultra-early prospect rankings offer teams and fans a first look at the teenagers who could redefine the NHL’s competitive landscape. DuPont’s CHL status and Privalov’s two-way upside suggest a draft class rich in franchise-altering talent. For general managers, these rankings serve as an early scouting roadmap, while fans get a head start on tracking the next generation of stars. The 2027 class’s depth—spanning offensive firepower, defensive reliability, and two-way play—positions it as one of the most balanced in recent memory, with implications for roster construction and long-term cap strategies. The inclusion of prospects like Privalov, who blend elite skill with professional-ready maturity, signals a shift toward valuing multi-dimensional talent over one-dimensional upside.
Frequently asked
Who released the first 2027 NHL Draft top-32 rankings?
Daily Faceoff published the initial 2027 NHL Draft top-32 rankings, highlighting Connor DuPont, Daniil Privalov and Carson Joseph as the early leaders.
How old are DuPont, Privalov and Joseph?
Connor DuPont and Carson Joseph are 17 years old, while Daniil Privalov is 16. Their ages reflect the typical age range for draft-eligible prospects in the 2027 class.
What league does Connor DuPont play in?
DuPont plays in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), where he has established exceptional status and is a standout prospect for the 2027 NHL Draft.
Why is Daniil Privalov’s ranking notable?
Privalov’s ranking is notable for his two-way profile as a defenseman. His elite puck-moving ability and defensive metrics make him a rare prospect with top-pairing potential.
Where does Carson Joseph play?
Joseph plays for the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP), competing in the USHL. His production this season has drawn significant attention.
How do DuPont, Privalov, and Joseph compare to past draft classes?
Their early inclusion in the top 32 reflects a shift toward valuing NHL-ready teenage talent. Comparisons to McDavid and Matthews for DuPont, and to recent USNTDP graduates like Jack Hughes for Joseph, highlight their advanced development paths.
