A rising prospect is poised to follow in the footsteps of last year’s top draft pick, with early projections already positioning him as the likely first overall selection in the upcoming 2027 NHL Draft. The forward’s combination of skill and physical presence has drawn comparisons to recent top-tier talents, reinforcing expectations that he could be the next high-profile player chosen by a team in need of elite offensive firepower. Analysts note his rapid development as a key factor in his ascending status, though scouts will be closely watching how his game translates at the next level. With the Toronto Maple Leafs having recently secured a top pick of their own, the stage is set for another competitive draft class to emerge.

DuPont (5-foot-11, 192 pounds) is the favorite to be the No. 1 pick of the 2027 NHL Draft, one year after McKenna was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs with the No. 1 pick of the 2026 NHL Draft ...