A top prospect is poised to follow in the footsteps of last year’s first overall selection, with early projections favoring him as the likely top pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. The forward, currently dominating junior hockey, has drawn comparisons to recent elite talents for his offensive skill and two-way play. Scouts highlight his ability to control games from the top of the lineup, though questions remain about his defensive consistency at the next level. With a year of development under his belt since the previous draft, his stock could rise further if he maintains his production in key tournaments.

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 ...