Landon DuPont Emerges as 2027 Draft’s No. 1 Prospect

College hockey’s rising star Landon DuPont is already being billed as the consensus No. 1 prospect for the 2027 NHL Draft. The 6‑foot, 190‑pound defenseman committed to the University of Michigan after two seasons with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League. The Athletic’s latest mock draft predicts the Calgary Flames will take him first overall, sealing his status as the top pick.

Why DuPont Leads the 2027 Draft Class

DuPont’s blend of size and skill makes him a rare find at the defensive forward position. He spent his junior career developing offensive instincts while anchoring the Silvertips’ blue line. College commitments often signal a player’s long‑term trajectory, and Michigan’s coaching staff sees DuPont as a cornerstone for future success. If the Flames select him, they will acquire a player with high upside and immediate NHL potential.

Red Wings Focus on a Center-heavy Future

Detroit’s recent struggles have pushed them to a projected seventh‑worst record, or 25th overall, heading into next season. With captain Dylan Larkin potentially moving, the organization is looking to fortify its forward depth. The Athletic’s mock places Gunnar Conboy at No. 7 for the Red Wings, highlighting a need for a center who can play physically and contribute offensively. Conboy posted 12 goals, nine assists and 83 penalty minutes in 32 games with the Green Bay Gamblers, showcasing his competitive edge.

Conboy’s game is built on athleticism and physicality, traits that have impressed evaluators despite minor concerns about pure skill. He is slated to return to Green Bay, coached by former Michigan Tech forward Patrick McCadden, before committing to the University of Minnesota for the 2027‑28 season. The Red Wings’ speculation around Conboy reflects a broader trend: five of the top seven prospects are centers, indicating a potential market shift.

Top 10 Prospects Sorted by the League’s Worst Teams

• 1. Calgary Flames: Landon DuPont, RHD, Michigan (NCAA)
• 2. Vancouver Canucks: Alexis Joseph, C, Saint John (QMJHL)
• 3. Chicago Blackhawks: Nazar Privalov, LW, CSKA (MHL)
• 4. Seattle Kraken: Milan Sundström, C, MoDo (Sweden Jr.)
• 5. Nashville Predators: Jonah Neuenschwander, C, Biel-Bienne (NL)
• 6. St. Louis Blues: Sammy Nelson, C, U.S. NTDP (USHL)
• 7. Detroit Red Wings: Gunnar Conboy, C, Green Bay (USHL)
• 8. New York Rangers: Timothy Kazda, RW, Chicago (USHL)
• 9. Winnipeg Jets: Dima Zhilkin, RW, Saginaw (OHL)
• 10. New York Islanders: Noah Davidson, LW, Medicine Hat (WHL)

These projections give a snapshot of how rebuilding franchises are targeting specific skill sets. The concentration of centers in the early picks underscores Detroit’s urgency to add a big body who can crash the rush and play in the corners. Meanwhile, the Flames’ focus on a premier defenseman signals a strategic bet on securing a cornerstone for their defense.

What the Early Mock Means for the 2027 Season

Even though the 2027 Draft is more than a year away, these mock rankings already shape team conversations and fan expectations. DuPont’s early surge suggests that college defensemen with WHL experience are viewed as premium assets. Conversely, the Red Wings’ selection of Conboy hints at a rebuilding path that hinges on developing a reliable center who can complement their eventual return to contention. As these prospects move through their respective leagues, their development trajectories will likely dictate the accuracy of these early predictions.

The landscape will continue to evolve, but for now, Landon DuPont sits at the top of every analyst’s radar, while Detroit grapples with filling a critical positional need through its high draft pick.