2027 NHL Draft Rankings: DuPont, Neuenschwander, and Privalov Lead Round 1

31 – Nolan Fitzhenry (5’11” | 183lbs | C | USNTDP Juniors | USA) It’s set to be a big year for Nolan Fitzhenry as he aims to cement his status as a first-round selection. The toolbox is there; he is a fluid skater, a creative playmaker, and possesses a lethal release to match. He generates high-volume offence off the rush and executes clean, composed breakouts the moment the puck hits his stick in the defensive zone. Although a limited role at the U18 Worlds yielded a single assist in three games, his offensive ceiling was on full display at the World U17 Hockey Challenge, where he posted seven points in four games. Stepping into a primary role with the USNTDP this season, Fitzhenry has every opportunity to prove he belongs in the upper echelon of the draft. 32. Malik L’Italien (6’4″ | 198lbs | LD | Halifax Mooseheads | Canada) In a draft class full of smaller-framed blueliners, it wouldn’t surprise me to see 6’3” Malik L’Italien selected early on draft day. Primarily serving as a shutdown defender, he embraces physical play, clearing out the net front and battling relentlessly along the boards. While his offensive tools are built around a heavy point shot and solid distribution vision during power-play minutes with Halifax, they don’t project as high-end attributes just yet. L’Italien possesses the defensive ability of a top-10 talent, but expanding his offensive toolbox will be the key to climbing into that top tier.