USA-ep.jpg)
NHL DraftEligible, NHL Draft 2027Univ. of Notre Dame · NCAAF · Univ. of Notre Dame · NCAA · Shoots: R · #10 · Board Rank 2027 · NHLe: 27.8
2026-27
Univ. of Notre Dame · NCAA
14 – Sammy Nelson Nelson is a player that I wouldn’t say has one standout attribute, but you can’t find many areas concerning about his game either. He plays a fast game, is always moving and tough to contain, he has it all, he can shoot, very good at finding open lanes for cross ice passes, both receiving and dishing, and is all around just a very hard-working player.
11 – Sammy Nelson (6’2″ | 192lbs | F | Notre Dame Fighting Irish | USA) One of the oldest players in this 2027 draft class, Nelson has a certain refinement to his game that most players lack. Much of his game revolves around north-south hockey, where he generates offence off the rush, showcasing his speed, playmaking, and finishing abilities. He’s also dependable in his own end, serving in a penalty-killing role on the USNTDP and for Team USA at the World Junior Summer Showcase this past July. An intriguing mix of speed, size, and heart, Nelson will look to make noise at Notre Dame ahead of next year’s draft.
The first goal came shortly after the first intermission when Sammy Nelson stole the puck and took off to the races, beating Lukas Beckman low glove side for the shorthanded tally.
The third period was much more competitive, with different exchanges of both teams dominating the pace of play and their looks. With Finland on the power play, the puck got rimmed around the boards, and Sammy Nelson outskated the Finnish backchecker to get to the puck first, shooting it past Patrik Kerkola to bring the game within a goal.
Although the US pushed Finland to the brink, they could not beat Kerkola in the end, and Finland took home the victory 3-2.
Team USA will play Sweden tomorrow at 3 p.m. EDT, while Finland will take on Canada at 7 p.m. EDT/ 2 a.m. EEST
F Ethan Wyttenbach (USA | Calgary Flames)
Team USA’s entire top line with Wyttenbach, Cullen and Berchild was incredible, but the standout performance again today was Wyttenbach, who continued as the offensive catalyst for Team USA. Scoring a goal and generating numerous high-quality chances throughout the game, it felt like a different team whenever Wyttenbach and his line jumped over the boards.
F Carter Sanderson (USA | Pittsburgh Penguins)
After scoring a hat trick in his opening game and adding another goal in his second, Sanderson was one of the most deserving players to make this US merged team, and today he rewarded the decision with another strong game. Creating opportunities with his speed and size, he had a number of high-quality looks while taking care of his responsibilities in his own end.
F Sammy Nelson (USA | 2027 Draft Eligible)
Turning out to be Team USA’s MVP of the game, Nelson put together another strong performance for the US squad, picking up a shorthanded goal in the process. The expected top 5 pick at the 2027 NHL draft will look to continue his strong showcase ahead of the World Junior tournament that could propel him into the top 3.
The second period continued much like the first, both teams trading chances, forcing their goaltenders to make some big saves. Filip Ekberg took a cross-checking penalty halfway through the second, and the US power play was buzzing, eventually scoring with a nice passing play that Sammy Nelson back-doored into the net.
Sammy Nelson (F): A top-5 projected prospect for the 2027 NHL Entry Draft, Nelson is one of the most intriguing under-age players at the showcase this year. A strong showing here could lock down his spot on the December roster ahead of his draft year.
SUMMARY: Masse is a skilled forward who can elevate the game of others around him and seeing the example of players like Brock Nelson or Anders Lee will certainly help round out his effort level. He is a player that will at times draw fans out of their seats and be able to be an offensive weapon for the Islanders. He has an excellent shot and it is very accurate. He is an excellent skater and could be a potential middle six forward in a few years for the NY Islanders. – Andy Miller
This year Vegas will look to have a first round pick along with four other picks for a total of five in the draft, 1st, 3rd, 3rd (BUF), 6th, 7th. With how the playoffs have gone their first rounder will be either 31st or 32nd and at that area in the draft, players that they could look at could be winger Gavin Brindley, centre Danny Nelson or defenseman Tanner Molendyk. Whether or not they keep this first round prospect long enough to see them develop and turn into a potential key player for their franchise in the future is up to them.
ST. LOUIS (from Dallas) – C DANNY NELSON, U18 TEAM (NTDP)With selecting a prospect who can produce points in Yager with their first pick, the Blues go with a physical, power forward in Nelson. He brings size and offensive ability to consistently produce 30-40 points a season when he reaches the NHL. He has a powerful shot and can play strong and tough in front of the net offensively, like a David Backes who was the leader and heart of the Blues organization for years. Doug Armstrong will be bringing in a player who is versatile to play wing or center and can provide depth scoring as a second or third line forward. – Jody Horak
A two-way gem, Nelson impressed throughout the whole tournament locking down top lines and filling the stat sheet. A point per game player and was leaned on heavily to keep opposing players neutralized Nelson used his insanely high hockey sense to his advantage. Often overshadowed due to his teammates point production Nelson does everything you want in a middle 6 Centre. While he was already ranked fairly high on most boards his play should have solidified himself a top 40 spot. – Tyler Karoway
| Season | Type | League | Team | GP | G | A | P | +/- | PIM | PPG | SHG | SOG | NHLe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | Regular | NCAA | Univ. of Notre Dame | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0.4 | |||
| 2025-26 | Regular | USNTDP | U.S. National U18 Team | 58 | 27 | 27 | 54 | 22.9 | |||||
| 2024-25 | Regular | NTDP | U.S. NATIONAL U17 TEAM | 50 | 16 | 15 | 31 | 15.3 | |||||
| 2023-24 | Regular | USHL | USNTDP Juniors | 38 | 12 | 7 | 19 | 11.5 |
Abbotsford Canucks
Bakersfield Condors
Calgary Wranglers
Coachella Valley Firebirds
Colorado Eagles
Henderson Silver Knights
Iowa Wild
Manitoba Moose
Milwaukee Admirals
Ontario Reign
Rockford IceHogs
San Diego Gulls
San Jose Barracuda
Springfield Thunderbirds
Texas Stars
Tucson Roadrunners
Belleville Senators
Charlotte Checkers
Chicago Wolves
Cleveland Monsters
Grand Rapids Griffins
Hamilton Hammers
Hartford Wolf Pack
Hershey Bears
Laval Rocket
Lehigh Valley Phantoms
Providence Bruins
Rochester Americans
Syracuse Crunch
Toronto Marlies
Utica Comets
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins