The start of the 2026–27 season has been pretty ugly for the Calgary Flames. With a win against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday, they no longer sit in last place in the league. However, they are still second-to-last. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise how bad the Flames have been. Their roster on paper doesn’t look too great, and they have set themselves on the path of a rebuild. Even though it’s only October, the draft is already important to the Flames.
Landon DuPont – RHD – University of Michigan – NCAA
It should be no surprise to see DuPont on this list. For the past 2-3 years, DuPont has been the projected first overall pick for this draft, and that still stands true. DuPont was the first defenceman to ever be granted exceptional status in the WHL. With the Everett Silvertips, he produced a total of 113 points in 127 games, while guiding them to the 2026 championship. Now, DuPont resides with the University of Michigan at only 17 years old. So far this season, he has produced six points in five games, not looking out of place one bit.
DuPont controls the game through agile and smooth skating, with the ability to walk the blueline and make quick pivots to better position himself at both ends of the ice. He also possesses outstanding vision with the puck, consistently setting his teammates up for high-danger opportunities and seeing openings in the defence to take full advantage of. Puck control is another one of his specialties, which helps him dictate the pace of the offensive game and finesse opponents to generate chances. Even with all the offensive talent, DuPont doesn’t waver in the defensive end. He keeps his stick active and anticipates developing plays to attempt to shut them down.
Yes, the Flames appear pretty set on defence for the future. But DuPont is a player you don’t want to pass on while you pray for the other pieces to pan out. You make him fit regardless, and worry about the rest later. There’s a good chance DuPont could challenge Matthew Schaefer as the best young defenceman in the NHL. And the Flames should be eager at the possibility of winning the lottery and selecting DuPont.
Sergei Skvortsov – LW – Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod – KHL/MHL
So far, this draft looks like DuPont and the rest. But if I had to bet on who goes second overall, I would bet on Sergei Skvortsov. Ever since his youth, Skvortsov has developed with the Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod system. He dominated the U16 and U18, pacing at roughly two points per game in each. Last season, Skvortsov moved up to the MHL and produced 19 goals and 43 points, which is tremendous for a 16-year-old. A hot start this season in the KHL saw him with two points in four games, but with dwindling ice time, he went pointless in the next five. Nizhny Novgorod opted to send him back to the MHL, which has been the right decision so far, as he has scored three goals and six points in five games.
Out of all forwards in this class, Skvortsov looks the best so far. He is an incredible skater, driving his game with a powerful and fast stride. The transitional game is beautiful in how quickly and dangerously he moves from zone to zone. It certainly helps that Skvortsov has fantastic agility as well. In the offensive zone, he is a dual-threat: possessing a snappy, accurate shot and high-end vision. He has smooth hands, which, when paired with his skating, make him incredibly scary with the puck. Even off the puck, Skvortsov doesn’t fade away. He constantly hunts for the puck, and he loves to attack with forceful stick lifts. The common outcomes of those attacks are him stripping the puck and sending play the other way.
Skvortsov is the type of talent that is so desperately missing on the Flames’ offence. Yes, the preference is to draft a centre, but Skvortsov just looks so incredibly good that it may be stupid to pass him up.
Nazar Privalov – LW/C – CSKA Moskva – KHL/MHL
If my memory serves me correctly, aside from DuPont, Privalov had the most hype heading into the season. Privalov is a beast of a prospect, standing at 6’4″, 205 lbs. With CSKA Moskva, Privalov averaged well over two points per game in the U16 and U17 leagues. Last year, he scored 30 goals and 49 points in 51 games. That combination of size and goal-scoring is what earned him his hype. With the season young, Privalov hasn’t had the ideal start. It’s not particularly his fault, as he is a victim of the KHL’s hatred for younger players. In 13 KHL games, Privalov couldn’t score a single point. However, in almost all games, he received single-digit ice time. Privalov has now returned to the MHL, where he has two points in one game so far.
As I alluded to, Privalov is a monster in size and goal-scoring ability. He hauls down the ice with the puck, protecting it with ease. Then, he punishes his opponents with a powerful and versatile shot. Privalov uses his size to constantly throw hits and be a menace in front of the net. Yeah, the shot is nasty, but Privalov scores a good amount by being around the net too. He is also a slick passer and can often spot his teammates in open ice. Privalov also has really smooth control of the puck, making highlight-reel moves around defenders to find scoring chances. Usually a concern with big power forwards is the effort levels, but Privalov isn’t lazy. He’s not afraid to get involved and fight for position while also playing with good pace.
It’ll be interesting to see how Privalov’s draft year progresses. He doesn’t have his solidified top-2 hype anymore, but I don’t think that’s a performance issue. His ice time has been limited, but he also signed a four-year contract with CSKA Moskva. So he might not come over until 2030. However, those contracts usually don’t last for top prospects anymore. If Privalov gets going in the MHL, he might be the no-doubt choice after DuPont.
Dima Zhilkin – RW – Saginaw Spirit – OHL
The draft prospect poised for the hottest offensive start this season is Dima Zhilkin in the OHL. So far, in 11 games, Zhilkin has 12 goals and 22 points. Obviously, that sets him on pace for by far his best OHL season yet, but Zhilkin’s prior years are still impressive. His rookie year saw him put up 43 points in 54 games, and last season he produced 36 goals and 75 points in 59 games. Both were tremendous totals for their respective spots in Zhilkin’s career.
Zhilkin is a very fun player. He has an awesome offensive arsenal, but also has a bit of a bite to his game. Starting with that offensive skill, Zhilkin is a consistent threat with both shooting and passing. He possesses a laser of a shot that can be used in motion, and he sets up his teammates through traffic in lethal spots. To get into the positions to display his dual-threat skills, Zhilkin uses an incredible set of hands. He makes nifty moves to open up the ice or get around defenders, and can deke out goaltenders frequently. Zhilkin always has an energy to him. His feet are constantly moving, and he eyes opportunities to get involved in off-puck pursuit. There is also some edge with Zhilkin, and it’s not rare to see him enter the dirtier areas.
Already working his way up draft boards, Zhilkin might claw his way to a top-3 selection. He’s not quite in the conversations with Skvortsov and Privalov yet, but if he continues his OHL dominance, it may be hard to ignore him.
Jonah Neuenschwander – C – EHC Biel-Bienne – NL
Finally, we have a centre to look at. As it stands currently, Jonah Neuenschwander is the best centre in the class. If you’ve heard Neuenschwander’s name before, that is not too surprising. He made headlines in the scouting scene a few years ago for scoring a total of 76 goals and 116 points in only 38 games at Switzerland U15 level. Now, Neuenschwander is playing in Switzerland’s pro league at only 17 years old. Actually, he’s played 15 or more games in the pros in the past two years as well. But this season will be his first full season, and with six points in 13 games so far, it’s trending to be very bright.
Neuenschwander has climbed the ranks thanks to a projectable 6’3″ frame and an incredible all-around game. It’s really impressive how comfortable he has been at the pro level this year. He protects the puck with skill and simplicity, driving into lanes or towards the net, and being difficult to knock the puck off of. His great shot and top-end playmaking make Neuenschwander extra dangerous when he controls the puck. He possesses an amazing hockey IQ, being on top of plays and excelling at finding ice to generate for himself or his team. Neuenschwander never takes a shift off either. Whether he has the puck or doesn’t, he stays engaged and frequently battles for possession. His frame also allows him to play with an active stick that has a good range to place it in lanes and break up passes.
Everyone knows the Flames need a centre, and if that centre ends up being Neuenschwander, that’s a great outcome. Neuenschwander isn’t a super flashy player, but his ability to control the game with strength, smarts, and skills is highly impressive.
Carter Meyer – C – Quebec Remparts – QMJHL
Another top centre prospect for 2027 is Carter Meyer. Meyer built his stock within the USNTDP and had a near point-per-game year in the USHL last season. Heading into this year, Meyer decided he wanted to leave the USNTDP and pursue the CHL. That led to a whole thing, but in the end, Meyer got his wish, and he joined the team that held his CHL rights in the Quebec Remparts. Across the first 10 games of this season, Meyer has produced 12 points.
Like Neuenschwander, Meyer has drawn attention due to a style that is very well-rounded overall. Offensively, Meyer has flashed amazing passing skill. He completes great tape-to-tape passes in almost any situation. Through traffic, across-zone, to the dangerous areas, etc. The puck control needed to get into passing position is also present with Meyer. He doesn’t make super pretty moves, but he’s fluid with his motion of the puck and can open up space. Meyer also keeps himself involved when he doesn’t have the puck. He’s got some strength to his game, allowing him to be able to push opponents off the puck and have success in puck battles. The intelligence he possesses also flashes, as he knows how to approach defensive plays, positioning well and using anticipation for success.
Again, with the Flames needing a centre, Meyer is a prospect of focus. Early on, he seems like a scouting favourite, usually ranking in the top five despite not having insane preseason hype. But it’s hard not to blame them for the package of smarts, playmaking, and two-way play he brings.
Brock England – C – Seattle Thunderbirds – WHL
Finishing this list, we have Brock England. England was drafted 11th overall by the Seattle Thunderbirds at the 2024 WHL draft. Last year, England played his rookie season in the WHL. With 51 points in 64 games, England looked fantastic on a weaker Thunderbirds team, leaving him with good stock for the 2027 draft. Unfortunately, England didn’t start too hot. In the first six games, he only produced 4 points, which isn’t great for a top prospect. However, he had 4 points in his last two games, now sitting at eight points in eight games, which is quite a bit better.
Speed. The draw of England’s game is 100% his speed. He is easily the best skater in this draft class. Zooming around the ice, England is a weapon in the transition and barrels into the offensive zone. The pace of his game is so incredibly quick that it keeps him as a constant threat. It certainly helps that his edgework is almost as good. England can make fast, dynamic cuts and pivots, bringing a layer of deceptiveness to his game. With that skating, England has a snappy shot that is a danger in motion. He is also capable of releasing a steady, accurate wrist shot. Like pretty much everyone mentioned today, England is a dual threat offensively. So with that shooting talent, also comes great playmaking skill. England uses space to create opportunities for his teammates and complete pretty passes.
England hasn’t exactly had the start to host him high in the rankings like the others. But the talent is undeniable, and the points will follow. The pace and speed England has are very much missing on the Flames. Will he be a top three pick? Probably not, but he could easily work his way into the top five.
A draft with many options
The 2027 draft looks to be a very interesting one. I’ve heard high praise for the top 10-15 of the class, but after that, it takes a hit. Thankfully, the Calgary Flames are likely picking within this draft’s top five, if not top three, if not first overall. The other good thing is that, outside of the probable first overall pick in Landon DuPont, this draft is very forward-focused.
Is it ideal that the top guys are so far wingers? No, but depending on who you ask, some of the centres pose a good chance to pass some of the wingers. Even if they don’t, Sergei Skvortsov, Nazar Privalov, and Dima Zhilkin are all looking like elite prospects for the Flames to possibly draft. I know some people love Jonah Neuenschwander, who is probably the best centre as of now. Carter Meyer appears to be an incredibly well-rounded talent, and Brock England is so fun with his speed.
Even away from the players covered in this piece, there still stand prospects that look intriguing. I could’ve easily included Milan Sundstrom or Alexis Joseph on this list, who are two more centres with good potential. I also love myself some Jaxon Jacobson, whom I heavily considered including, but he’s not currently in Flames range, and I don’t know if he’ll climb to it. There are also guys such as Max Calce, Bosse Meijer, and James Scantlebury who have had previous hype and look pretty, pretty good to start the year.
Regardless of where the Flames are picking after this season ends and the lottery balls are drawn, there will be a great option for their future.
Photo Credits: Evan Morud via the Everett Silvertips
