Hlinka Gretzky Cup Serves as Early Litmus Test for 2027 Class

The 2027 NHL scouting season began in Edmonton at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where Team Canada secured gold with an 8-1 victory over the U.S. As Sportsnet first reported, the tournament provided an early look at the physical frames and playing styles of the next draft class.

Several prospects stood out for their combination of size and skill. Jaakko Wycisk, a six-foot-one, 204-pound center for the Guelph Storm, used his physical presence to tie for the Canadian scoring lead with 10 points. Similarly, Milan Sundstrom of Modo J20 entered as a top-five prospect, bringing a six-foot-two, 207-pound frame to the Swedish lineup. Jonah Neuenschwander of Biel NLA also drew attention with a six-foot-three frame, recording six points for Switzerland.

Other prospects demonstrated elite production despite smaller frames. Landon DuPont, a five-foot-11, 192-pound defenseman for the Michigan Wolverines, captained Canada to gold while recording eight points. Brock England of the Seattle Thunderbirds (five-foot-11, 175 pounds) and Kayden Stroeder of the Edmonton Oil Kings (six feet, 165 pounds) also made impressions with their pace and compete levels.

Scouts noted that some players will need more development to survive the professional jump. Brock Cripps of the Prince Albert Raiders is described by Sportsnet as currently undersized at five-foot-11 and 166 pounds, requiring more weight to match his playmaking ability. Douglas Johnsson of Skelleftea J20 was also identified as an undersized right-shot defender at five-foot-10 and 169 pounds. Meanwhile, Cooper McAslan of the London Knights provided a rangy presence at six-foot-two and 195 pounds.