The WHL continues to emerge as one of the deepest pipelines for NHL talent in the 2027 draft. Several under-18 skaters are already carving out distinct identities with their skating, vision, and decision-making. This group features a mix of pace-driven forwards and modern puck-moving defensemen who excel in transition and maintain strong structural habits. Their tools and hockey sense are already separating them from their peers, offering a clearer picture of the draft class’s potential as roles and responsibility grow.

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Jaxon Jacobson (C, Brandon Wheat Kings)

D.O.B – Dec 11, 2008

Jacobson has 38 points in 21 games this year, with eight goals and 30 assists, highlighting his elite playmaking skills at just 5-10 and 183 lbs. His game revolves around pace, manipulation, and constant off-puck adjustment. He makes quick shoulder checks to scan pressure, uses tight edges to slip through traffic, and consistently attacks seams with purpose. Jacobson’s vision drives everything he does — he delays to freeze defenders, works give-and-go routes, and hits backside lanes with timing that feels beyond his age. Strength and explosiveness are still developing, but the processing is already elite. As he gains more power in his stride, he should become harder to disrupt in traffic. Jacobson projects as a top-six forward with strong power-play value and long-term production driven by playmaking efficiency.

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Landon DuPont (RHD, Everett Silvertips)

D.O.B – May 28, 2009

DuPont has put up 15 points in 22 games, with two goals and 13 assists, while logging responsible minutes for a 16-year-old on a strong Everett squad. At six feet and 190 lbs, he brings a composed, structure-driven approach that translates cleanly to higher levels. He retrieves pucks with calm detail, using deception and subtle weight shifts to beat forecheckers and exit under control. His four-way mobility is excellent, allowing him to close space early, maintain tight gaps, and force opponents to the outside. In the offensive zone, he walks the blue line confidently, keeping plays alive without forcing low-percentage passes. DuPont doesn’t overwhelm with physical strength yet, but his reads, stick work, and route selection are mature for his age. With continued growth and added power, he profiles as a modern, puck-moving D-man who can handle top-pair minutes and provide steady power-play contributions.

Brock England (C, Seattle Thunderbirds)

D.O.B – Aug 22, 2009

England has 24 points in 19 games, scoring 11 goals with 13 assists while standing 5-11 and 174 lbs. He plays a direct, pace-driven game built on middle-ice pressure and constant push. His stride has real drive, letting him build speed early and turn loose pucks into immediate offense. England attacks defenders with confidence, using controlled entries and quick give-and-go sequences to create chances. His release is compact and dangerous from the slot, and his timing consistently puts him in the right areas. The next step is rounding out his distribution game so he can drive a line rather than rely on others to set up plays. England projects as a middle-six forward with goal-scoring value and possible secondary power-play usage.

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Chase Surkan (F, Brandon Wheat Kings)

D.O.B – Mar 31, 2009

Surkan has 23 points in 18 games, with 12 goals and 11 assists, and at 5-8 and 168 lbs he plays a north-south, interior-driven game that fits well at higher levels. He attacks fast, pushes defenders back, and gets to the slot with purpose. His shot mechanics are clean, generating power with minimal buildup, making him a reliable finisher. Surkan also pressures pucks, forces rushed exits, and converts mistakes into scoring chances. His playmaking is still developing, but confidence with the puck continues to grow. Adding more layers to his passing and deception could elevate him into a dual-threat winger. For now, he projects as a goal-first middle-six forward with room to expand his toolkit.

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Brock Cripps (RHD, Prince Albert Raiders)

D.O.B – Jul 23, 2009

Cripps has 10 points in 19 games, scoring two goals with eight assists, and at 5-10 and 161 lbs he plays a steady, detail-oriented defense game built on clean retrievals, controlled exits, and excellent gap management. His smooth mobility keeps him connected to rushes and allows him to seal the interior. He isn’t a high-event creator, but he moves pucks efficiently, activates at the right moments, and maintains structure in all three zones. Cripps reads plays well and rarely overhandles, which helps him stay ahead of pressure. With added strength and increased responsibility, he could develop into a reliable second-pair D-man with steady points and heavy minutes.

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Final Thoughts

This early group of WHL standouts offers a wide range of NHL projection paths. Jacobson’s playmaking IQ gives him top-six upside, DuPont’s poise points to top-pair potential, and England’s combination of pace and scoring touch is already impactful. Surkan and Cripps both bring translatable habits that should scale well with expanded roles. As the 2027 draft class continues to take shape, these five players are establishing themselves as cornerstones of their respective teams, providing a clear look at what lies ahead for this promising cohort.

 Keep an eye on how their roles and production develop — this group has the tools to make a real impact at the next level.

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 Follow my coverage and updates on prospects over the season on X @OwenHilsinger