Surefire first-round 2027 NHL Draft Prospect has committed to the University of Michigan for 2027-28, following his former coach Chris Lazary to the Wolverines, where Lazary will be an Associate Coach. Zhilkin exploded for 36 goals and 39 assists in 59 games last season with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit, building on a strong rookie year. Fans celebrated the big recruiting win with projections of Hobey Baker contention as a freshman.
On a personal note, I had the opportunity to view Zhilkin at the recently-played World Junior Summer Showcase in Windsor, and felt that he was hands-down Team Canada’s top scoring threat. He creates scoring opportunities every time he touches the puck, and is definitely a player about whom goaltenders have nightmares. Assuming d-man Landon DuPont (projected first overall pick in 2027) returns to the Wolverines when Zhilkin arrives, they would quickly form college hockey’s top scoring threat. Zhilkin and DuPont will be teammates this season on Canada’s World Junior Team.
