The United States‘ 2027 NHL Draft prospects on its roster for the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase have been noticeable thus far. Canada, who will make its Showcase debut tomorrow, also has 2027 forward draft prospect Dima Zhilkin on its roster.
US forwards Sammy Nelson (NCAA Notre Dame commit) and Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll (WHL Medicine Hat) have stood out for their dogged two-way effort and incredibly high compete level, coupled with elite skill. Both are projected first-rounders in the upcoming draft. The same can be said of the skill set of US forward Jamie Glance (QMJHL Saint John commit), who has the ability to create offense in the tightest of spaces on the ice. Although slightly undersized at 5’10,” Glance does not hesitate to consistently make excellent plays in the closest of quarters. Like Nelson and Gordon-Carroll, Glance is a projected first-round pick in 2027.
With respect to Zhilkin of Team Canada, not only is he a projected first-rounder, he also is a potential top 10 candidate. The 17-year-old Saginaw Spirit captain possesses the same “dog on a bone” mentality as the players mentioned above, never taking a day off from his passion. Despite being one of Canada’s youngest players at the U18 World Junior Championship this past spring, he led the team with 7 points (2G 5A) while averaging over 17 minutes of ice time per game.
Team Canada debuts in the Showcase against Sweden tomorrow. However, because there are 34 players on its roster, Zhilkin may not suit up until Canada’s Thursday matchup with Finland.
