Two players with Victoria connections named among top prospects for 2027 NHL Draft

Two young hockey players with ties to Victoria are drawing attention from NHL scouts ahead of the 2027 NHL Draft.

The Western Hockey League (WHL) announced Monday that 54 players developed in the league have been named to NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary ‘Players to Watch List.’

Among them are Victoria Royals defenceman Odin Vauhkonen and Victoria-born Brock Cripps, who currently plays for the Prince Albert Raiders.

Vauhkonen received a B rating, identifying him as a potential second- or third-round selection in next year’s NHL Draft.

The 18-year-old defenceman, who hails from Costa Mesa, California, is in his second season with the Royals and has already put together an impressive start to the 2026-27 campaign.

Through 11 games, Vauhkonen has recorded two goals and 11 assists for 13 points, along with a +10 rating.

Those numbers place him second among WHL defencemen in assists and third in overall defenceman scoring.

The Royals originally selected Vauhkonen in the second round, 25th overall, of the 2023 WHL US Priority Draft.

Despite being in his second WHL season, this marks his first year of NHL Draft eligibility due to his late-2008 birthdate.

Meanwhile, Victoria-born Brock Cripps received an A rating, placing him among players projected to be selected in the first round.

The Prince Albert Raiders defenceman is one of just five WHL-developed players to receive the highest preliminary rating.

Cripps, who stands 5’11” tall and weighs 170 pounds, is among the league’s most highly regarded prospects heading into the 2027 draft.

Across the WHL, 54 players received recognition on the preliminary list, including five with A ratings and eight with B ratings.

NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary rankings provide an early indication of how eligible players are being evaluated ahead of the draft, with additional assessments expected as the season progresses.