Notre Dame forward Sammy Nelson viewed as potential 2027 draft steal
Daily Faceoff prospects analyst Steven Ellis highlighted Sammy Nelson as a possible steal in the 2027 NHL Draft. The Notre Dame forward missed last year's draft cutoff by a few days and might have been a first-round or top-15 selection. Ellis praised Nelson's hockey sense and ability to drive play, adding that the older prospect could reach the NHL quickly.
During a recent Daily Faceoff LIVE segment, analyst Steven Ellis told Tyler Yaremchuk that Notre Dame forward Sammy Nelson stands out as a possible 2027 draft bargain. Nelson narrowly missed the previous draft's age cutoff, and Ellis believes he would have gone in the first round, perhaps within the top 15.
Ellis also noted Nelson's on-ice intelligence and ability to create offense with different linemates. He liked Nelson's prior work with the U.S. National Team Development Program and U18 squad, expects him to be a key NCAA player, and views him as an older prospect who could reach the NHL relatively quickly.
For NHL clubs, identifying a potential draft value like Nelson could shape draft strategy and fan expectations. For Notre Dame and college hockey, a breakout season may raise visibility and attendance interest. For Nelson, draft position may affect contract timing, development path, and financial opportunities. Fans and analysts may debate older versus younger prospects, but actual impact remains uncertain until games are played.