Top 2027 NHL Draft prospects Landon Dupont signs with WHLs Everett Silvertips
The Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Everett Silvertips have announced that they have signed the No. 1 pick from the 2024 WHL Bantam Draft, Landon DuPont.
The 15-year-old was granted exceptional status by Hockey Canada. Dupont became the first defenseman in WHL history and only the second player after Connor Bedard to be granted exceptional status.
The @WHLsilvertips have signed defenceman Landon DuPont to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.
DuPont, 15, was granted exceptional status in April prior to being selected first overall in the 2024 #WHLDraft and is set to play full-time in the WHL this season. pic.twitter.com/QvH0CnlP9s
DuPont racked up a whopping 19 goals and 43 assists for 62 points in 30 games for the U18 Edge last season, leading the team in points and goals with 19. He led the entire league in points by a defenseman.
Everett acquired the draft pick from Kamloops during the 2022-23 season when the Blazers traded 10 draft picks and four roster players to the Silvertips in exchange for Anaheim Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger and Washington Capitals prospect Ryan Hofer.
Everett begins their regular season on Saturday, Sep. 21 — vs Vancouver Giants where the 2027 draft-eligible product will make his triumphant WHL debut. The Silvertips also recently named Steve Hamilton their new head coach.
A Hockey Canada panel made the decision after watching, evaluating and interviewing Landon, the son of former Calgary Flames defenseman Micki DuPont. The panel also talked to his coaches, teachers and a psychologist who assessed his ability to handle such a step.
Eight players in total have been granted exceptional player status in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), of which include Connor McDavid, John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, Shane Wright, Joe Veleno, Sean Day and Michael Misa. DuPont will not be eligible for the NHL Draft until 2027, but the WHL’s next big star will get his career underway this fall.