There is a franchise-changing defenceman that is from Calgary. And no, I’m not talking about Cale Makar. 14-year-old Landon Dupont has received exceptional status to join the WHL, as expected by Elliotte Friedman in the last week’s Saturday Headlines. Dupont is a right-shot defenceman and is a top prospect in the 2027 NHL Draft.
Dupont’s developmental progression
Dupont has dominated at every level he has played at. In 2022–23, he put up 15 goals and 47 points in just 27 games played with Edge School U15 Prep. This year, he has produced 19 goals and 62 points in 30 games with the Edge School U18 Prep. Those are incredible numbers for a 14-year-old in a league like that.
The only other player to be granted exceptional status to join the WHL was Connor Bedard. Other players who were granted exceptional status to play in the CHL include Sean Day, Aaron Ekblad, Connor McDavid, Michael Misa, John Tavares, Joe Veleno, and Shane Wright.
What’s next for Dupont?
The exceptional status allows Dupont to play in the WHL full-time as a 15-year-old. Of course, the WHL is meant for junior-age players between 16 and 20 years old, so the exceptional status is a fitting description. He’ll be facing much tougher, faster, and most notably, bigger competition once he enters the WHL.
Getting an early year of WHL action as an exceptional player will be instrumental for his development and make him a top prospect for years to come.
The Everett Silvertips have the first pick in the WHL draft, and they will likely select Dupont to join their blueline. Start paying attention now, because if you haven’t heard of Dupont yet, you sure will once he gets going in the WHL.
