Landon DuPont has been granted exceptional status into WHL
Landon DuPont was granted exceptional status into the Western Hockey League by Hockey Canada on DAY.
DuPont, a 14-year-old and a top prospect eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft, is the second-ever player from the WHL to receive exceptional status, joining Connor Bedard.
DuPont is the ninth player in Canadian Hockey League history to become exceptional, including Bedard, John Tavares (2005), Aaron Ekblad (2011), Connor McDavid (2012), Sean Day (2013), Joe Veleno (2015), Shane Wright (2109), and Michael Misa (2022).
“It’s unreal,” DuPont said Monday. “Those guys have done so much for the game of hockey and they’ve been so many role models to so many young kids out there. Just to be associated with those names is something special. I’m really humbled and honored to be along with some of those names.”
DuPont, a right-shot defenseman, has 62 points (19 goals, 43 assists) in 30 games with Edge School U18 Prep in Calgary.
He had 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) in five playoff games, tying the CSSHL U18 Championship scoring record held by Arizona Coyotes forward Dylan Guenther in 2018-19. DuPont earned CSSHL U18 Prep Championship MVP honors, and Edge won the CSSHL U18 title.
“The difference between Landon and some others who have been considered for exceptional status is that his physical maturity is on par or exceeded the top 2008-born players,” Western-based FCHockey regional scout Joel Henderson said. “Landon is a fluid, well-balanced, powerful bursting skater who can mold and adapt his style to play multiple paces and levels.
“He’s smart, versatile, and goes a mile if you give him an inch.”