When we think of top rookies in the Canadian Hockey League, we always look back and think of Sidney Crosby, John Tavares and Connor McDavid. All three have not only been successful in their junior career, but also in the National Hockey League. Connor Bedard scratches the surface and Gavin McKenna is the top name for the NHL concept of 2026.
However, those are all ahead and we have not seen a dominant performance of a Rookie defender for some time. All of that changed last June when Everett Silvertips defender Landon Dupont only became the first defender to win the CHL Rookie of the Year Award since Bryan Berard did it in 1994-95.
If you have not viewed or heard Dupont so far, you might want to do it. Promised Exceptional status in 2024The Elite Puck Moving Defenseman is a top perspective that will continue to receive a lot of attention. What he did last season and what he will do this season will justify that.
Dupont exceptionally in all respects
It is never easy to get into one of the best junior competitions as a 15-year-old, but Dupont exceeded expectations and was exceptional in his Rookie season in all respects. He ended with 60 points in 64 games and added another 15 in 10 play -off games.
That type of production from the blue line is impressive. Needless to say, he was very grateful to his team for the success he had.
“It’s not that often that a Rookie goes to a club like that,” said Dupont about the Silvert tips season because they were the best regular season team. “We had a great group of boys and a great team … Coaching staff is incredible. I just have that to them.”
Dupont is only the third exceptional status player that Chl Rookie of the Year wins after Tavares won it in 2005-06 and Shane Wright in 2019-20. He is also the second youngest player who wins the prize behind Tavares who won it as a 15-year-old. Although it can be a difficult label to live up to, like many for him, Dupont did not pay attention to it and played his game as he knew how.
“I just try to leave that off the ice,” said Dupont. “I don’t pay too much attention to things like that. So I just try to play the game that I love and play with my teammates and lots of fun.”
Since 1990, Dupont has the fourth most points of a CHL defender younger than 17 years old, because he is behind Hockey Hall by Famer Scott Niedermayer (69 points), Francois Groleau (65 points) and Ryan Ellis (63 points). Dupont also has the fourth most points due to an exceptional status player behind Tavares (77 points), Connor McDavid (66 points) and Wright (66 points).
That is an impressive company for Dupont to be part of both past and present. To get those results, it takes a lot of time and dedication to get to that point. He was focused from the start and helped his off-ice training with the results in ICE.
“I am proud of my outdoor season,” said Dupont about the transition to the WHL. “Last summer I had a very large low season and I worked very hard in the gym. I try to push myself as hard as possible, so I can be ready for that next jump.
“Also only my teammates and those first few months in the WHL. You just try to get your feet wet in the competition and those guys helped me with that.”
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With a full season under his belt and his second season on the horizon, chances are that there will be an encore version of Dupont. If he is able to improve his Rookie production, heaven becomes the limit for him. It seems really possible given his ability to take control of a game and to be an attacking dynamo of the backend.
It all starts with one of the biggest prospects in the showcase with the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and you can expect it to stand out.
Dupont to play a key role at Hlinka Gretzky Cup
With an impressive Rookie season behind and months after winning the Top Rookie Award in the CHL, Dupont is ready to represent his country at the Hlinka Gretzky tournament. Canada will again have an abundance of talent, especially on the blue line and he will play a crucial role.
Just like Gavin McKenna, who was an important player before his concept year at the 2025 tournament, Dupont will do the same as he brings an impressive defensive unit for Canada to the buyer. With Keaton Verhoeff, Daxon Rudolph and Ryan Lin will also play a key role, Dupont will bring the offensive Flare that he showed last season and led the leadership for Canada.
Everything that Dupont does is at an elite level that can already translate into the pro level, almost Cale Makar-like. The trust, the skills, IQ and maturity at his age are clear and he excelled early in his career. His puck moving skills, mobility and speed skating and timing with his shot to find the shooting range is already impressive. He definitely becomes a powerhouse for Canada, making strong outbreak passes, a threat in transition and in the attacking zone. He is well completed, competitive and smart in all three zones because he sounds positive and never plays on plays.
Related: Success of CHL-to-NCAA pipeline hinges on Gavin McKenna
It would not surprise me if he became the “go-to” defender All Tournament, just as Matthew Schaefer was on the 2024 tournament and put his name on the map and was finally selected by the New York Islanders.
This entire season, including the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, serves as a precursor of what we can expect if Dupont is for the design in 2027. Last season felt like it was just the tip of the iceberg and we are going to see more of what he can do.
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