Generational defenseman Landon DuPont is leaving the Everett Silvertips to commit to the University of Michigan for the 2026-27 season
On Wednesday, 2027 top prospect and Everett Silvertips defenceman Landon DuPont announced he has committed to the University of Michigan for the 2026-27 NCAA season.
By joining head coach Brandon Naurato and the Wolverines, DuPont instantly elevates Michigan into national title contention while navigating the next critical step of his NHL Draft development against older collegiate competition
Granted exceptional player status to enter the WHL as a 15-year-old in 2024, the Calgary native immediately lived up to the hype, claiming CHL Rookie of the Year honours with a 60-point campaign.
He found another gear this past season. DuPont orchestrated the Everett blue line with elite hockey IQ, smooth skating, and dynamic playmaking, racking up 73 points (18 goals, 55 assists) in just 63 regular-season games. He then took his game to another level in the postseason, registering 23 points in 18 playoff contests to lead the Silvertips to their first-ever WHL Championship and a Memorial Cup appearance.
DuPont’s move to the NCAA represents the new reality of top-tier hockey development. Following the recent eligibility changes that opened the door for CHL players to compete in American college hockey—coupled with the financial incentives of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation—the traditional development path is evolving rapidly.
DuPont joins a long list of WHL defenders heading south to the NCAA including Daxon Rudolph, Tarin Smith, Ryan Lin, Ethan MacKenzie and more.
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