The Everett Silvertips are set to select first overall in this year's WHL Prospect Draft.

On Monday, April 8, the WHL is expected to announce that Landon DuPont has been granted exceptional status for the 2024-25 season. According to the WHL's press release, the announcement will be made by WHL Commissioner Dan Near, along with representatives from Hockey Canada from Calgary. Once announced, DuPont will become just the second player in WHL history to receive exceptional status, following Conor Bedard in 2020. Other CHL players who have received exceptional status in the past include Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid and Joe Veleno. 

Listed at 5'11", 170 pounds, Landon DuPont had a season to remember at the U18 level. Despite only being 14 years old, the right-shot defenceman finished tied for third at the CSSHL U18 level with 62 points in 30 games. He would also have a remarkable postseason, leading all players with 16 points in five games and helping Edge School capture a championship. DuPont was also named tournament U18 Prep Western Championships MVP after tying former Edmonton Oil Kings and Seattle Thunderbirds' forward Dylan Guenther's tournament record for points. 

Once given exceptional status, DuPont will be allowed to play an entire season as a 15-year-old at the WHL level. 15-year-olds can play in the WHL but are limited in the amount of games they can play. This year's WHL Prospects Draft is scheduled for May. 9, 2024, with the Everett Silvertips set to select first overall. 

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