Landon DuPont Enters Hlinka Gretzky Cup as Projected 2027 First Overall Pick
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The former Everett Silvertips defenseman is viewed as the early favorite for the top spot heading into the annual scouting showcase in Edmonton.
The 2027 NHL scouting calendar officially opens next week in Edmonton with the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, an event designed for draft-eligible prospects to make early impressions on league managers and scouts. While the tournament serves as a critical starting point for many, Landon DuPont has already emerged as the early favorite to be selected first overall in the 2027 NHL Draft, according to Sportsnet.
DuPont, a 6-foot defenseman who played for the Everett Silvertips of the WHL last season, is described by Sportsnet's Jason Bukala as a complete player capable of playing in all situations. During his tenure with Everett, DuPont recorded 18 goals and 55 assists over 63 regular-season games, adding five goals and 18 assists across 18 playoff contests. His combined regular season and playoff plus-rating stood at +79.
Sportsnet reporting highlights DuPont's elite offensive capabilities as a first-unit power-play quarterback, though he remains disciplined defensively. Over the course of the season, DuPont averaged nearly 24 minutes of ice time per game, with 2:17 of that workload coming on the penalty kill.
Following his time in the WHL, DuPont has opted to move to the NCAA for the current season. He is enrolled at the University of Michigan, where he will compete in the Big Ten conference.