The New Blueprint: Landon DuPont and the NCAA Fast-Track to the NHL
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As top CHL talents increasingly pivot to U.S. college hockey, Landon DuPont's move to Michigan signals a shift in how elite prospects prepare for the professional ranks.
The path to the NHL is undergoing a structural shift, and as Sportsnet first reported, Landon DuPont is the latest high-profile prospect to embrace the evolution. According to the outlet, the former Everett Silvertips defenseman has opted to leave the WHL for the NCAA, joining the University of Michigan. This move mirrors the trajectory of Gavin McKenna, who made a similar leap one year prior.
Both DuPont and McKenna represent a growing trend of elite Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players transitioning to the U.S. collegiate ranks after being drafted. This shift has been facilitated by the NCAA allowing former CHL players to compete, a policy now in its second year. The impact is visible in the numbers: Sportsnet reports that while 10 first-round picks from the 2025 NHL Draft played in the NCAA the following season, that number has climbed to 14 for the 2026 draft class.
**Opinion: The Prototype for Readiness**
In my view, DuPont isn't merely following McKenna's blueprint; he is the prototype for a new era of elite prospects. By choosing the NCAA, these players are opting to face older, stiffer competition to accelerate their professional readiness. While some players enter the college ranks in their draft year to test themselves, the trend of top CHLers migrating after their draft year suggests a strategic calculation to maximize development before hitting the NHL.
DuPont joins a Michigan roster that Sportsnet ranks as the No. 2 spot in both national polls. He will play alongside a concentrated group of professional talent, including Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael Hage, Nashville Predators goalie Jack Ivankovic, and three first-round freshmen: Detroit Red Wings forward JP Hurlbert, Philadelphia Flyers forward Jack Nesbitt, and Predators defenseman Cameron Reid. Notably, Reid was a member of the Kitchener Rangers squad that defeated DuPont's Silvertips in the Memorial Cup.
Beyond Michigan, the NCAA is seeing an unprecedented influx of first-round talent across several programs:
* **Michigan State:** Sportsnet reports the Spartans will carry a record nine first-round picks on their roster under head coach Adam Nightingale, who is also coaching the U.S. world junior team. Newcomers include Utah Mammoth winger Ethan Belchetz, Seattle Kraken defenseman Chase Reid, Nashville Predators defenseman Tommy Bleyl, and San Jose Sharks goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen. Furthermore, Michigan State has welcomed Calgary Flames first-rounder Cullen Potter, who transferred from Arizona State. * **Denver:** The defending national champions, coached by David Carle, feature returning goalie Johnny Hicks and new defensive additions including Buffalo Sabres first-rounder Daxon Rudolph and San Jose Sharks first-rounder Ryan Lin. Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jack Pridham also joins the Pioneers. * **North Dakota:** The team is led by sophomore captain and first-round forward Cole Reschny. They have added first-round defenseman Carson Carels (Calgary Flames) and Toronto Maple Leafs third-round defenseman Ethan MacKenzie, while San Jose Sharks pick Keaton Verhoeff returns for his second year. * **Boston College & Boston University:** BC features returning Bruins first-rounder Dean Letourneau, Columbus Blue Jackets first-rounder Oscar Hemming, and New Jersey Devils forward Matias Vanhanen. Boston University is highlighted by freshman forward Caleb Malhotra, who was selected third overall by the Vancouver Canucks.
Other notable storylines include the presence of familial clusters in the NCAA. Sportsnet notes that Minnesota-Duluth features three brothers: Hobey Baker winner Max Plante (Detroit Red Wings), Zam Plante (Pittsburgh Penguins), and Victor Plante (Detroit Red Wings). Similarly, Notre Dame hosts three Nelson brothers, including 2026 first-round prospect Sammy Nelson and Danny Nelson (New York Islanders).
As these prospects navigate the collegiate system, the potential for individual accolades remains high. Ethan Wyttenbach, a Calgary Flames fifth-round pick at Quinnipiac, is cited by Sportsnet as a favorite for the Hobey Baker award after leading the country in scoring during his freshman year.