Landon DuPont draws comparisons to Connor Bedard but on defense

PUBLICATION

Graham Montgomery
April 8, 2024 (9:10 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

There is a new prospect generating buzz out of Western Canada this year. His name is Landon DuPont and he's a 14 year old defenseman. He will be playing in the WHL next season a year early after he was granted exceptional status.

Scouts have had nothing but amazing things to say about him. He's draw comparisons to some of the best defenseman in the league, as well as other top prospects. Scouts have even called him "generational" with sincerity. Those kinds of players are extremely rare. Safe to say, DuPont is the early favorite to go 1st overall in the 2027 NHL draft.

«No question.»
«No brainer.»
«Generational.»
«Special at his age.»
«The best player I've ever seen individually.»

Introducing Landon DuPont, the WHL's second exceptional status player.

Puck preps head scout Joel Henderson was highly complimentary of DuPont this season. He even noted that he would have gone 1st overall in the WHL draft a year earlier if he was eligible, showcasing how far ahead of other players he is development wise.

"The case to make for exceptional status is easy for Landon DuPont. If he was in the 2023 WHL draft a year earlier, he would have gone 1st overall. He skates with power and agility, controls possession with purpose, and can change gears on a dime. If you're a fan of the way Bowen Byram plays hockey, you'll love Landon. He's most likely going to dominate the WHL."

DuPont is just the second player to ever be granted exceptional status in the WHL. The other one? Connor Bedard. Bedard recently sent a message for DuPont after his historic accomplishment.

From one exceptional status player to another 🤝

Connor Bedard shares a special message to Landon DuPont!

Source: HouseofHockey
14-year-old defenseman Landon DuPont breaks one of Bedard's records