Weekly 2027 Draft Eligible Three Stars

The number two defenseman on Draft Prospects Hockey’s 2027 NHL Draft Ranking behind the University of Michigan’s Landon DuPont has started the 2026-27 campaign where he left off. The slick-skating rear guard has 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in 11 games.

2027 NHL Draft Prospect Report – Landon DuPont (RD)

Landon DuPont

#8 Michigan Wolverines. Right Shot Defenseman. 6.00/190

DOB: May 28, 2009

Landon DuPont is an elite-level defenseman who is responsible at both ends of the rink. Landon can contribute on the power play, 5-on-5, and on the penalty kill. His edge work and skating help him be aggressive on puck carriers and get into shooting and passing lanes.

DuPont’s vision and Hockey IQ make him stand out on the backend. His quick decision-making and precise first pass help his team in transition to get up the ice quickly. He is always moving his feet, looking for open ice and a soft spot in the offensive zone to create Grade A scoring chances for him and his teammates with quick tape-to-tape passes.

Landon Dupont is projected as the first overall pick in the 2027 NHL draft for his elite-level skill. He is a good defender who may get overshadowed by his offensive ability. I see him as a top pairing defenseman at the next level who will play big minutes on a nightly basis. He is always one step ahead when he is on the ice with the puck.

Top 20 NHL Draft Rankings

1 – Landon DuPont

Despite recent discussions and narratives, I still firmly believe DuPont is the 1st overall pick, and quite frankly it’s not very close. DuPont’s offensive upside and ability is a very evident trait, he is tremendous at creating space and open lanes, not just for himself but also his teammates, he’s able to force multiple defenders on him at once and create opportunities before they close in. Offensively he can essentially do it all, but what impresses me the most is his growth in other areas of the game, all while maintaining such a high level of offence, he has developed so much defensively in the last year, he is not out of position nearly as much, corrects himself much faster, and uses his skating to close on players.

2027 NHL Draft Rankings: DuPont, Neuenschwander, and Privalov Lead Round 1

The Elite Showcase: Scouting the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Landon DuPont, D (2027 NHL Draft Eligible and in contention to become the 1st overall selection)

The Tape: 5-foot-11, 192 pounds | Michigan Wolverines (NCAA)

The Analysis: If there was any lingering doubt about DuPont’s status as a projected first-overall franchise pillar, he single-handedly erased it in Edmonton. Wearing the captain’s “C” with a quiet, mature confidence, DuPont anchored Canada’s blue line with a masterclass in modern transitional defense. He plays the game with an exceptionally high processing speed, rarely turning the puck over under heavy forechecking pressure. His performance in the gold-medal game, racking up four primary assists on the rush and from the blue line, showcased a flawless hockey IQ. He doesn’t just join the play; he commands it.

Landon DuPont Dominates Beyond the Scoresheet

Landon DuPont had a game that was indicative of his entire tournament, finishing with only one point despite being by far the most dominant player on the ice. Canada was in rough shape early, being outshot 10-1, but DuPont never let that get to him and continued making plays on every shift even while the players around him were struggling. Earning the C on his jersey, he dragged Canada back into the game with a slap shot from the high slot to tie it late in the first period. While he didn’t find the scoresheet again, DuPont remained dynamic in the offensive zone, whipping the puck around and controlling play. His second point of the night nearly came when he set up Maddox Schultz in the dying seconds of the first period, but time ran out. He didn’t receive a point on Malik L’Italien’s goal to give Canada a 3-2 lead either, but the play couldn’t have happened without him. DuPont caused havoc in the offensive zone, crashed the slot and drew all the attention away from L’Italien, giving him the time and space to score.

December WHL Report: Seams, Speed and Structure – Early WHL Standouts for the 2027 Draft

D.O.B – May 28, 2009

DuPont has put up 15 points in 22 games, with two goals and 13 assists, while logging responsible minutes for a 16-year-old on a strong Everett squad. At six feet and 190 lbs, he brings a composed, structure-driven approach that translates cleanly to higher levels. He retrieves pucks with calm detail, using deception and subtle weight shifts to beat forecheckers and exit under control. His four-way mobility is excellent, allowing him to close space early, maintain tight gaps, and force opponents to the outside. In the offensive zone, he walks the blue line confidently, keeping plays alive without forcing low-percentage passes. DuPont doesn’t overwhelm with physical strength yet, but his reads, stick work, and route selection are mature for his age. With continued growth and added power, he profiles as a modern, puck-moving D-man who can handle top-pair minutes and provide steady power-play contributions.

Standout Prospects at the 2025 U17 World Hockey Challenge

Joseph was over a goal per game average with six goals in five games he played at the U17s on his way to leading Canada Red to a Gold medal. He also averaged nearly three points per game pace with 13 points. While he looked dominant offensively against players in his age group, when he returns to playing against older, more experienced defenders, he could work on varying his pace more frequently and attacking defensive structures more strategically. On the defensive side of the puck, that same approach would help him counter top offensive lines. While some see defenceman Landon DuPont as the current favourite to challenge for the top pick in 2027, however, Joseph is forcing his way into that discussion, especially as the 2026 draft class is seen as thin at centre.

DRAFTPRO – 2024 U17 World Challenge Review

Landon Dupont, RD (2027):