DuPont opened this season with eight points (two goals, six assists) to help Canada, as team captain, win the gold medal at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Born in Calgary, Alberta, DuPont was the second player and first defenseman to achieve exceptional player status to play a full season in the WHL at age 15, following Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard in 2020. Players are typically drafted into the WHL at age 15, but can play a maximum of five games in the league at that age unless their midget team’s season is over.
DuPont was selected by Everett with the first pick in the 2024 WHL Draft. He was named WHL Rookie of the Year in 2024–25 and became the league’s first rookie defenseman to reach 50 points in a season (60 points; 17 goals, 43 assists) since Hockey Hall of Famer and Kamloops legend Scott Niedermayer in 1989–90 (69 points).
Other A-rated North American skaters expected to be selected in the first half of the first round are forwards Dima Zhilkin of Saginaw in the Ontario Hockey League, Alexis Joseph of Saint John and Carter Meyer of Quebec in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League, and Brock England of Seattle in the Western Hockey League, as well as defenseman Brock Cripps of Prince Albert in the WHL.
Zhilkin (5-11, 195), who is also preparing an NHL draft log for NHL.com this season, is tied for the OHL lead with 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) in 13 games.
“He’s not only the smartest player on the ice, but the hardest-working son of a gun on the ice,” Stewart said of Zhilkin, who is in his second season as Saginaw’s captain. “He goes out there and he sets the tone for the rest of his team.”
Joseph (6 feet 4 inches, 207 pounds) has 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 13 games with the Sea Dogs.
“At 6-foot-4, he uses his reach and strength effectively, but what stands out most is his hockey sense and ability to create scoring chances,” said Central Scouting Associate Director David Gregory.
Meyer (6-1, 176) has 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in 12 games with the Remparts.
“Carter has a solid all-around game, capable of playing in traffic against top opponents and can be an offensive generator with his excellent puck skills and speed,” said Central Scouting East senior scout Jean-François Damphousse.
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