The 2026 Memorial Cup, held in early June, gathered the elite junior teams from across the country, but the tournament’s narrative has been dominated by the offensive firepower of the Everett Silvertips and the Kitchener Rangers.
Defensive Anchor: Landon DuPont
Among the Silvertips, defenseman Landon DuPont has emerged as a defensive anchor who also contributes offensively, having posted the second‑highest scoring season for a 16‑year‑old blueliner in WHL history.
Analysts have drawn comparisons between DuPont and NHL veterans such as Doug Bodger, Jim Benning and Scott Niedermayer, noting his blend of physicality and puck‑moving skill.
Despite playing through a lingering injury, DuPont returned for a decisive victory, underscoring his resilience and cementing his status as a top prospect for the upcoming draft.
Playmaking Forward: Matias Vanhanen
On the forward line, Matias Vanhanen has led the Silvertips in scoring, leveraging his playmaking instincts and relentless motor to create chances for his teammates.
Having honed his game in Finland’s U20 league and Liiga before joining the Silvertips, Vanhanen brings an international pedigree that adds depth to his offensive contributions.
Surprise Call‑up: Nathan Lecompte
For the Rangers, center Nathan Lecompte has driven the team’s offense with a dynamic style that caught the attention of the New Jersey Devils during their recent training camp.
Lecompte’s father, former first‑round pick Eric Lecompte, adds a family legacy to his son’s draft story, while the youngster is slated to enroll at Northeastern University next season.
The Draft Question: Jack Pridham
Another Rangers prospect, forward Jack Pridham, has dominated the OHL as a scorer and is now reconsidering his eligibility for the 2025 draft, a move that could affect his future affiliation with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Pridham’s potential NCAA commitment introduces uncertainty regarding his immediate NHL trajectory, but his recent performances have kept him firmly in the conversation among scouts.