Landon Dupont, an 18‑year‑old forward who captured a WHL championship with the Everett Silvertips, has emerged as one of the most coveted names in the upcoming NHL draft. His 73 points in 63 regular‑season games, coupled with a bronze‑medal performance for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, have positioned him as a top prospect. As the draft cycle intensifies, Dupont is weighing his collegiate options, with the University of Michigan and Michigan State emerging as the leading contenders.
Draft Landscape Heats Up
The conversation around Dupont’s future is complemented by the rise of another standout, Gavin McKenna, who sits atop the 2026 draft rankings. McKenna recently met with the Vancouver Canucks at the Scouting Combine, sparking speculation about his potential landing spot. While he has not scheduled formal dinners with the San Jose Sharks or Toronto Maple Leafs, the young forward remains open to dialogue with a broad spectrum of NHL clubs.
Beyond individual prospects, the structural landscape of minor‑league hockey is shifting. The United States Hockey League announced plans to expand into Arizona, California and Nevada, adding three new franchises and swelling the league to 19 teams. The move follows the precedent set by the Madison Capitols, the most recent expansion club to join the USHL in 2014, and signals a strategic push to broaden the talent pipeline across the western United States.
USHL’s Western Push
The expansion of the USHL is more than a numbers game; it reflects a growing recognition of the league as a critical development hub for players transitioning to professional hockey. By establishing a foothold in emerging markets, the league aims to provide more competitive environments that mirror the intensity of major‑junior circuits, thereby accelerating player growth and visibility.
For aspiring athletes like Dupont and McKenna, the confluence of elite draft prospects and an expanding junior framework creates a fertile ground for strategic decision‑making. As they navigate commitments to NCAA programs or professional pathways, the evolving ecosystem offers multiple avenues to showcase talent on a national stage.