Landon DuPont, a 17‑year‑old right‑shot defenseman, has emerged as the consensus top pick in the 2027 NHL draft, drawing attention from the nation’s premier collegiate programs.
During his two seasons with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League, DuPont combined offensive flair with defensive reliability, posting 17 goals and 43 assists in his rookie year and improving to 18 goals and 55 assists the following campaign. His contributions helped the Silvertips capture the Chynoweth Cup and reach the Memorial Cup final, cementing his status as a premier prospect.
This week the youngster will set foot on both campuses, touring Michigan State University and the University of Michigan as part of a rapid recruitment push. Sources close to the player indicate that a final decision could be announced within days, underscoring the urgency felt by both schools.
A Decision on the Horizon
Michigan State, still looking to bolster its blue‑line, sees DuPont as the missing piece after a recent commitment from Tommy Bleyl was delayed. The Spartans hope to pair the incoming defenseman with a strong defensive core that already includes returning veterans.
The University of Michigan, meanwhile, is no stranger to high‑stakes recruiting battles. The program previously contested with DuPont’s future alongside goaltender Trey Augustine, a rivalry that ultimately saw Augustine commit to the Spartans before launching a professional career with the Detroit Red Wings.
Augustine’s trajectory — marked by three Big Ten regular‑season titles, a Richter Award, and Big Ten Goaltender of the Year honors — illustrates the caliber of talent both schools attract. His recent signing with the Detroit Red Wings and assignment to the American Hockey League affiliate in Grand Rapids highlights the professional pathway that awaits top collegiate players.
The impending choice of DuPont will reverberate beyond the current recruiting cycle, potentially influencing future roster constructions, scholarship allocations, and the competitive balance between the two storied programs. As the hockey world watches, the decision may also affect the development pipelines that feed the NHL, including the upcoming American League presence in Grand Rapids.