A Commitment That Could Reshape Michigan’s Future
Landon DuPont, the player many expect to be the first overall selection in the 2027 NHL Draft, announced his verbal commitment to the University of Michigan on Tuesday, opting for the Wolverines over rival suitors Michigan State, the University of Denver and the University of Minnesota.
DuPont, who has spent the last two seasons with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League, brings a blend of offensive skill and playmaking that has already turned heads across the hockey world.
In 63 career WHL games he has recorded 18 goals and 55 assists for 73 points, and he added 23 points in 18 playoff appearances. His early breakthrough earned him the distinction of being the only player outside of Connor Bedard to receive an exemption at age 15.
A Program on the Cusp
Heading the Michigan program is second‑year coach Brandon Naurato, who guided the Wolverines to a Big Ten Tournament championship in 2025‑26 and a third Frozen Four appearance in four years. Although the team fell 4‑3 in double overtime to eventual national champion Denver, Naurato believes DuPont can be the catalyst that finally breaks the school’s title drought that has lingered since 1998.
The commitment underscores a recruiting swing that could restore Michigan to the top of the college hockey conversation. With a blend of veteran leadership and fresh talent, the Wolverines hope to translate their recent successes into a championship that has eluded them for nearly three decades.