14-year-old Landon Dupont granted exceptional status
Landon Dupont, at just 14 years old, has been granted exceptional status by the CHL, making him the first player to receive this designation since Connor Bedard.
Calgary native Landon DuPont is poised to become the next player granted exceptional status by the CHL. Sportsnet's Eric Francis reports that the league will officially announce this decision on Monday, April 8.
The news of the 14-year-old defenseman potentially receiving exceptional status was first revealed by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on a Saturday Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada on March 30. While the decision had been in the works, a specific announcement date had not been confirmed until now.
He'll be the ninth player in CHL history, and second in the WHL behind Connor Bedard, to be cleared to play junior at age 15.
A standout with Edge School's U18 Prep team this year, the 5-foot-11, 170-pound defenceman had 24 goals and 78 points in 35 games.
He'll undoubtedly be the first pick overall by Everett in the upcoming WHL draft.
A Hockey Canada panel made the decision after watching, evaluating and interviewing the son of former Calgary Flames defenceman Micki DuPont, as well as talking to his coaches, teachers and a psychologist who assessed his ability to handle such a step.
The list of players who've previously been given such status includes, Connor McDavid, John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, Shane Wright, Joe Veleno, Sean Day and Michael Misa.
DuPont isn't eligible for the NHL draft until 2027.
This exceptional status designation will allow DuPont to play full-time in the league at just 15 years old. The decision was made by a Hockey Canada panel after thorough evaluations of DuPont's skills, as well as consultations with his coaches, teachers, and a psychologist to assess his readiness for such a step.
Fans of the Everett Silvertips can look forward to DuPont's arrival, as the team recently secured the No. 1 overall pick in the WHL Prospects Draft.
DuPont will join a select group of players in CHL history to receive exceptional status, including Connor Bedard, who is currently playing in the WHL.
In the 2023-24 season, DuPont showcased impressive stats with 24 goals and 54 assists in 35 games while playing with the Edge School U-18 Prep team in Calgary. He is also the son of former Calgary Flames defenseman Micki DuPont.
As seen on SportsnetLandon DuPont to be granted exceptional status
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5 AVRIL | 34 ANSWERS 14-year-old Landon Dupont granted exceptional status Do you think Landon Dupont will emerge as a Norris Trophy defenseman? | ||
| Yes | 10 | 29.4 % |
| No | 24 | 70.6 % |
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