DuPont began this season with eight points (two goals, six assists) to help Canada as team captain win the gold medal at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Born in Calgary, Alberta, DuPont was the second player, and first defenseman, granted exceptional player status to play a full season in the WHL as a 15-year-old, following Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard in 2020. Players generally are drafted into the WHL at age 15 but can play a maximum of five games in the league at that age unless their midget team’s season has ended.

DuPont was selected by Everett with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WHL Draft. He was named the WHL rookie of the year in 2024-25 and became the first rookie defenseman in the league to reach 50 points in a season (60 points; 17 goals, 43 assists) since Hockey Hall of Famer and Kamloops legend Scott Niedermayer in 1989-90 (69 points).

Other A-rated skaters projected to be selected in the top half of the first round from North America are forwards Dima Zhilkin of Saginaw in the Ontario Hockey League, Alexis Joseph of Saint John and Carter Meyer of Quebec in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, and Brock England of Seattle in the Western Hockey League, and defenseman Brock Cripps of Prince Albert in the WHL.

Zhilkin (5-11, 195), who also is filing an NHL Draft Diary for NHL.com this season, is tied for the OHL lead with 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) in 13 games.

“He’s not only the smartest player on the ice, but the hardest working son-of-a-gun on the ice, too,” Stewart said of Zhilkin, who is in his second season as Saginaw captain. “He goes and he sets the tone for the rest of his team.”

Joseph (6-4, 207) has 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 13 games for the Sea Dogs. 

“At 6-foot-4, he uses his reach and strength effectively, but what stands out most is his hockey sense and ability to create scoring chances,” Central Scouting associate director David Gregory said.

Meyer (6-1, 176) has 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in 12 games for the Remparts.

“Carter brings a solid all-around game, capable of playing in traffic vs. top opponents and can be an offensive generator with his excellent puck skills and speed,” Central Scouting senior Eastern scout Jean-Francois Damphousse said.