WHL's Landon DuPont Does Something Not Seen Since NHL Legend Scott Niedermayer In 1989-90
WHL's sensational rookie defenseman Landon DuPont has just done something that hasn't been seen since Scott Niedermayer did it in 1989-90.
It was a milestone weekend in the Western Hockey League. Everett Silvertips rookie defenseman Landon DuPont picked up a secondary assist against the Kamloops Blazers on Sunday and hit 50 points on the season.
DuPont is the first rookie defenseman to hit 50 points since Scott Niedermayer
The 15-year-old became the first freshman blue-liner to hit that mark since Scott Niedermayer did it with Kamloops in 1989-90.
DuPont earned WHL exceptional status last April, becoming only the second player in league history to do so.
The Silvertips selected him first overall in the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft, making him the league's first early-entry player since Connor Bedard.
Through 47 games, DuPont has been a force, recording 12 goals and 38 assists. He sits fifth in team scoring, leads all WHL rookie skaters, and is fourth amongst defensemen league-wide.
He has taken home WHL Rookie of the Month honors on two occasions. The Calgary product is eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft. Niedermayer, who played for Kamloops from 1989-92, recorded 190 points in 156 games.
In 1992 he led the Blazers to a Memorial Cup title and was named tournament MVP following seven points in five games. The Silvertips currently top the WHL standings with a 36-8-4-3 record and 79 points.
When DuPont eventually becomes draft-eligible in a few years, if he keeps up this torrid pace, there's no question he could easily be one of the first players to be picked in that draft.
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