Scout's Analysis: Landon DuPont like Connor Bedard, but on defence

One of my favourite tournaments to attend over the course of my career has always been the U17 World Hockey Challenge, an event that provides a look at some of the top future NHL prospects. This year’s tournament is being contested in Sarnia, Ontario, with two teams from Canada (Team Red and Team White), plus Team USA’s NTDP U17 squad, Sweden, Finland, and Czechia.

Several players have stood out to me so far, but the most electric future prospect is easily identifiable. Landon DuPont was granted exceptional status by the WHL last spring and selected first-overall in the league’s entry draft -- only he and Connor Bedard have earned that honour into the WHL. DuPont, a five-foot-11, 179-pound right shot defenceman has 16 points in 14 games for the Everett Silvertips this season.

Here's what stands out about DuPont’s game and how he projects as a future prospect...

When I’m scouting young prospects and involved in player development, I’m critical about three important elements they must possess as players:

• Skating
• Hockey sense (IQ)
• Relentless compete

Players like DuPont are offensively gifted and have usually led their club teams in scoring from a young age. Because of how naturally dominant they are early, sometimes the details of the game get lost in translation with highly skilled players. Their coaches, and sometimes parents, have stressed the importance of producing goals and assists to the point they skip the process of learning how to play the game responsibly on and off the puck. I could write a novel about the top young players I have viewed over the years who didn’t understand how much compete level was required as you enter leagues like the WHL. They sometimes aren't programmed to work hard enough against superior competition in higher leagues and their skill element doesn’t have a chance to flourish as a result.

DuPont's element is clearly thriving in the WHL, but the fact he’s also plus-15 speaks to his overall commitment. He’s wearing the captain 'C' for Canada Red at the U17 tournament, and has contributed three assists in his first two games.

Here’s a clip from the tournament that displays some of the small details that make DuPont (No. 9) an impressive prospect and goes beyond his point production.

DuPont outlets the puck to his teammate but, unfortunately, it's turned over in the middle of the ice. DuPont displays quickness to close on his opponent and deflect the scoring chance out of danger. When the puck ends up along the boards, his teammate chips it to him but DuPont has no place to go and a one-on-one battle ensues. Initially, DuPont gets knocked off the puck but he gathers himself, leans on his opponent with his body and stick, wins the battle and immediately attacks with speed up ice.

DuPont intercepted a scoring chance against and battled for possession. Small sequences like these go unnoticed by most viewers, but scouts are always on the lookout for how a prospect kills plays and battles in the trenches.

Connor Bedard on defence?

In my opinion, the look of DuPont’s offensive game is eerily similar to Bedard. They’re both right shots, similar in stature and powerful skaters in open ice. They shoot the puck in stride off the rush and have a very quick catch and release. They rarely allow opponents time to close on them and intercept pucks.

Here are two examples:

DuPont, like Bedard, is always around the puck and a threat to attack offensively almost every time he hits the ice.

He’s not eligible for the NHL Draft until 2027.

OTHER U17 NOTES

Here are some other prospects who have stood out for me at times this week:

Parker Vaughan, F, Team Canada Red

Vaughan plays for the Barrie Colts in the OHL and was their first-round selection (fifth overall) last spring. The right-shot forward caught my eye with his three-zone effort and energy. Vaughan isn’t a player who will move the needle as much offensively as some others in the tournament, but his reliable physical detail and willingness to check opponents defensively is apparent. He’s on my radar going forward. Vaughan is listed at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds. He’s contributed 2G-1A in his first 12 OHL games.

Ethan Belchetz, F, Team Canada White

Belchetz was selected first-overall by the Windsor Spitfires (OHL) last spring. He’s hard to miss because he's a massive prospect, listed at 6-foot-5, 227 pounds. His coordination is solid for such a big body. He’s clearly worked hard on his skating and combines his skill and movement to give opponents fits trying to defend against him. Belchetz has registered three goals and an assist in his first two U17 games.

Here’s a clip of one of Belchetz’s goals this week. The zone entry is started by Adam Valentini (Chicago Steel) who runs a very subtle pick on the offensive blue line. The sequence opens up some extra space for Belchetz (No. 5) to establish a playmaking opportunity, and results in a net-side tuck for Canada White.

Aurelio Garcia, F, Team USA

The USNTDP has a habit of developing darting forwards who combine skill and will. Garcia plays quick and fast, he’s sound defensively and showing he can attack off the rush in open ice.

Here’s a clip of Garcia scoring shorthanded for Team USA against Team Finland. He shows an extra gear, gains the edge on the offensive blue line and finishes the play at the crease: