Landon DuPont, the 17-year-old Everett Silvertips defenseman regarded as the top prospect for the 2027 NHL draft, is keeping his focus on Sunday's Memorial Cup final against the Kitchener Rangers despite lucrative NCAA offers featuring NIL deals reportedly approaching $1 million. according to the source, DuPont scored twice in Friday's semifinal to lead his team to a 6-1 win over the QMJHL champion Chicoutimi Saguenéens... He has stated that he is wholly focused on the season and the chance to win a championship with his teammates.

The nearly $1 million NIL offer DuPont is ignoring

DuPont's situation is unusual because of the scale of the opportunity before him. The report notes that top NCAA programs are pursuing him with NIL deals that reportedly approach a million dollars, a sum that would make him one of the highest-paid college hockey players before he ever plays a game. Yet DuPont told reporters he has not thought about the fuure at all, remaining locked into the season and enjoying the experience with his teammates.. That discipline, according to the article, includes ignoring the outside speculation while focusing on the immediate task of winning the Memorial Cup.

Why DuPont's early high school graduation isn't a tell

The defenseman recnetly graduated high school early, a move that makes him academically eligible to enroll in college this fall as a potential underage freshman. However, as the source reports, DuPont clarified that this was not an indication of his decision; he simply wanted to eliminate distractions during his draft year. His coach, Steve Hamilton, told the report that he has no involvement in the decision and does not discuss it with DuPont. This suggests the choice is entirely DuPont's to make, and he is not tipping his hand.

The 11-year WHL drought and Tarin Smith's injury: Everett's uphill climb

Everett's first WHL championship in franchise history ended a long wait for the Silvertips, but the WHL itself has not won the Memorial Cup since 2014. That drought adds extra motivation for DuPont and his teammates, as the source notes. Additionally,the team has been playing without captain Tarin Smith due to injury, thrusting DuPont into a larger role. Coach Hamilton praised DuPont's humility and impact, stating that the team would not be in this position without him, especially after Smith's injury. DuPont's performance in the semifinal underscored his ability to deliver under pressure.

Keaton Verhoeff and Gavin McKenna: two paths DuPont could follow

The report draws parallels between DuPont's situation and two recent CHL players who made the jump to the NCAA. Keaton Verhoeff, a defenseman with a similar birthdate, left the CHL early for the University of North Dakota. Gavin McKenna, after losing the Memorial Cup final last year with Medicine Hat, committed to Penn State. These precedents frame the choice DuPont faces: stay in the CHL for another year of development or accept an NCAA offer that includes NIL compensation. The source notes that McKenna's experience in particular mirrors DuPont's — a top prospect in the final, then a decision.

The unanswered question: CHL or NCAA after the final?

Despite all the speculation, DuPont's future remains an open question. The report provides no indication from DuPont or his coach about a timeline for the decision. It is unclear whether the outcome of Sunday's final will influence his choice, and what factors — development, money, draft stock — will tip the scale. Also unknown is whether any NCAA program has already submitted a formal offer, or if the NIL figures are merely projections. as the report states, DuPont is simply enjoying his time with the Silvertips for as long as it lasts, leaving the hockey world to wait.