Which NHL Team Needs Landon DuPont Most, According to Daily Faceoff?

As the 2026-27 NHL season approaches the end of its opening month, bottom-dwelling franchises are already eyeing University of Michigan freshman defenceman Landon DuPont, widely projected as the premier prospect for the 2027 NHL Draft.

DuPont Records Six Points in Five Collegiate Games

• NCAA Prospect Tracking: Fantasy managers and scouts are closely monitoring DuPont’s transition from the WHL’s Everett Silvertips to collegiate hockey, where he has notched six points through his first five games.

Assessing the Contenders Through the DuPoints Framework

To determine which struggling organization needs the 17-year-old exceptional-status defender most, Daily Faceoff introduced a evaluative system called DuPoints. The rubric measures teams across three specific categories: Positional Need, Lottery Misfortune, and Desperation Factor, generating a cumulative score out of 15.

The Vancouver Canucks sit at an aggregate score of 10. While their positional need ranks at a modest 4 out of 5 given an existing pipeline featuring Filip Hronek and Tom Willander, their historical lottery misfortune scores a maximum 5 out of 5. Despite finishing the 2025-26 campaign as the league’s lowest-ranked club, Vancouver slid to No. 3 overall in the subsequent draft, compounding lottery frustration.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks registered 9 DuPoints, driven by a scorching 5 out of 5 desperation factor. General manager Kyle Davidson faces mounting pressure following a difficult start to the year, and the organization is eager to surround cornerstone player Connor Bedard with elite long-term pieces despite investing in defencemen Artyom Levshunov and Bowen Byram.

Photo: Sportsnet.ca

Weighing Blue Line Depth Against Historic Lottery Woes

Earning a positional need mark of 1 out of 5, the Calgary Flames arguably have the least need for another top-tier puck-moving defense prospect, particularly a right-handed shot.

With just a single draft lottery victory in their history—moving from fourth to third in 2016—the Columbus Blue Jackets have otherwise only seen their position drop during lottery draws, most notably sliding from second to third in 2023.

Photo: NHL.com

Transitioning to the Collegiate Ranks

Before any NHL franchise secures his rights at the draft table, DuPont continues his development under Michigan Wolverines coach Brandon Naurato. Speaking on his adjustment to campus life and rigorous daily competition, DuPont noted regarding his daily routine:

Now that I’m beginning a new chapter at Michigan, the biggest adjustment has been living on my own. There’s no billet mom or my own mom checking my homework or making sure I set my alarm. I’ve had to become responsible for my schedule and manage my time.

The 6-foot, 190-pound blueliner is slated to feature prominently for Team Canada at the 2027 World Junior Championship before resuming his pursuit of a National Championship with Michigan. Scouts tracking his progression note that his elite skating, transition instincts, and composure under pressure have cemented his status at the very top of early 2027 draft boards.

Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.