“As the council continues its review of the full spectrum of NCAA eligibility rules,” Josh Whitman, athletics director at Illinois and chair of the council, stated in October. “This proposal, focused on a singular issue, represents a pragmatic step in aligning … men’s ice hockey with other sports in terms of allowable pre-enrollment activities.”

The decision is a long time coming for the NCAA. For years, the organization followed bylaw 12.2.3.2.4, deeming CHLers to be “professionals,” as some competed in the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League and Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League while being under NHL contracts.

The change in policy will allow programs across the United States the opportunity to attract some of the best players from the CHL. For several decades, major junior players have been left with the choice to either turn pro after aging out or play university hockey in Canada. Now, athletes will be allowed to pursue their education following their junior hockey career while also playing at the highest form of collegiate hockey.

This will also lead to programs altering their recruitment strategies. In the past, teams have been bringing players out of Canada from the likes of the British Columbia Hockey League, the Alberta Junior Hockey League and the Central Canada Hockey League. Now, players from teams such as the Brandon Wheat Kings, London Knights and Halifax Mooseheads can further develop their game post-junior.

Many fine points will have to be worked out in this new endeavor. Currently, CHLers who are NHL draft picks have their signing rights held by NHL teams for two years before becoming free agents. Conversely, players who have taken the NCAA route have their rights controlled through their graduation year, which usually lasts up to four years.

What scouts are seeing from DuPont is a truly special young defenseman having a season unlike any other. DuPont was granted exceptional status into the WHL ahead of the 2024-25 season, allowing him to play the full season as a 15-year-old. He became just the first WHL defenseman, and third in CHL history, to be granted the special status, and he hasn’t wasted it. Through 14 games with the Everett Silvertips, DuPont is already up to 16 points – giving him a full-season pace of 76.

For comparison, Connor McDavid – the best player in the world – had 66 points in 63 games in his 15-year-old season. John Tavares had 77 points. COVID-19 ruined Connor Bedard’s exceptional status season, but he was on pace for more than 100 points.

In the end, DuPont has the potential to put up the best ES season ever recorded – and he’s a defenseman. So it’s unsurprising that he’s been one of Canada’s better players through the round-robin, registering three points in two games.

“Nobody in this tournament is as skilled or smart as him,” one scout said in Sarnia, where the U-17s are taking place. “He’s on another planet – he’s so gifted with the puck. He controls the power play like (Cale) Makar. He’s special.”

At 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, DuPont isn’t huge by any means, but he’s 15. Most kids his age are still figuring out puberty. Like most modern-day defenders, DuPont is incredible with the puck, moving quickly and decisively. He’s more creative than any defenseman we’ve seen in quite some time. With the extra space, DuPont can absolutely take over a power play, either firing a hard shot or using it to take defenders out of position before setting up someone else.

But DuPont brings much more than just offense. He blocks shots, competes hard, and has the speed to get back after a scoring chance to break up a play. For his age, scouts have described DuPont as physically and mentally mature, allowing him to stack up against almost everyone.

Still, the WHL is a big step forward – especially since the league is known for its brutal toughness, at times.

“It’s a huge jump; it’s faster, the size difference is something, too,” DuPont said. “I feel like my teammates and the coaching staff have really helped me get my feet wet in the league.”

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