Which NHL Teams Need Landon DuPont the Most?
- For NHL teams sitting at the bottom of the standings in October 2026, 17-year-old University of Michigan defenseman Landon DuPont has emerged as the ultimate draft prize.
- The Vancouver Canucks sit at a total of 10 DuPoints out of 15, driven largely by historical lottery misfortune.
- The Chicago Blackhawks generated a score of 9 DuPoints, fueled by high desperation.
For NHL teams sitting at the bottom of the standings in October 2026, 17-year-old University of Michigan defenseman Landon DuPont has emerged as the ultimate draft prize. Daily Faceoff evaluated top lottery contenders using a metric called DuPoints to determine which franchises actually need the freshman phenom the most.
Vancouver Canucks Face Longest Lottery Wait
The Vancouver Canucks sit at a total of 10 DuPoints out of 15, driven largely by historical lottery misfortune. Daily Faceoff noted that the franchise has never won the draft lottery despite finishing the 2025-26 season as the league’s worst team before dropping to No. 3 in the 2026 NHL Draft. Positional need scores a 2 out of 5 because Vancouver already features Filip Hronek, Tom Willander, and other young blue-liners on the right side. The desperation factor sits at 3 out of 5 for the Canucks as they find themselves in a weird spot following the trade of Quinn Hughes.
Chicago Blackhawks Navigate Rising Pressure
The Chicago Blackhawks generated a score of 9 DuPoints, fueled by high desperation. Daily Faceoff assigned a 5 out of 5 desperation score due to mounting pressure surrounding Connor Bedard’s long-term future after another difficult start. Positional need ranks at 4 out of 5, as the team seeks a true game-breaker on defense despite drafting Artyom Levshunov in 2024 and acquiring Bowen Byram.
Los Angeles Kings Balance Aging Core
Daily Faceoff reported that the Kings carry a positional need score of 3 out of 5, noting an aging defensive group behind Brandt Clarke and Mikey Anderson as Drew Doughty enters the final year of his contract. Desperation sits at an unspecified level following summer acquisitions of veteran forwards like Mats Zuccarello and Corey Perry.
Calgary Flames Seek Homegrown Defense
Daily Faceoff pointed out that the Flames have never won a draft lottery and have not picked inside the top three since arriving in Calgary in 1980. Positional need scores 1 out of 5 for the Kings.
Columbus Blue Jackets Weigh Roster Uncertainty
The Columbus Blue Jackets match Calgary with 9 DuPoints, driven by a maximum desperation score of 5 out of 5. Daily Faceoff highlighted low average attendance, one playoff series win in a quarter-century, and lingering questions surrounding reigning Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski. Positional need sits at 1 out of 5 for now, though that figure could surge if Werenski departs via trade.
Philadelphia Flyers Lead the Field in Need
The Philadelphia Flyers lead all analyzed contenders with a total of 12 DuPoints. Lottery history scores a 4 out of 5, recalling when the club jumped 12 spots in 2017 to select Nolan Patrick second overall.
DuPont continues his freshman campaign with the Wolverines while maintaining the consensus top ranking for the 2027 NHL Draft. Sportsnet reported that DuPont is averaging nearly 19 minutes of ice time across his first four games while quarterbacking Michigan’s top power-play unit with five assists. NHL.com noted that DuPont lives with five freshman roommates, including fellow prospects J.P. Hurlbert, Cam Reid, Jack Nesbitt, and Kieren Dervin, while adjusting to college life and preparing for a weekend series against Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio.