The was a guy on 247 who seemed to have some pretty good connections that Smith's injury was bad enough that he will not be coming here because he will not be 100% by the start of next season for what it's worth...
I'd imagine it is contingent on what he's given timeline wise on his recovery/post-surgery. He's a very talented player, but I can get hesitation if there's concern he's a 1 and done and you only get a half year
Personally, given we're currently rostering Begley, I don't see why you wouldn't take a shot on a guy that could be a game breaker, even if it's just for the back half of the year
Given he'd now fall into this category as hasn't committed anywhere, Levi Harper finishes with 3 games and no points at the U18s. Now is in a boot. Will be curious to see what his fall brings
Nice article on Thompson in the Eden Prairie paper.
https://eplocalnews.org/2026/05/05/rj-thompsons-road-to-team-usa-ran-through-eden-prairie/
Bode Laylin is heading to Everett. Very ok with building a pipeline with them
I’d be happy with Laylin, Meier and DuPont if we are building the Everett pipeline 
Kinda weird Laylin commitment hasn’t happened yet
I’d be happy with Laylin, Meier and DuPont if we are building the Everett pipeline
Yeah let's start with DuPont for this fall, then get Laylin and little Broten shortly thereafter for the future.
Definitely not saying he comes here but I think we have more of a chance with DuPont than media/social media would lead you to believe.
I’m also wondering if LaCombe’s playoffs pays dividends in the future for recruiting. Obviously a different coaching staff but what a great development story to tell prospects.
Definitely not saying he comes here but I think we have more of a chance with DuPont than media/social media would lead you to believe.
If Bode is going to Everett and he does end up a Gopher, you'd have to think that there'll be some more pull for DuPont to make his way to Minneapolis. That'd be multiple D core counterparts for DuPont to follow down.
Talking heads are not going to be big on Minnesota for headlines around Canadian players until they grab more than just Tarin Smith from up there.
Definitely not saying he comes here but I think we have more of a chance with DuPont than media/social media would lead you to believe.
If Bode is going to Everett and he does end up a Gopher, you'd have to think that there'll be some more pull for DuPont to make his way to Minneapolis. That'd be multiple D core counterparts for DuPont to follow down.
Talking heads are not going to be big on Minnesota for headlines around Canadian players until they grab more than just Tarin Smith from up there.
Dupont is being recruited now and will play NCAA in 2026-27
Also, he is 16 years old right now...his birthday is in a couple weeks so he would just be turning 17. Has he graduated high school yet?
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
On the potential Everett to Minnesota pipeline - Everett's head coach Steve Hamilton played in the WCHA for Northern Michigan from 1991-1995.
Coach Larson played for UMD from 1991-1995.
Coach Laylin played for the Gophers from 1988-1992.
All 3 guys were defenseman.
Stands to reason these guys know each other, or at a minimum have shared experiences that made it easier to build a relationship.
No other WHL coach played college hockey. 2 OHL coaches played a combined 3 years in the CCHA, and 2 QMJHL coaches played a combined 2 years in Hockey East.
Also, he is 16 years old right now...his birthday is in a couple weeks so he would just be turning 17. Has he graduated high school yet?
Can confirm. He graduated HS in February.
I know there is no way DuPont would ever be in college 5 years from now, but does his clock technically start this fall now with the potential 5 in 5 rule?
I know there is no way DuPont would ever be in college 5 years from now, but does his clock technically start this fall now with the potential 5 in 5 rule?
I believe it would
Apparently Anthony Bongo (RHD) is no longer committed to Michigan. I believe he was set to go this year. I don't know enough about him or their recruiting....do we thing that opens a spot for another recruit (DuPont for example)?
Would there be interest from Larson?
My guess would be no. Larson seems to prefer bigger D, also based on his interviews he seems pretty focused on WHL right now. Laylin is a better player than Bongo and would guess he'd be an top option after a year in Everett.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24131129/gallery_image.JPG "Hey_Sioux_Suck")
Apparently Anthony Bongo (RHD) is no longer committed to Michigan. I believe he was set to go this year. I don't know enough about him or their recruiting....do we thing that opens a spot for another recruit (DuPont for example)?
Would there be interest from Larson?
"Boy, every piece of garbage that comes into the market and you gotta buy it!" /s
My guess would be no. Larson seems to prefer bigger D, also based on his interviews he seems pretty focused on WHL right now. Laylin is a better player than Bongo and would guess he'd be an top option after a year in Everett.
Alright gotcha.
My guess would be no. Larson seems to prefer bigger D, also based on his interviews he seems pretty focused on WHL right now. Laylin is a better player than Bongo and would guess he'd be an top option after a year in Everett.
My guess is DuPont to Michigan. If that's the case, Everett D, Liske and/or Luke Vlooswyk should be on the Gopers radar.
My guess would be no. Larson seems to prefer bigger D, also based on his interviews he seems pretty focused on WHL right now. Laylin is a better player than Bongo and would guess he'd be an top option after a year in Everett.
My guess is DuPont to Michigan. If that's the case, Everett D, Liske and/or Luke Vlooswyk should be on the Gopers radar.
Yeah I'm thinking Michigan as well. Wish Larson could crack that code.
Daxon Rudolph apparently looking at Michigan State, Denver and BC.
Everett plays in the semis on Friday, then if they win the final is Sunday. Once their season ends the Landon Dupont saga commences.
My guess would be no. Larson seems to prefer bigger D, also based on his interviews he seems pretty focused on WHL right now. Laylin is a better player than Bongo and would guess he'd be an top option after a year in Everett.
My guess is DuPont to Michigan. If that's the case, Everett D, Liske and/or Luke Vlooswyk should be on the Gopers radar.
My guess is it’s either Dupont or no one. They already have Axel Lofgren, one of the best USHL defensemen, as 7D.
@johnny-five I definitely would like him but I feel pretty confident we will have a really good D core already. They need to be looking at centers. This team is terrible down the middle right now.
have seen lots of rumblings on twitter regarding some exodus at the NTDP
Carter Meyer (BU commit) is the confirmed one. Supposedly as many as 5 other names being thrown around.
Some chatter about dupont to mn to play with Smith. Probably relatively just speculation but we’ll need @arcticpurple to weigh in
Some chatter about dupont to mn to play with Smith. Probably relatively just speculation but we’ll need @arcticpurple to weigh in
I am counting this as a done deal. May as well have put in Committed Recruits thread. You bear the responsibility now.
Some chatter about dupont to mn to play with Smith. Probably relatively just speculation but we’ll need @arcticpurple to weigh in
I am counting this as a done deal. May as well have put in Committed Recruits thread. You bear the responsibility now.
Blame Flo hockey and the idea of young love lol
Some chatter about dupont to mn to play with Smith. Probably relatively just speculation but we’ll need @arcticpurple to weigh in
I am counting this as a done deal. May as well have put in Committed Recruits thread. You bear the responsibility now.
Blame Flo hockey and the idea of young love lol
Hockey Robinson, has a history of going public with bad leads. As I mentioned in the Hole, a month ago I would have said no chance he's a Gopher next year. I can no longer say that.
Some chatter about dupont to mn to play with Smith. Probably relatively just speculation but we’ll need @arcticpurple to weigh in
I am counting this as a done deal. May as well have put in Committed Recruits thread. You bear the responsibility now.
Blame Flo hockey and the idea of young love lol
Hockey Robinson, has a history of going public with bad leads. As I mentioned in the Hole, a month ago I would have said no chance he's a Gopher next year. I can no longer say that.
The CHL Memorial Cup final ends tonight. Then Dupont-mania takes over the college hockey world after that. Seems like we have a legitimate shot, although I’d still call Michigan the favorites at this point in time.
I’ll be honest I’ve only partially been following this situation but Dupont is 16, correct? Turns 17 before the season starts? There’s obviously a lot of buzz around him, if he plays college hockey, and if so where that will be. Do people think he’s that good that he’s ready to step into college hockey as a 17 year old? Like are we talking Kessel or Eichel? Also, is he the kind of player that if he wants to come to your program you make room no matter what? Even if he’s here for only a year?
I’ll be honest I’ve only partially been following this situation but Dupont is 16, correct? Turns 17 before the season starts? There’s obviously a lot of buzz around him, if he plays college hockey, and if so where that will be. Do people think he’s that good that he’s ready to step into college hockey as a 17 year old? Like are we talking Kessel or Eichel? Also, is he the kind of player that if he wants to come to your program you make room no matter what? Even if he’s here for only a year?
He turned 17 a few days ago. He's the favorite to be the #1 overall pick in 2027 so he's definitely at least on the same tier as those two guys, but he's a defenseman, which could make his ability to hit the ground running in college a little trickier.
But he's a guy you make room for without a doubt.
I’ll be honest I’ve only partially been following this situation but Dupont is 16, correct? Turns 17 before the season starts? There’s obviously a lot of buzz around him, if he plays college hockey, and if so where that will be. Do people think he’s that good that he’s ready to step into college hockey as a 17 year old? Like are we talking Kessel or Eichel? Also, is he the kind of player that if he wants to come to your program you make room no matter what? Even if he’s here for only a year?
He turned 17 a few days ago. He's the favorite to be the #1 overall pick in 2027 so he's definitely at least on the same tier as those two guys, but he's a defenseman, which could make his ability to hit the ground running in college a little trickier.
But he's a guy you make room for without a doubt.
Gotcha, thank you! Sounds like the Gophers are at least in the mix. Would definitely be a fun addition to what looks to be an already really solid D corps.
I’ll be honest I’ve only partially been following this situation but Dupont is 16, correct? Turns 17 before the season starts? There’s obviously a lot of buzz around him, if he plays college hockey, and if so where that will be. Do people think he’s that good that he’s ready to step into college hockey as a 17 year old? Like are we talking Kessel or Eichel? Also, is he the kind of player that if he wants to come to your program you make room no matter what? Even if he’s here for only a year?
He’s that good.
There aren’t many one and done Dmen so you’d think there’s a chance you get him at least two years. Next year is kind of a rebuild year anyhow so getting him in the mix at a young age would be fine imo especially if he has the high upside like others mentioned.
There aren’t many one and done Dmen so you’d think there’s a chance you get him at least two years. Next year is kind of a rebuild year anyhow so getting him in the mix at a young age would be fine imo especially if he has the high upside like others mentioned.
on the first part, if he's drafted 1st overall, i'd be really surprised if he plays a 2nd year. he's incredibly polished and an effortless skater at his age plus already has solid size
As far as rebuilding, I don't know if there's really "rebuild" years left now as a blue blood as much as retooling. All that's scheduled to leave are Murr and Begley in the back and Ludkte up front with LDP graduating in goal. I'd guess Ziemer will be pushed to sign but otherwise most of this team could be back again with having done the hard work of stabilizing the D this offseason. Of course you never know what happens with Smith and Henricks, but that's part of what's really impressed with Larson's pickups is that he's also maintained the class balance for the future too
Wheeler mentions the Gophers along with MSU, Denver and MI (his predicted landing spot) for DuPont. As has been mentioned before, the Tarin Smith connection and Larson playing with DuPonts dad as reasons for us to have a chance. He did also say he thinks we have more money to spend than what has been the case in the past.
Even Cale Makar played 2 years. As far as the rebuild comment that was more about this next upcoming year, after that it depends on the pipeline but hopefully the center depth is addressed by then.There aren’t many one and done Dmen so you’d think there’s a chance you get him at least two years. Next year is kind of a rebuild year anyhow so getting him in the mix at a young age would be fine imo especially if he has the high upside like others mentioned.
on the first part, if he's drafted 1st overall, i'd be really surprised if he plays a 2nd year. he's incredibly polished and an effortless skater at his age plus already has solid size
As far as rebuilding, I don't know if there's really "rebuild" years left now as a blue blood as much as retooling. All that's scheduled to leave are Murr and Begley in the back and Ludkte up front with LDP graduating in goal. I'd guess Ziemer will be pushed to sign but otherwise most of this team could be back again with having done the hard work of stabilizing the D this offseason. Of course you never know what happens with Smith and Henricks, but that's part of what's really impressed with Larson's pickups is that he's also maintained the class balance for the future too
@trixr4kids we should never ever have rebuild years in this day and age. Go get some guys from the CHL or portal. If they clean up in state this year I could make an argument we could be better next year.
In theory yes but I'm just looking at the roster as it currently is and making that assessment.
Even Cale Makar played 2 years. As far as the rebuild comment that was more about this next upcoming year, after that it depends on the pipeline but hopefully the center depth is addressed by then.There aren’t many one and done Dmen so you’d think there’s a chance you get him at least two years. Next year is kind of a rebuild year anyhow so getting him in the mix at a young age would be fine imo especially if he has the high upside like others mentioned.
on the first part, if he's drafted 1st overall, i'd be really surprised if he plays a 2nd year. he's incredibly polished and an effortless skater at his age plus already has solid size
As far as rebuilding, I don't know if there's really "rebuild" years left now as a blue blood as much as retooling. All that's scheduled to leave are Murr and Begley in the back and Ludkte up front with LDP graduating in goal. I'd guess Ziemer will be pushed to sign but otherwise most of this team could be back again with having done the hard work of stabilizing the D this offseason. Of course you never know what happens with Smith and Henricks, but that's part of what's really impressed with Larson's pickups is that he's also maintained the class balance for the future too
that’s why the “if 1st overall”. There is much added pressure for those guys to come through faster. If you’re getting in a D-1 season, that’s really your only chance of the 2nd year
This should be the Dupont thread from now until he commits
I hate that I’m actually getting my hopes up for Dupont but there seems to be legitimate buzz of Minnesota in his top 2 or 3. Granted he hasn’t even taken visits yet so we’ve still got a long ways to go.
I think at this point I'm in the mindset of "Well that would be fun" with DuPont. I think the Smith connection along with Larson makes it more than just a passing "Don't count out Minnesota" but I think if he prioritizes an NIL bag then so be it, the Gophs may not offer him the $$ he wants.
Everything written about DuPont makes me believe that he has a different character makeup than McKenna and isn’t necessarily going to just chase the biggest payday. He seems much more calculated and will weigh many factors, which will give us a real chance. All that said, obviously MI has a lot of selling points outside of just the money.
Everything written about DuPont makes me believe that he has a different character makeup than McKenna and isn’t necessarily going to just chase the biggest payday.
While that may be the case, I know what 16/17 year old me would’ve done if someone said “Hey come play hockey for our school, as a thank you we’ll give you upwards of a quarter of a million bucks!”