In the annual battle for the first overall pick, very early word is that one of three CHL players – d-man Landon Dupont, forward Jaxon Jacobson, or forward Alexis Joseph – is in line for the position. It is difficult to argue with this assessment. As an exceptional status 15 year-old last season, Dupont put up 60 points (17G 43A) for Everett in the WHL from the blueline. Dupont has 71 points (18G 53A) in 61 games this season, and the right-shot d-man uses ultra-smooth skating and exceptional patience and vision to control a game from the back-end.
Jacobson also is in the mix for first pick consideration. Despite lacking elite size (5’10” 183 LBS.), he has tallied 84 points (25G 59A) in 61 games this season for Brandon in the very physical WHL. Jacobson uses his high-level skill set and great anticipation instincts to diagnose plays before they even happen. Both he and Dupont represented Canada Red at the 2024-25 U17 World Hockey Challenge, winning a silver medal in that event.
Lastly we get to Joseph, a hulking 6’5″ pivot for Saint John in the QMJHL. Joseph has totaled 59 points (24G 35A) in 52 games with the Sea Dogs this season. Also, at the 2025-26 U17 World Hockey Challenge, Joseph was the tournament’s leading scorer with 13 points (6G 7A) in 5 games, and led Canada Red to a gold medal in that event. He combines his size with explosive edge work and a lethal shot to impose his will in all three zones.