Landon DuPont Questionable for Memorial Cup Semifinal After Late Scratch
Landon DuPont is questionable for Friday’s Memorial Cup semifinal after a late scratch; Everett Silvertips coach Steve Hamilton says he’ll be re-evaluated.
Everett Silvertips defenceman Landon DuPont, the projected top prospect for the 2027 NHL draft, was a late scratch for Wednesday’s round-robin finale and now faces an uncertain status for Friday’s Memorial Cup semifinal. DuPont, who turned 17 on Thursday, did not play in the 4-0 victory over host Kelowna but was on the ice for warm-ups, leaving his availability for the matchup against Chicoutimi in doubt. The OHL champion Kitchener Rangers await the winner in Sunday’s final, elevating the stakes of any decision on DuPont’s participation.
DuPont Questionable for Memorial Cup Semifinal
DuPont’s absence from Wednesday’s lineup was described by Everett as injury-related, with the team declining to specify details. The Silvertips advanced to the semifinal without their standout defenceman, but the organization has not ruled out his return if he recovers in time. Tournament officials and team medical staff will monitor his condition closely before a final determination is made.
The uncertainty centers on whether DuPont will be ready to face Chicoutimi’s physical style and their captain Emmanuel Vermette, who has been involved in heavy exchanges with Everett during the tournament. If available, DuPont would return to a defense corps that already weathered playoff attrition and in-tournament physical play.
Coach Hamilton Provides Update Without a Percentage
Everett coach Steve Hamilton declined to put a specific probability on DuPont’s chances of playing but signalled optimism. “If there’s a possibility, he’s in. He’ll find a way,” Hamilton said, adding that the club must balance competitive desire with player welfare. The coach emphasized that a couple of days of recovery could be significant and that Wednesday night did not feel like the right moment to put DuPont on the ice.
Hamilton also framed the scratch as precautionary rather than definitive, noting that DuPont was not visibly limited during pregame warm-ups. The coach’s comments suggested the team will follow medical advice and re-evaluate the situation ahead of Friday’s faceoff.
Hits and On-ice Incidents Behind the Decision
DuPont absorbed several heavy hits during the tournament, including a tangle with Chicoutimi captain Emmanuel Vermette on Everett’s opening shift against the Saguenéens. He also took a forceful collision into the sideboards during Monday’s game against Kitchener that left him slow to get up and visibly wincing. Despite that contact, DuPont remained in the contest and finished the game with a point and a penalty.
Those incidents have raised concerns about cumulative impact, and the Silvertips appear to have erred on the side of caution for the round-robin finale. Scouts and fans have watched DuPont closely for glimpses of the offensive and transition skills that have drawn comparisons to NHL talents, making his health a focal point of tournament coverage.
Silvertips Advance After Tactical Lineup Changes
Everett responded to DuPont’s absence by moving overager Nolan Chastko back to defence, where he paired effectively with Brek Liske. The Silvertips’ adjustments yielded first-period goals from Kayd Ruedig and Jaxon Pisani and a 28-save shutout from Anders Miller, who rebounded from a six-goal outing against Kitchener. The team also blocked 28 shots in front of Miller and credited a collective effort for advancing without their marquee defender.
The Silvertips organization pointed to playoff resiliency as context for the performance, noting the club has navigated significant injuries and roster changes this season. Captain Tarin Smith, who had skated alongside DuPont earlier in the year, lost his season to shoulder surgery during the playoffs, highlighting the team’s depth-testing run to the Memorial Cup.
Chicoutimi Loses Defender Jordan Tourigny to Suspension
The QMJHL champion Chicoutimi Saguenéens will enter the semifinal short-handed after overager Jordan Tourigny was suspended for the remainder of the tournament. Tourigny received a match penalty and a subsequent suspension following a stomping incident in Tuesday’s 3-2 loss to Kitchener, according to Canadian Hockey League communications. The disciplinary action removes a veteran presence from Chicoutimi’s blue line ahead of the high-stakes matchup.
Tourigny issued a statement through the CHL expressing regret for his actions and relief that Kitchener forward Christian Humphreys was not injured. Chicoutimi must now balance a defensive shuffle of its own while preparing for Everett’s transition game and the potential return of DuPont.
Semifinal Stakes and Draft Implications
Friday’s semifinal carries immediate championship consequences and broader scouting ramifications with DuPont under heavy observation. If DuPont plays, it will offer NHL evaluators another look at a player widely considered the top prospect for the 2027 draft; if he sits, his absence will test Everett’s ability to sustain a championship-calibre defense without its elite puck-mover. Kitchener awaits the winner on Sunday, giving both semifinalists a short turnaround and little margin for error.
Comparisons to players such as Cale Makar and Matthew Schaefer have followed DuPont through the season, but scouts caution that tournament minutes and availability often weigh heavily in draft conversations. The Memorial Cup stage amplifies those stakes, making every practice and medical update a signal for teams tracking his development.
The Silvertips said they will continue to monitor DuPont and make a decision based on his readiness and long-term health, with further clarity expected ahead of Friday’s puck drop.
