A Prospect-Loaded Race Headlined by Elite Production and NHL Upside
The Western Hockey League has unveiled its finalists for the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the WHL’s top defenceman, and the 2025-26 class might be one of the most talented groups in recent memory.
Split across the Eastern and Western Conferences, this year’s nominees showcase a blend of high-end offensive production, elite transition ability, and legitimate NHL projection. From record-breaking seasons to draft-eligible phenoms already playing top-pair minutes, the six finalists—Bryce Pickford, Jonas Woo, Daxon Rudolph, Landon DuPont, Tarin Smith, and Carson Carels—offer a snapshot of where modern blueline play is headed.
For fantasy managers and prospect watchers, this isn’t just an award race—it’s a preview of future NHL contributors, and in some cases, potential impact players.
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Eastern Conference
Bryce Pickford – Medicine Hat Tigers
Pickford’s season borders on historic.
With 45 goals and 83 points in just 55 games, the Montreal Canadiens prospect delivered one of the most prolific offensive campaigns by a WHL defenceman in recent memory. His goal total not only led all WHL blueliners but also shattered a long-standing franchise record.
From a scouting perspective, Pickford’s value lies in his ability to attack downhill. He’s not just a power-play shooter—he activates into space like a fourth forward, identifying soft coverage and exploiting it with elite timing. His release is NHL-caliber already, particularly off the flank or in motion.
What separates Pickford from many offense-first defenders is his efficiency. He doesn’t need volume to generate chances—his reads are decisive, and he consistently arrives in scoring areas with purpose.
Fantasy outlook: High-upside offensive defenceman with legitimate power-play QB potential. His goal-scoring alone makes him a premium asset in dynasty formats.
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Jonas Woo – Medicine Hat Tigers
If Pickford is the finisher, Woo is the engine.
Leading all WHL defencemen with 86 points (29 goals, 57 assists), Woo was the league’s most productive blueliner and one of its most consistent play drivers. His ability to distribute the puck under pressure and control tempo makes him a modern transition defenceman.
Woo thrives on puck movement. He processes the game quickly, identifies passing lanes early, and executes with precision. His power-play impact is particularly notable—he doesn’t just rack up secondary assists but actively manipulates defensive structures to create high-danger looks.
While not as physically imposing as some peers, Woo compensates with agility and awareness. His defensive game is rooted in positioning rather than force, which should translate well at higher levels.
Fantasy outlook: Assist-heavy, power-play driver. Projects as a high-end puck mover who could anchor a second-unit power play at the NHL level.
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Daxon Rudolph – Prince Albert Raiders
Rudolph rounds out the Eastern group as a pure specialist with elite power-play impact.
He posted 78 points, including 28 goals, with a staggering 35 points coming on the man advantage—setting a franchise record for a defenceman. That level of production speaks to his ability to run a power play at an elite junior level.
Rudolph’s game is built around his shot and offensive instincts. He’s constantly looking for seams, whether that’s stepping into one-timers or sliding laterally to open shooting lanes. His confidence with the puck is evident, especially when operating at the blue line under pressure.
The question with Rudolph will be translatability. His impact is heavily tied to offensive situations, and his even-strength play still has areas to refine. However, as a specialist, his upside remains intriguing.
Fantasy outlook: Boom-or-bust offensive defenceman. If he earns NHL power-play time, there’s value—but his path is less certain than others on this list.
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Western Conference
Landon DuPont – Everett Silvertips
At just 16 years old, DuPont isn’t just a finalist—he’s arguably the most impressive player on this list.
Recording 73 points in 63 games while posting a league-best +59 rating, DuPont played a pivotal role in leading Everett to the top of the standings. His ability to control play at such a young age is rare.
DuPont’s game is defined by poise. He doesn’t rush decisions, even under pressure, and consistently makes the right play. His skating is fluid, allowing him to escape forechecks and transition the puck efficiently.
What stands out most is his versatility. DuPont contributes in all three zones—he can quarterback a power play, kill penalties, and match up against top lines. That well-rounded profile is what separates elite prospects from good ones.
Fantasy outlook: Potential top-pair NHL defenceman with multi-category upside. Long-term ceiling is extremely high.
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Tarin Smith – Everett Silvertips
Smith may not have the same hype as DuPont, but his résumé is just as impressive.
The Silvertips captain recorded 71 points and became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer among defencemen. His leadership and consistency have been key factors in Everett’s success.
Smith’s game is built on reliability. He’s not flashy, but he’s incredibly effective. His puck movement is crisp, his positioning is sound, and he rarely makes costly mistakes.
Offensively, Smith contributes through smart activation and efficient puck distribution. He’s not a high-volume shooter, but he knows when to join the rush and how to create secondary opportunities.
Fantasy outlook: Lower ceiling than DuPont but a high-floor prospect. Projects as a reliable NHL defenceman who can contribute modest offense.
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Carson Carels – Prince George Cougars
Carels might be the most intriguing NHL prospect of the group.
With 73 points in 58 games and experience representing Canada at the World Juniors, he has already established himself as a high-end draft candidate. His combination of production and international experience adds significant weight to his profile.
Carels is a dynamic puck mover with strong offensive instincts. He excels in transition, using his skating to push pace and create controlled entries. His vision allows him to find teammates in high-danger areas, making him a consistent playmaker.
Defensively, Carels is still developing, but his mobility helps him recover and close gaps effectively. As he adds strength, his overall game should round out nicely.
Fantasy outlook: High-upside offensive defenceman with top-four NHL potential. If his defensive game progresses, he could become a power-play contributor at the next level.
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Final Thoughts: Who Has the Edge?
This year’s Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy race highlights two distinct archetypes of elite WHL defencemen.
The Eastern Conference finalists—Pickford, Woo, and Rudolph—are defined by overwhelming offensive output. They’ve dominated the scoresheet and showcased elite power-play abilities, making them highly appealing from a fantasy perspective.
Meanwhile, the Western Conference trio—DuPont, Smith, and Carels—offers a more balanced profile. Their games project more cleanly to the NHL, with strong two-way play complementing their offensive contributions.
If this award were based purely on production, Pickford or Woo would be difficult to overlook. But when factoring in age, role, and overall impact, DuPont’s season as a 16-year-old might be the most impressive of all.
Ultimately, the winner will come down to how voters weigh offense versus overall impact.
For prospect watchers, though, the takeaway is clear: this group represents the next wave of WHL defencemen poised to make an impact at the professional level. Whether it’s Pickford’s goal-scoring, Woo’s playmaking, or DuPont’s all-around brilliance, each finalist brings a unique skill set that could translate into NHL success.
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