WHL 2025-26 Season Preview: Landon DuPont and the Kelowna Rockets headline stories to watch

This is the WHL’s first year in a new era of recruiting. 

While it’s true that the WHL has lost many stars – Gavin McKenna and Roger McQueen among them – the NCAA allowing CHLers has led to a surge in player recruiting across the league. 

Now, CHL rosters are filled with talent that otherwise would’ve played in the USHL or Junior A. The depth of the league has improved significantly, and the quality of play will follow. 

And behind the stars who left, new ones emerge: Landon DuPont, Maddox Schultz, and more.

Plus, there’s a new team in the WHL – the Penticton Vees – and the league will return to Chilliwack for the 2026-27 season. 

Overall, it’s a very exciting time for the league, so let’s take a look at some of the biggest storylines.

It’s Landon DuPont’s time

For about a decade, the Everett Sil