3 Hurricanes’ Draft Targets With 31st Overall Pick

Now that the Carolina Hurricanes have had their Stanley Cup parade, it’s time to shift the focus to the upcoming 2026 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo on Friday, June 26 (Round 1) and Saturday, June 27 (Rounds 2 through 7).

The Hurricanes have four picks: 31st overall in Round 1, one pick in Round 4 and two picks in Round 6. When it comes to their pick at 31, the Hurricanes are used to trading late first-round picks to acquire more picks in the draft. However, there is a slight chance they could keep it. If so, who could they draft at that spot?

Tommy Bleyl, RD, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Back in May, some of the staff at The Hockey Writers did our annual Mock Draft for the first round. At the time, the Hurricanes “held” the 29th-overall pick, and I chose defenseman Tommy Bleyl from the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

Bleyl is a high-upside defenseman who is mobile and offensively skilled. He had himself a career season with the Wildcats, finishing with 13 goals, 68 assists, and 81 points in 63 games. He followed that up with six goals, 22 assists, and 28 points in 21 playoff games. According to NHL Central Scouting, he is ranked 17th among North American skaters. Amongst defensemen, he’s ranked sixth.

Furthermore, he would be considered a Shayne Gostisbehere 2.0 for his ability to move the puck well, quarterback power-play units, control the blue line, and his solid hockey IQ in the offensive zone. He is a playmaker who can do it all and help in the transition. It also helps that he is right-handed because the Hurricanes need more players who fit that description in the organization.

Maddox Dagenais, F, Québec Remparts (QMJHL)

Shifting from the defense, let’s take a look at a possible center the Hurricanes could take at 31, if he makes it that far: Maddox Dagenais of the Québec Remparts of the QMJHL. According to NHL Central Scouting, he is ranked 15th among North American skaters.

During the 2025-26 season with the Remparts, Dagenais tallied 30 goals, 32 assists, and 62 points in 62 games. He followed that up with three goals and six points in 11 playoff games. He is a player who brings some physicality with his 6-foot-3, 197-pound frame, along with some scoring ability. The way he uses a high motor and speed makes it tough on defensemen. His skating makes it hard to contain him, especially in transition.

The way he can start some dump-and-chase plays gives defenders fits when he enters the offensive zone. Something that stands out with Dagenais is how relentless he is as a forechecker, which fits the Hurricanes’ system well. He is a perfect blend of Taylor Hall’s thumping hits and Jackson Blake’s puck pursuits, which makes him extremely dangerous in open ice.

Another thing that stands out for Dagenais is his lethal shot, close to Bradly Nadeau-level, and how he can shoot from anywhere at will. If he can cut into the middle of the ice, especially between the dots, he could be a force in scoring goals at a high rate. He is someone who can put pressure on the defense in high-danger areas consistently. Plus, he is a playmaker who can set up his teammates to score as well. He might be the best forward to fit within the Hurricanes’ system if available at 31.

J.P. Hurlbert, RW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

The last possible player to be selected at 31 is probably unlikely, because Kamloops Blazers right-winger J.P. Hurlbert might be drafted before the Hurricanes’ pick. Per NHL Central Scouting, he is ranked 12th among North American skaters. In his rookie season in the Western Hockey League (WHL), he tallied 42 goals, 55 assists, and 97 points in 68 games. In four playoff games, he had one goal and three points.

Hurlbert is highly dangerous with the puck on his stick. His control is unreal, along with his high offensive skill set, shot selection, and ability to do damage in open ice. His offensive IQ is undeniable when it comes to scoring and setting up plays. However, when he doesn’t have the puck, that is where it’s not as effective.

There seems to be a sense that Hurlbert lets plays come to him, almost playing a passive game. He tends to lose the dominance that he shows when he has the puck. Despite that, he can become an all-around lethal force on and off the puck. If there is a team that can develop Hurlbert to be an all-around force, it’s the Hurricanes organization. Moreover, he could learn a lot when he makes it to the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League (AHL). Wolves head coach Spiros Anastas and his staff can develop anyone, and putting Hurlbert on that roster in the near future could unlock something here.

Even if Hurlbert is available at 31, do the Hurricanes make the move for him or anyone else, for that matter? Or will they trade back out of the first round and receive more draft capital in Round 2 or later, like we saw last year at the 2025 NHL Draft? With them having only four picks, that could be the likely scenario.

No matter what happens, the draft is right around the corner, and the Hurricanes are always a team that makes solid moves every year. Assistant general manager Darren Yorke and the amateur scouts always seem to find diamonds in the rough and draft steals constantly. Will we see another masterclass from the Hurricanes on Friday and Saturday in Buffalo? Will they stay at 31 or trade back?