Red Wings Draft J.P. Hurlbert 23rd Overall

With the 23rd pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the Detroit Red Wings have selected J.P. Hurlbert from the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

About J.P. Hurlbert

The Red Wings added one of the most dynamic scorers in this year’s draft class on Friday night, selecting forward J.P. Hurlbert, a 6-foot, 183-pound winger from Allen, Texas. Hurlbert put together one of the most impressive seasons by a first-year Western Hockey League player in recent memory. Playing for the Kamloops Blazers, he recorded 42 goals and 55 assists for a total of 97 points in 68 games, finishing fourth in WHL scoring and earning the league’s Rookie of the Year award. His breakout campaign helped to cement his status as a first-round pick.

The 18-year-old’s rise up draft boards has been fueled by his offensive instincts and versatility. What makes Hurlbert such a solid prospect is his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. He possesses a dangerous shot, excellent hands in tight spaces and the vision needed to create opportunities for his teammates. Whether he is attacking off the rush or battling along the boards on the power play, he consistently finds ways to generate offense and keep defenders on their toes.

THW Prospect Profile Excerpt

Scouts generally view Hurlbert as a dual-threat offensive winger, though he has spent time at center. His primary weapon is an NHL-caliber shot. He possesses a “catch-and-release” mechanic that allows him to whip the puck toward the net almost instantly upon receiving a pass. This ability to generate velocity without needing a long wind-up makes him a nightmare for goaltenders, particularly on the power play where he often sets up above the circles.

Beyond the shooting, his intelligence is what separates him from the typical junior scorer. Hurlbert has a high-end ability to read defensive layers, often identifying gaps in coverage before they fully open. This spatial awareness allowed him to lead his team in scoring despite not being the biggest or fastest player on the ice. While his skating is functional and he plays with decent pace, some scouts note a lack of a truly explosive top gear, which is an area he will likely need to address to transition his game to the professional level.

Hurlbert doesn’t shy away from the competitive aspects of the game and has shown a willingness to engage defensively, even contributing to the penalty kill in Kamloops. However, he remains a finesse-first player. His value lies in his puck manipulation — using his hands to bait defenders into opening passing lanes for his teammates.

Read J.P. Hurlbert’s complete player profile here.

How This Affects the Red Wings’ Plans

Selecting Hurlbert gives the Red Wings another highly skilled forward to add to their growing young core. Detroit has spent the last several years building through the draft, and his combination of creativity, scoring ability and hockey sense fits perfectly with the organization’s emphasis on skill and puck possession. His offensive instincts could eventually provide the Red Wings with another top-six option capable of complementing established players on the team.

Drafting Hurlbert adds a layer of scoring depth to Detroit’s prospect pipeline. The Red Wings have assembled an impressive group of young talent, but adding a dynamic offensive winger with high-end playmaking abilities and a strong motor gives them a potential difference maker for the future. If he develops as projected, he will become an important piece of Detroit’s next competitive core and elevate the team for years to come.