Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen suggests that the Red Wings’ 23rd overall pick in this past weekend’s 2026 NHL Draft, one JP Hurlbert, should be considered among the team’s top 10 prospects already:
Based on how impressive he was (42 goals and 97 points) in his rookie Western Hockey League season and the fact that he will play this fall for an elite Michigan team, we are starting Hurlbert at No. 10 on Detroit Hockey Now’s Red Wings Prospect List and will adjust accordingly after we watch him until Christmas. But his scouting reports are too encouraging to ignore his potential.
…
“Obviously (Hurlbert) can score for sure,” said Detroit prospect Carter Bear who played against Hurlbert “He’s quick with the puck and can handle the puck well and he has good smarts for the game.” Bear and Hurlbert are roommates at the Red Wings Development camp. “Just getting to know him now,” Bear said. “He’s a great person. . . it’s going well so far.”
Even though the Red Wings claimed Hurlbert with the No. 23 pick in the first round, some draft analysts had him as high as 11th (The Hockey News, Ryan Kennedy).
The Blazers are a storied Canadian junior team and yet Hurlbert is only the third Kamloops rookie to score 40 or more goals. None of Detroit’s forward prospects have put up numbers like Hurlbert. Is he a can’t-miss? Of course not. Hurlbert was not a top five pick. Hurlbert is 18. He needs to work on his skating and other skills. He needs to prove his scoring touch translates to the college and then professional games. But scouts do like his NHL potential.
“He shows real good offensive instincts — he knows how to score goals,” Detroit assistant general manager Kris Draper said. “He can make plays.”
