Draft Prospect Profile: J.P. Hurlbert - RW

Draft Prospect Profile:  J.P. Hurlbert - RW    

Height: 5-11    Weight:  176            
DOB:  11-Apr-08   Age:  18

2025-26 Kamloops Blazers     WHL     68-42-55-97 

2026-27 Michigan 

 

Central Scouting Preliminary Ranking: NS #10

Central Scouting Final Ranking:  NS #12

Lines.com: https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts/player/jeffrey-paul-j-p-hurlbert-iii-41258 

"An under six foot creative scoring wing who has high end hockey sense, and puck skills and shot that  has teams intrigued.  Committed to the University of Michigan, where he can ramp up his intensity and develop physically. –Bill Placzek"

 

Notes: Hurlbert is a skilled right wing that was 4th in scoring in the WHL this season (97 points) and is headed to Michigan next year.  Spent a lot of time this year on the same line as CHI prospect Nathan Behm (who had 86 points), so CHI scouts likely had several chances to evaluate him.  Gets a first or second round rating for the 2026 draft.

 

Game Notes (10/3/25): https://hockeystew25.blogspot.com/2025/10/october-3-2025-seattle-7-kamloops-4-whl.html

 Highly skilled winger with decent size and good speed. Had a nice end-to-end carry in 4x4, some nice passes, and nearly had a breakaway. Got possession in his own zone, shot and scored on his own rebound. Played on left side on 4x4 and power play, moved puck and shot well. Had goal and several nice passes. Only 4 of 13 on faceoffs. Skills have him ranked high for the 2026 draft; he has 10 points in 4 games so far this season. Heading to NCAA Michigan in fall of 2026. 

 

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/804140/j-p-hurlbert

 

The Hockey Writers:

https://thehockeywriters.com/j-p-hurlbert-2026-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/ 

"The 2026 NHL Draft class has long been circled as the Gavin McKenna year, but as the Western Hockey League (WHL) regular season draws to a close, the conversation is expanding. One of the most significant movers is J.P. Hurlbert, the Texas-born forward who made the jump from the U.S. National Team Development Program to the Kamloops Blazers this past fall. 

 

Hurlbert didn’t just meet expectations; he shattered them, finishing the regular season as one of the most prolific rookies in the league. Over 68 games, he torched opponents for 42 goals and 55 assists, finishing with 97 points — good for fourth in the entire WHL scoring race....

"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. "

Game Highlights 2025-26: 

See:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56fMK96mOHE