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 

Draft Prospect Profile: Brooks Rogowski - RC

Draft Prospect Profile:  Brooks Rogowski - RC

Height:  6-6   Weight:  220          
DOB: 24-Jun-08   Age: 17

2025-26  Oshawa Generals      OHL    46-15-27-42

2026-27  Oshawa Generals      OHL

2027-28 Michigan State          NCAA

 

Central Scouting Preliminary Ranking:NS #14

Central Scouting Final Ranking: NS #21

Lines.com: https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts/player/brooks-rogowski

 

Notes: Big right handed center rated round 1 or 2 for the 2026 draft.  From Michigan, headed to Michigan State - currently scheduled for 2027, wonder if he might go in 2026.  Dropped 7 spots in the final CS rankings and may fall to round 2. 

 

Game Notes (2/6/26):  https://hockeystew25.blogspot.com/2026/02/february-6-2025-sarnia-5-oshawa-3-ohl.html

Rogowski has good size and is skilled handling the puck, able to weave through traffic to set up plays and get shots for himself.  Showed speed tonight on the back check as well as in the offensive zone.  Though he did not score (had one assist) he was dangerous all night, and had 7 total shots.  Goes to the slot and the sides of the net, plays the left side on the power play and generates chances for himself and others.  Missed a chance to break up a play that resulted in a Sarnia goal.  Shows why he has a first round ranking for the draft.  Currently slated to spend another year in the OHL before heading to Michigan State, but you wonder if the timeline might move up.  Currently near a point per game, would likely score more on a better team.  

 

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/915961/brooks-rogowski

 

The Hockey Writers:

https://thehockeywriters.com/brooks-rogowski-2026-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

"Brooks Rogowski is very hard to miss when he is on the ice with his size (6-foot-6), and he has the game to keep eyes on him throughout his shift. He is a player who took a bit of an unconventional route to becoming a full-fledged OHL player, working his way up from high school hockey in Michigan (Detroit Catholic Central) to being drafted by the Oshawa Generals in the second round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection Draft. When Rogowski is on the ice, one of the first things you notice is how well he skates for a player his size. He is a smooth skater and can maneuver well with the puck on his stick, but at his size, he will need to work on first-step quickness to help him get going a bit better at the next level.

"When Rogowski is fully engaged on the ice, he has the ability to be a game-changer, whether it is at the offensive or defensive end. Offensively, he uses his size and reach to shield off opponents and work himself into better positions. He does this very well in transition, which helps him get a shot off, and he has no issue firing the puck. This season he had a high shot rate (137 shots compared to 98 last season), and has the ability to bury as well. With his size, he is unsurprisingly a strong net-front presence in the offensive zone and has no problem parking out in front of the net to be either a screen or driving for a rebound opportunity. Taking on a bigger role this season with the Generals, he has also shown that he can be a strong power-play player.

"Rogowski’s overall offensive game is strong and simplistic, but still in the developmental stages. He shows plenty of flashes of being a player who can mix goal-scoring and playmaking ability on top of a power-forward style of play. He has plenty of upside and potential in his game for NHL organizations to like a lot."

 

Draft Prospect Profile: Malte Gustafsson - LD

 Draft Prospect Profile:- Malte Gustafsson - LD

Height: 6-4   Weight: 201        
DOB:  11-Jul-08   Age: 17

2025-26   HV71 J20    J20 Nationell      19-4-8-12

2025-26   HV71          SHL                     27-0-3-3

 

Central Scouting Preliminary Ranking:IS #8

Central Scouting Final Ranking:  IS #7

Lines.com: https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts/player/malte-gustafsson-41554 

 

Notes: Big. left defenseman who is still 17 on draft day.  Plays physical and carries puck well, makes good passes and shot is a work in progress.  Played majority of the year at the SHL level on a team (HV 71) that ended up playing a relegation series.  Scored will in the J20.  Has maintained a late first round ranking for the 2026 draft through the season.

Sportsnet.ca:

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/scouts-analysis-latest-ranking-of-nhls-2026-draft-class/ 

"Gustafsson is another towering first-round draft prospect. He has a presence to his game. Gustafsson isn’t shy about engaging physically and pushing opponents off his crease to clear shooting lanes for his goaltender to see pucks clearly. He’s also capable of occasionally rushing the puck and pulling up to make plays in the offensive zone. Gustafsson projects as a potential two-way/match-up defenceman at the NHL level."  

 

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/886275/malte-gustafsson

Game Highlights 2025-26: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXqoPYAroBw

 

Draft Prospect Profile: Juho Piiparinen - RD

Draft Prospect Profile: - Juho Piiparinen - RD

 

Height:  6-3    Weight: 203              

DOB: 10-Aug-08     Age:  17

 

2025-26  Tappara          Liiga                      29-0-3-3

2025-26  Tappara U20  U20 SM-Sarja       15-1-12-13

2025-26  Finland           WJC-20                 4-0-1-1 

 

Central Scouting Preliminary Ranking:  IS #6
Central Scouting Final Ranking:   IS #6 

Lines.com:  https://www.lines.com/nhl/drafts/player/juho-piiparinen

 

Notes: Good sized defenseman who is young for this draft class.  Got some games for Finland in the WJC.  Focus is on defense; offense still developing.  Near a point per game in U20, not scoring yet in Liiga.  Rated as late first, early second round for 2026 draft.

Elite Prospects: https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/925157/juho-piiparinen

The Hockey Writers:

https://thehockeywriters.com/juho-piiparinen-2026-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

 "Juho Piiparinen is one of the best defensive defensemen in this year’s draft class. Although he’s among the younger prospects this year, he’s incredibly mature and intelligent, using his hockey IQ to constantly put himself in the right position on defense. His smooth and fluid skating, highlighted by mobility and speed, helps with this as well. He is a true puck-hunter, constantly chasing down loose pucks and hounding opposing puck-carriers, often erasing chances in the process. He can defend in all three zones and knows when to use physicality to cause turnovers and win puck battles, but just as importantly, he knows when to step back and take a less aggressive approach as well. 

 

 "Piiparinen’s offensive game doesn’t stand out as much, but he still does some things well on that end. He absorbs hits well, able to keep plays going through contact. He also uses his positioning here as well, anticipating where pucks will be to help sustain possessions. His smarts show up in his puck-moving — while he doesn’t always make the high-risk, high-reward passes, he will make the steady play to keep the offense flowing, even if it doesn’t always directly lead to a goal. He doesn’t offer a big shot from the blue line, but like so many other parts of his game, he’s all about timing, understanding the right moments in which to put a puck on net.

Game Highlights 2025-26: 

https://faceofffactor.substack.com/p/2026-nhl-draft-profile-5-juho-piiparinen

 

February 6, 2026 - Sarnia 5, Oshawa 3 (OHL)

Brooks Rogowski  Oshawa General  24-Jun-08  6-6 220    RC  (2026 Eligible, CS NA #14)   

Rogowski has good size and is skilled handling the puck, able to weave through traffic to set up plays and get shots for himself.  Showed speed tonight on the backcheck as well as in the offensive zone.  Though he did not score (had one assist) he was dangerous all night, and had 7 total shots.  Goes to the slot and the sides of the net, plays the left side on the power play and generates chances for himself and others.  Missed a chance to break up a play that resulted in a Sarnia goal.  Shows why he has a first round ranking for the draft.  Currently slated to spend another year in the OHL before heading to Michigan State, but you wonder if the timeline might move up.  Currently near a point per game, would likely score more on a better team.  35-10-19-29 so far this year.

 

Aiden O'Donnell  Oshawa Generals  3-Jan-08 6-2 187 LW   (2026 Eligible, CS NA #84) 

O'Donnell was injured early in the year, then was traded from Brantford to Oshawa.  He is 38-10-11-21 for the season, and has good speed and skill.  Willing to go to net.  Has good anticipation and is able to break up plays and join the rush.  Mid rounds grade for the 2026 draft; ranking has dropped some due to injuries and less scoring than expected.

 

Brady Murnane  Oshawa Generals 23-Apr-08    6-3 200    LD  (2026 Eligible, CS NA #135) 
 Big physical defenseman that does not score much but is a mid to late round prospect for 2026 due to size and physical defensive play.  Broke up a rush and pushed the puck carrier behind the net.  Did join the rush a few times and had a shot on goal. 38-1-3-4 this year.

 

Vadim Smirnov  Oshawa Generals  16-Jan-08  6-0 181    LW  (2026 Eligible, CS NR) 

Mid-sized player with good speed that can carry the puck in and will go to the net front for opportunities.

Able to break up plays and carry the puck in.  Had several shots on one shift in the offensive zone. 

Came to the OHL this year after scoring well with Dynamo Moscow junior teams. 42-8-6-14 so far and not ranked for the draft.

 

Matthew Humphries  Oshawa Generals   28-Jul-08  6-4 196  G (2026 Eligible, CS NG 34)  

Big goalie with good stats but few wins on the year due to the team rebuilding.  Was very good early in the game but let in first two goals on wraparounds.  Ranked as the #34 NA goalie for the draft.  Good size and talent to work with but may drop through the draft as teams wait to see how he develops.

Alessandro Di Iorio   Sarnia Sting  17-May-08   6-1 176    RW  (2026 Eligible, CS NA #19) 

Speedy and skilled winger who is consistently a threat.  Stole a puck from the defenseman and had a shot close in.  Hit the crossbar from the slot on the power play.  Used speed to get a shot on the rush.  Skill level shows why he could be a late first round pick in the 2026 draft.  Was injured early in the year and scoring has lagged a bit - 31-12-9-21 so far, 1 assist in the game.

 

Beckham Edwards   Sarnia Sting   6-Jan-08   6-1 170   LC  (2026 Eligible, CS  NA #46)  

Good sized forward with scoring ability, 51-14-18-32 so far.  Had 4 SOG in the game but did not score.  Able to carry the puck well and get to scoring locations.  Central Scouting ranked him at NA #46 skater so coud be 2nd-3rd round.  Headed to Notre Dame in 2027.

 

Liam Beamish  Sarnia Sting  4-Jan-07 5-11 178    LC  (Undrafted 2025, CS NR) 

Beamish is a smaller player who was passed over last year in the draft.  Not ranked this year.  Energetic and always around the action.  Uses speed to keep possesion and set  up plays.  Kept possession on the penalty kill, was able to keep several puck in the offensive zone, had a nice steal and chipped a puck ahead to create an opportunity.  48-9-18-27 this year and headed to Penn State next season.  Will need to keep high energy and improve scoring to get a chance at higher levels.

 

Cameron Aucoin  Sarnia Sting 20-Mar-07 6-1 190    LD  (Undrafted 2025, CS NR)  

Son of Adrian Aucoin and older brother of Kaden Aucoin who is draft eligible next year.  Cameron is active and makes smart plays.  Decent scorer who will go to Notre Dame for the 2026 season.  Fell through the draft last year and so far is not ranked this year.  49-6-15-21 this season.

2027 Eligibles:

 

33  Kaden Aucoin  Sarnia Sting 14-Aug-09    6-2 184    RD  

Kaden Aucoin is the younger brother of Cameron and is eligible for the draft next year.  This year he is playing regularly but has only scored 43-1-2-3 while learning the OHL.  

 

31  Kale Ostipenko Sarnia Sting  7-Oct-08 6-0 165 G 

Ostipenko had 42 saves on the night and carried a shutout into the 3rd period.  May be someone to watch for next year's draft.

 

 

February 5, 2026 - North Bay 5, Windsor 4 - SO (OHL)

Ryder Carey North Bay Battalion  2-Aug-08  6-0 188 C (2026 Eligible, CS NA #212)  

Carey scored the tying goal in the 3rd.  Announcers were complimenting him on his  versatility and the sandpaper in his game.  Interim ranking probably puts him outside of the draft right now.  Currently 40-9-10-19 for the season, may need to score more next year to find a draft slot.  Plays on the second power play.

Evgeny Dubrotsev  North Bay Battalion  18-Mar-08 5-11 190 RC (2026 Eligible, CS NR)  

Center with good size and able to break up plays on defense.  Not ranked by Central Scouting for the 2026 draft.  49-6-16-22 for the season.

Parker Vaughan  North Bay Battalion  6-Mar-08 6-1 190 RW (2026 Eligible, CS NA #141)  

Had a goal on the power play and was aggressive in the 3rd period when the game was close. Went to the slot several times on offense to get chances.  Passes well in offensive zone.  48-10-14-24 this year and has a mid to late round ranking for the 2026 draft.

Ryder Cali  North Bay Battalion 6-Sep-08 6-2  201 LC (2026 Eligible, CS NA #22)  

Big center who is highly ranked for the 2026 draft.  Was very aggressive in the 3rd as the game was close.  Has missed some games this season and is 27-11-5-16 right now.  Made a good play from behind the net to set up a shot attempt.

Alexander Karmanov  North Bay Battalion 22-Mar-08 7-0 280 LD (2026 Eligible, CS NA #194)  

Karmanov is a huge defenseman that has only 12 games in so far and has 1 assist.  He is playing a conservative defensive game right now, and does show decent agility, passing, and puck handling.  He can occasionally get a shot on goal from the point.  Will be interesting to see his development next year before he goes to Penn State in 2027.  Ranked as a late round pick for the 2026 draft and might be worth a late pick for a long-term project. 

Caden Harvey Windsor Spitfires 13-Feb-08 6-1 180 RW (2026 Eligible, CS NA #178) 

Good sized forward with a late round ranking.  Can get into the offensive zone and let go a hard shot and create plays.  Could be a late round pick or drop through this year with a chance to jump into the draft in 2027.  Currently 49-8-14-22 and will have another year in the OHL before playing for Penn State in 2027. 
 

Beksultan  Makysh  Windsor Spitfires  24-May-08  5-10 175 LHRW (2026 Eligible, CS NR) 

Small but fast and agile player originally from Khazakstan who is fun to watch and is always around the puck.  Good puck control and shot.  Played in the Boston area for 2 years before coming to the OHL this year.  Not ranked by Central Scouting; would need to score more (currently 49-11-16-27) to be drafted this year, but could get consideration in 2027.

 

Ethan Belchetz  Windsor Spitfires  30-Mar-08 6-5 227 LW (2026 Eligible, CS NA #9)  

Belchetz showed why he is ranked top 10 for the 2026 draft.  Had a tip in on a point shot, showed he was able to carry the puck through checks on the boards, and had a nice pass for an assist.  Dangerous all night on offense.  Currently 47-30-19-49 and ranked NA #9 skater for the draft.
 

Michael Newlove  Windsor Spitfires 14-Jan-07 6-3 182 G (Undrafted 2025, CS NG #32)  

 Good sized goalie who had a hot start to the game, making several nice saves in the first half.  Had a misplay with the defenseman behind the goal that led to a North Bay score.  Dropped through the draft last year and is 18-2.88-0.885 this year with 1 shutout.  One of his goals against was a shorthanded breakaway.

 

2027 Eligibles:

Cam Warren North Bay Battalion 7-May-09 5-10 159 RC (2027 Eligible)
Took a penalty early but showed some speed carrying in later in the game.  39-4-15-19 for the season.

John McLaughlin Windsor Spitfires 14-Aug-09 6-0 172 LC (2027 Eligible)
Quiet game, spent some time in the slot on offense. Currently 32-5-4-9 for the season.

-------

AJ Spellacy had a solid game for Windsor. Played on a line with Makysh and Alex Pharand.  Won a couple of early draws on the penalty kill.  Was showing speed and went to the front of the net several times.  Took a pass from Pharand and skated it out front, the scored through traffic.  Used speed several times to create rush opportunities.  Now 39-11-10-21 this year.
 

Alex Pharand Windsor  RW - 
Had an assist on the Spellacy goal.  48-12-20-32 this year after coming back to the OHL from Toronto camp. No room in Chicago but could get another shot in the NHL. 

WJC Results

 2026 Draft Eligibles – results from WJC. Bold/italic is point-per-game players.

USA Reid Chase 30-Dec-07 6′ 2″ 185 RD R CS A 5-2-2-4
USA Rheaume-Mullen Dakoda 18-Dec-06 6′ 0.5″ 182 LD L CS W 3-0-0-0

CAN Carels Carson 23-Jun-08 6′ 1″ 174 LD L CS A 5-0-1-1
CAN Verhoeff Keaton 19-Jun-08 6′ 4″ 212 RD R CS A 5-0-4-4
CAN McKenna Gavin 20-Dec-07 6′ 0″ 165 LW L CS A 7-4-10-14

SWE Stenberg Ivar 30-Sep-07 6′ 0″ 181 LW L CS A 7-4-6-10
SWE Björck Viggo 12-May-08 5′ 9″ 172 C R CS B 7-3-6-9
SWE Håkansson William 8-Oct-07 6′ 4″ 207 LD L CS B 7-0-2-2
SWE Karlsson Casper Juustovaara 25-Oct-07 5′ 8″ 168 C L CS W 7-2-0-2

FIN Suvanto Oliver 3-Sep-08 6′ 3″ 205 LW L CS A 7-2-0-2
FIN Piiparinen Juho 10-Aug-08 6′ 3″ 203 RD R CS A 4-0-1-1
FIN Vanhanen Matias 11-Sep-07 5′ 10.5″ 174 LW L CS W 7-0-6-6

CZE Galvas Tomas 11-Feb-06 5' 10" 148 LD L CS NR 7-3-6-9 

CZE Novotný Adam 13-Nov-07 6′ 1″ 198 LW L CS A 7-0-3-3

CZE Vanecek Jakub 25-Feb-08 6′ 2″ 185 LD L CS B DNP
CZE Man Matyas 31-May-06 6′ 5″ 192 LD L CS NR 7-0-2-2
CZE Dravecký Vladimír 19-Dec-07 6′ 0″ 187 RD R CS B 7-0-0-0
CZE Orsulak Michal 26-Aug-07 6′ 4″ 220 G R CS C 4-0.860-3.20
CZE Stebetak Ondrej 19-Jul-07 6′ 1.5″ 173 G L CS C DNP

SVK Goljer Adam 7-Jun-08 6′ 3″ 194 RD R CS C 5-0-0-0
SVK Tomik Tobias 18-Dec-07 6′ 1″ 190 C L CS C 5-1-1-2
SVK Chrenko Tomas 2-Nov-07 5′ 11″ 170 C R CS C 5-5-3-8
SVK Nemec Adam 18-Oct-07 6′ 1″ 176 LW L CS B 5-1-4-5
SVK Misiak Alex 22-Jun-07 5′ 11.0″ 173 RW L CS NR 4-0-1-1
SVK Radivojevic Luka 3-Jan-07 5′ 9.25″ 165 RD R CS NR 4-1-4-5

LAT Smits Alberts 2-Dec-07 6′ 3″ 205 LD L CS A 5-1-4-5
LAT Murnieks Olivers 31-Jul-08 6′ 1″ 194 C L CS B 5-1-3-4
LAT Berzkalns Rudolfs 3-Mar-08 6′ 4″ 203 LW L CS C 5-1-0-1
LAT Klaucans Martins 8-Jul-08 6′ 0″ 190 LW L CS NR 5-0-1-1
LAT Flugins Karlis 11-Nov-07 5′ 11″ 185 RW R CS NR 5-1-0-1

SUI Steiner Lars 12-Nov-07 5′ 11″ 181 RW R CS B 5-1-3-4

———————-

CHI Prospects:

 
USA Spellacy AJ 24-Feb-06 6′ 3″ 205 C R CHI 2024 Rd 3 5-1-3-4
SWE Frondell Anton 7-May-07 6′ 1″ 205 LW L CHI 2025 Rd 1 7-5-3-8
CZE Nestrasil Vaclav 6-Apr-07 6′ 6″ 190 RW R CHI 2025 Rd 1 7-2-6-8