JP Hurlbert scoring one of his three goals in the Kamloops Blazers debut on Sept. 20, 2025 (Image Credit: Brian Johnson/Kamloops Blazers)

By Victor Kaisar

Texas Tornado

Blazers’ Hurlbert cracks NHL Central Scouting Top 10 at midway point of 2025-26 season

Jan 12, 2026 | 5:49 PM

KAMLOOPS — JP Hurlbert’s exploits with the Kamloops Blazers have caught the eye of NHL Central Scouting.

The 17-year-old from Allen, Texas is ranked 10th among all North American skaters in the midterm rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft, which were released Monday (Jan. 12).

The ‘Texas Tornado’ is second in the WHL scoring race with 63 points and he leads all rookies in goals (26) and points (63). His 37 assists ranks second among all WHL rookies and fourth among all skaters.

JP Hurlbert has been named #10 amongst NA skaters in the NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings! 📈 pic.twitter.com/yljLPUvdWA

— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) January 13, 2026

Hurlbert was named the WHL’s Rookie of the Month in November and the Player of the Month for September/October. He’s also a two-time winner of the WHL Player of the Week award and a two-time winner of the WHL Rookie of the Week award.

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In October’s preliminary players to watch list, Central Scouting gave Hurlbert an ‘A’ rating indicating him as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. He’s set to play for Team West at the inaugural WHL Prospects Game on Feb. 18 at the Langley Events Centre.

Hurlbert is the only Blazer listed in the midterm rankings, as defenceman Dryden Deobald and goaltender Logan Edmonstone – who were both given ‘W’ ratings as potential sixth- or seventh-round picks in October – were not included in the latest rankings.

At least one Blazer has been picked in each of the last 14 NHL drafts, with forwards Nathan Behm and Tommy Lafreniere the most recent players to hear their names called. There have been 25 players drafted into the NHL over the course of the Blazers WHL-leading draft streak including Kamloops native Logan Stankoven in 2021 and forward Connor Zary – the only first rounder – in 2020.

Hurlbert and the 18-14-4-4 Blazers are sixth in the WHL’s Western Conference heading into this weekend’s games against Prince George and Wenatchee on Jan. 16 and 17.

The 2026 NHL Draft will be held June 26 and 27 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.

Gavin McKenna leads all NCAA draft-eligible players in points while skating in his first season at Penn State. He is the No. 1-ranked North American Skater in NHL Central Scouting’s Mid-Season Rankings presented by BODYARMOR Sports Drink.

Full rankings here:… pic.twitter.com/LvAiBfo2iy

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) January 12, 2026