Red Wings draft Blazers’ Hurlbert 23rd overall in 2026 NHL Draft

The Red Wings trade their way into the first round and draft J.P. Hurlbert with the 23rd overall pick ☑️ pic.twitter.com/L6qOQaB0sf

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 27, 2026

The 18-year-old Hurlbert led all WHL rookies with 42 goals and 97 points. He finished fourth in the overall scoring race, and became just the third Blazer to win the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s rookie of the year.

Hurlbert’s exploits in Kamloops were also recognized by the Canadian Hockey League as he was named to both the Third All-Star Team as well as the All-Rookie Team.

The native of Allen, Texas is the first Blazer taken in the first round of the NHL Draft since Connor Zary in 2020. It also makes it 15 consecutive years where at least one Kamloops Blazer has been drafted into the NHL, the longest such streak in the WHL.

DREAM ACHIEVED! ✅

Congratulations to JP Hurlbert on being selected by the @DetroitRedWings in the 2026 NHL Draft! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/cQlGtk6x4t

— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) June 27, 2026

There have been 26 players drafted into the NHL over the course of the Blazers streak, including Kamloops native (and 2026 Stanley Cup champion) Logan Stankoven in 2021 and Red Wings forward Emmitt Finnie in 2023.

The Red Wings will be able to keep a close eye on Hurlbert next season as he will honour his commitment play for the Michigan Wolverines in nearby Ann Arbor. He’ll become the fourth-generation of his family to attend the University of Michigan.

Fellow Blazers forward Josh Evaschesen is also hoping to hear his name called this weekend, in his final year of draft eligibility. The 19-year-old finished with 33 goals and 73 points in 67 games last season, and was ranked 187th overall among North American skaters.

by Victor Kaisar

Red Wings draft Blazers’ Hurlbert 23rd overall in 2026 NHL Draft

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