JP Hurlbert isn’t just on the NHL radar — he’s firmly in the spotlight.
The Kamloops Blazers forward is ranked 10th among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft, released Monday, making him the only Blazer to appear on the list and one of the most highly regarded WHL players in his draft class.
In a year defined by elite talent at the top of the board, Hurlbert’s placement inside the top 10 in North America stands out as a major endorsement of both his play and his development in Kamloops.
Central Scouting’s midterm rankings also named Penn State freshman Gavin McKenna as the No. 1 North American skater, with Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg topping the International list after helping Sweden win gold at the World Junior Championship.
For the Blazers, Hurlbert’s ranking reinforces the organization’s reputation for producing NHL-caliber talent. While Kamloops has often had multiple players ranked at this stage, having a top-10 North American prospect provides a strong focal point for the club and its fan base.
Hurlbert has taken on increased responsibility this season, earning the trust of his coaches in all situations. His combination of competitiveness, hockey sense and two-way reliability has drawn consistent praise from scouts, traits that tend to become even more valuable as draft day approaches.
The 2026 NHL Draft will be held June 26–27 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, with the NHL Draft Lottery to determine the top 16 selections to be announced at a later date. Central Scouting’s final rankings will be released later this spring, leaving room for further movement.
For now, JP Hurlbert’s No. 10 ranking offers plenty of optimism in Kamloops, positioning the Blazers with one of the premier North American prospects in the 2026 draft class and continuing the franchise’s long tradition of sending players to the NHL.
