Hurlbert didn\u2019t 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 \u2014 good for fourth in the entire WHL scoring race. With the playoffs around the corner, Hurlbert enters the postseason as a focal point for a Kamloops squad set to face the Kelowna Rockets in a highly anticipated first-round series.<\/p>\n
![\"J.P.](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/J.P.-Hurlbert-Blazers-3-1200x857.jpg\")
J.P. Hurlbert, Kamloops Blazers (Brian Johnson \/ Kamloops Blazers)<\/p>\n
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 \u201ccatch-and-release\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Hurlbert doesn\u2019t 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 \u2014 using his hands to bait defenders into opening passing lanes for his teammates.<\/p>\n
Other THW Draft Profiles<\/p>\n
J.P. Hurlbert \u2013 NHL Draft Projection<\/p>\n
Hurlbert has firmly established himself as a first-round pick. How high in the first round will depend on how teams weigh his elite offensive production against his average skating mechanics and defensive game. For now, he is arguably the most dangerous pure scorer available in the 2026 class. Considering his elite shot and hockey IQ, a team might take a gamble at his ceiling offensively and select him within the top 15.<\/p>\n
Regardless of where he is selected this June, Hurlbert\u2019s immediate future is already mapped out; following this playoff run and his subsequent draft, he is committed to play for the University of Michigan for the 2026-27 season.<\/p>\n
Quotables<\/p>\n
\u201cHurlbert is a very skilled scoring winger. He\u2019s very creative as a puck handler and passer while also having a good shot. With the puck, he looks like an NHL player, but his effort level and speed are average, and he can be pushed to the outside too easily. He projects as a middle-six winger who can help a team\u2019s power play.\u201d \u2013 Corey Pronman, The Athletic (from \u20182026 NHL Draft prospects: Chase Reid, Gavin McKenna and Keaton Verhoeff top Pronman\u2019s ranking,\u2019 The Athletic, 3\/10\/26)<\/p>\n
\u201cHurlbert leans shooter and goal scorer more than natural playmaker. He possesses a lethal release from the weak side flank, especially on the power play when setting up in the face-off circle. His three zone detail ranges at times, but tends to be average overall. Not a pure burner in open ice. Sturdy strong in traffic.\u201d \u2013 Jason Bukala, Sportsnet<\/p>\n
\u201cJP Hurlbert is an undervalued, high-impact offensive player whose processing and creativity consistently outpace his skating. While his pace isn\u2019t ideal, he mitigates it with strong instincts, finding space early, demanding the puck, and making decisive plays or getting shots off with confidence and intent. He\u2019s physical enough to win pucks and owns an NHL-caliber shot, though fatigue can lead to shorter possessions and some defensive inconsistencies tied more to role and stamina than awareness.\u201d \u2013 Austin Garret, SMAHT Scouting<\/p>\n
\u201cHurlbert is a high-IQ forward. This manifests itself in many ways. Whether it be pre-reading a play defensively to break a puck up, making split-second decisions in skill-chaining to deke around a defender, or making the right reads in the offensive zone in order to find himself in prime scoring areas with the puck. Hurlbert is difficult to miss over the course of a game because so many of his actions have noticeable effects.\u201d \u2013 Jesse Marshall, Faceoff-Factor<\/a><\/p>\n Strengths<\/p>\n Hockey IQ<\/p>\n Elite shot and release<\/p>\n Playmaking<\/p>\n High compete level<\/p>\n Under Construction (Improvements to Make)<\/p>\n Skating mechanics<\/p>\n Strength<\/p>\n Physicality<\/p>\n Defensive game<\/p>\n NHL Potential<\/p>\n Hurlbert\u2019s NHL ceiling is that of a top-six offensive driver who can anchor a top power-play unit, with the potential to become a consistent 30-goal scorer at the highest level if his skating and defensive game improve.<\/p>\n Risk-Reward Analysis<\/p>\n Risk \u2013 3\/5, Reward \u2013 4\/5<\/p>\n Fantasy Hockey Potential<\/p>\n Offence \u2013 8\/10, Defence \u2013 6\/10<\/p>\n Awards\/Achievements<\/p>\n Hurlbert finished his first and only season in the WHL with the most goals and points by a rookie and was named WHL Player of the Month for September and October.<\/p>\n Interviews\/Profile Links<\/p>\n J.P. Hurlbert Statistics<\/p>\n Videos<\/p>\n<\/p>\n AI tools were used to support the creation or distribution of this content, however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of The Hockey Writers editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards<\/a> page.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a>![\"SUBSCRIBE](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773428303_480_Substack_Banner_2025_Draft-1-1200x122.jpg\")
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