As is tradition for the program, a skater for the Michigan hockey team has heard his name called on night one, as the Detroit Red Wings selected incoming forward J.P. Hurlbert 23rd overall in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft.
Hurlbert joins an increasingly long line of Wolverines making the jump from the Canadian Hockey League. He spent the previous year with the Western Hockey League’s Kamloops Blazers, where he produced at a remarkable pace, tallying 97 points in 68 games played. Predominantly a winger, though he’s also spent time at center, Hulbert’s drawn attention for his defensive aptitude and powerful shot, demonstrating a sense of versatility that translates to a ceiling as a potent two-way forward.
A native of Allen, Texas, Hurlbert is a product of the U.S. National Team Development Program pipeline that’s unearthed some of American hockey’s biggest stars in recent memory. And with his NHL future decided before he even dons a maize and blue sweater, he has plenty of time and opportunity to live up to his lofty billing.
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