Kamloops Blazers product JP Hurlburt, who is expected to go in the first round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft/via Kamloops Blazers
NHL Central Scouting has released its final rankings heading into the Draft this summer – and JP Hurlburt is ranked 12th amongst North American skaters.
After a 97 point rookie season, the Texas native dropped two spots from 10th in the mid-term rankings.
Hurlbert’s progress is being closely monitored by NHL teams, and represented the Blazers in both the CHL and the WHL Top Prospect games.
The 17-year old left the US National Development Program to join the Blazers for his draft year.
The young man from Allen, Texas isn’t the only Blazer who appears on Central Scouting’s list of the top Draft-eligible players.
Kamloops Blazers product Josh Evaschesen, who has made NHL Central Scouting’s final NHL Entry Draft list of players to watch at this summer’s draft/via Kamloops Blazers
Forward Josh Evaschesen has finally caught the eye of the NHL’s talent recruitment brain-trust.
Evaschesen is now listed at 187th in the final Draft-eligible player rankings, after being passed over for consideration in the mid-terms.
The 19-year old from Medicine Hat, AB scored 33 goals and added 40 assists for 73 points in 67 games with the Blazers this past season.
It was his first foray into the WHL this season after he caught the eye of GM Shaun Clouston and the rest of the Blazers’ front office management while playing the season before with the Trail Smoke Eaters in the BCHL.
With JP Hurlbert a likely first-round pick, there is little doubt the Blazers will continue the streak of having at least one player drafted into the NHL per season.
Having developed talent worthy of being selected in the NHL Entry Draft the previous 14 years, the Blazers streak is almost certain to grow to 15 drafted players — the longest active streak in the WHL — when this summer’s Draft takes place in Buffalo on June 26-27.
Overall, Penn State forward and former Medicine Hat Tiger Gavin McKenna is ranked #1 in North America, followed by forward Chase Reid of the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
Prince George Cougars Defenseman Carson Carels rounds out the top three.
The top European skater available is Sweden’s Ivar Stenberg, who is expected to challenge McKenna for 1st overall on June 26th.
For full lists of the North American and European skaters and goaltenders who are available in this year’s draft, click on the NHL Logo.
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- Ivar Stenberg, expected to challenge McKenna for 1st overall/via Bjoirn to be the top European player in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft/via Bjorn
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- Chase Reid, expected to be the top selection among North American defensemen/via Sault Ste. Marie, Bob Davies, OHL
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- Gavin McKenna, former Medicine Hat Tiger and current Penn State forward expected to go first overall in the NHL Entry Draft/via Megan Smarkusky
