Capitals 2026 NHL Draft Targets: Forward JP Hurlbert
The Capitals have the No. 16 and No. 18 picks in the first round, and Hurlbert has a lot that he brings to the table.
The Washington Capitals have quite a bit to consider entering the 2026 NHL Draft, but with two first-round picks at No. 16 and 18, they'll also have its fair share of prospects to choose from if they elect to hold onto those picks. Next up on our list of top possible draft targets is forward JP Hurlbert.
Hurlbert is coming off a breakout rookie year with the WHL's Kamloops Blazers. He's primarily a winger, though on occasion, he can play center, and was ranked No. 12 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
After years playing AAA hockey in his native Texas with the Dallas Stars Elite team and spending one year in the U. S. National Team Development Program, Hurlbert made the jump to the CHL this season and busted out onto the scene.
Through 68 games with the Blazers, Hurlbert picked up 42 goals and 55 assists for 97 points, the fourth-most in the WHL, along with 45 penalty minute. He also wore the "A" and played an important leadership role on and off the ice, and also had three points in four playoff games with Kamloops. Hurlbert's biggest asset is his shot.