The Detroit Red Wings entered the NHL Entry Draft this past weekend without a first-round pick, but left with forward J.P. Hurlbert.
The Red Wings dealt goaltender Sebastian Cossa to the Utah Mammothfor the right to select Hurlbert at No. 23 overall, a move that was met with positive reviews by analysts in sizing up Detroit’s work in building its seven-member draft class.
The soon-to-be Michigan Wolverine was the headliner for the Red Wings, and apparently a welcome gamble.
” … The reigning WHL Rookie of the Year is a point-producing machine thanks to dual-threat scoring ability and a knack for finding open ice,” wrote David St-Louis, the lead scout for Elite Prospects, who gave the Red Wings’ overall work a C. “There’s a lot of rounding out to do, but he shows flashes of a more projectable game. It’s a big swing, but a needed one.”
Corey Pronman, the NHL prospects writer for the Athletic, also gave the Red Wings draft class a C, but also credited Detroit for taking a “swing” on Hurlbert, “a highly skilled winger with a lot of offensive pop who can create off the rush” who is “the only real name in this class, although some of their later picks do have a chance to play.”
Julian Gaudio, and editor and writer for the Hockey News, gave the Hurlbert pick an A-minus.
“J.P. Hurlbert is a skilled forward who notched 42 goals and 97 points in his rookie season in the WHL, winning Rookie of the Year honors,” Gaudio writes. “Hurlbert is a great play connector, always thinking about the next play. The Detroit Red Wings could be heading into a rebuild or retool, and acquiring skilled scorers like Hurlbert is exactly what they need.”
Victor Plante, the Red Wings’ second-round pick, also drew some praise, as he joins brother Max in the Detroit organization. Each were picked at No. 47, with Max selected in 2024, before winning the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey’s top player this past season at Minnesota-Duluth, where Victor will join him.
“(Plante) is one of my favorites in round two,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Adam Herman, who gave the Wings class a B. “His defensive effort is admirable. He doesn’t give up and will throw his body into danger to make desperation plays, even if he needs to clean up some details tactically as a center. His offensive touch is also bright, particularly in combination with his linemates. He makes quick plays off the cycle and surprises defenders sometimes with no-look passes into the slot. I think he has middle-six upside as a center, even if the probability shades more towards line three.”
Wrote ESPN’s Rachel Kryshak, who also gave the Wings draft haul a B: “Turning Sebastian Cossa into JP Hurlbert and adding Victor Plante in the second round is good work for the Red Wings. I really liked the uniting of the Plante brothers in the organization.
“Overall, the Red Wings did fairly well with what they had, not getting high-end value anywhere but adding players with legitimate NHL upside.”
Red Wings 2026 draft picks
▶ J.P. Hurlbert, wing, first round (No. 23 overall)
▶ Victor Plante, left wing, second round (47)
▶ Michal Orsulak, goaltender, third round (79)
▶ Adam Levac, center, fourth round (108)
▶ Beckham Edwards, center, fifth round (143)
▶ Luka Arkko, left wing, sixth round (175)
▶ Myles Brosnan, defenseman, seventh round (196)
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Red Wings take ‘big swing’ on J.P. Hurlbert as NHL draft grades roll in
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