The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially punched their ticket to the 2026 NHL Draft—and they're bringing a projected scoring sensation with them. After a surprising playoff run that ended in six games against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Penguins now hold the 22nd overall pick, giving General Manager Kyle Dubas a prime opportunity to add another top-tier prospect to the organization's pipeline.
According to The Athletic's Scott Wheeler, the Penguins are being mocked to select left winger J.P. Hurlbert from the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL. Wheeler noted, "The Penguins feel like the floor for Lin to me (he’s their type). Down the middle, guys like Command and Hextall would fit their profile, too. But with Lin and Command both gone, I wonder about Hurlbert, the Kamloops Blazers’ 97-point man and a Michigan commit who will play with Will Horcoff next year. He’s got the smarts that group has prioritized as well. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them take Klepov, either."
Hurlbert, a Texas native, burst onto the WHL scene this past season with a jaw-dropping rookie campaign: 42 goals and 55 assists for 97 points. That kind of offensive production immediately signals top-six forward potential, and his skill set is exactly what the Penguins have been targeting in recent drafts—high hockey IQ, creativity, and a knack for finding the back of the net.
What makes this pick even more intriguing is the built-in chemistry opportunity. As Wheeler points out, Hurlbert is set to play alongside fellow Penguins prospect Will Horcoff at the University of Michigan next season. That's a golden chance for two future building blocks to develop their on-ice connection before they ever put on a Pittsburgh sweater.
For Penguins fans, this draft pick represents more than just a name on a board—it's a glimpse into the team's future. With Dubas at the helm, the organization is clearly prioritizing smart, skilled forwards who can contribute in the top six. And if Hurlbert's 97-point season is any indication, Pittsburgh might just have found its next offensive weapon.
The 2026 NHL Draft is set for June 26-27 in Buffalo, and all eyes will be on the Penguins' war room as they look to build on their surprising playoff run.