JP Hurlbert sends 1st message to Red Wings fans after draft

The Detroit Red Wings traded their first-round pick to the St. Louis Blues at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. As a result, they entered Friday’s first round of the 2026 NHL Draft without a pick. That changed in a big way on Friday night, and the Red Wings added Kamloops Blazers winger JP Hurlbert to their prospect pipeline.

The Red Wings traded goaltender Sebastian Cossa to the Utah Mammoth for the 23rd pick. Hurlbert gives them a skilled winger who was one of the most prolific scorers in the CHL this season. He dominated the WHL as a rookie with the Blazers, and he gives Detroit’s pipeline a needed injection of high-upside offensive talent. After the draft, he sent a message to Red Wings fans.

HEY JP pic.twitter.com/NiGnzREAso

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 27, 2026

Following his selection, he also did an interview with Sportsnet. In this interview, he mentioned that this is a full-circle moment for him. Hurlbert has family from the Detroit area, making this moment that much more meaningful.

“They got me into hockey. I was a Red Wings fan growing up. My whole family is from Detroit. It’s so special to be able to put on this jersey. I’m so excited,” Hurlbert told Sportsnet on Friday night.

The Red Wings are one of the most talked-about teams this offseason for a variety of reasons. Cossa and team captain Dylan Larkin entered the draft as clear trade candidates. Cossa ends his tenure with Detroit having played one NHL game. He had ups and downs in the AHL and lost his starting role in net before the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs.

Detroit could afford to trade from a position of strength to address an area of need. General manager Steve Yzerman did just that on Friday night. And it will be intriguing to see when Hurlbert will make an impact on the ice in Hockeytown.

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