Prospects to Watch
The Detroit Red Wings are pinning their hopes on a fresh wave of talent as the 2026‑27 NHL season approaches, spotlighting four standout prospects.
Carter Bear, a 19‑year‑old winger from West St. Paul, Manitoba, burst onto the scene with a bronze‑medal performance for Team Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. His 36 goals and 22 points in just 18 playoff games for the Silvertips underscored a knack for finding the net when it mattered most, earning him a spot on the WHL Western Conference Second All‑Star Team.
Ondřej Becher, a 6‑foot‑1 center hailing from Ostrava, Czech Republic, has taken a decisive step forward in his sophomore professional season. The 28‑point tally in 60 games reflects a player who has adapted quickly to the North American style, a development that began when the Red Wings selected him 80th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft.
JP Hurlbert, a 6‑foot winger from Allen, Texas, surprised many by capturing the WHL Rookie of the Year award after posting 97 points in 68 games for the Kamloops Blazers. His offensive output also placed him among the Western Conference finalists for Player of the Year, signaling a potential impact player at the professional level.
Between the pipes, Michal Orsulak, an 18‑year‑old goaltender from Tremosna, Czech Republic, posted a 2.22 goals‑against average and a .907 save percentage in his rookie WHL campaign with the Prince Albert Raiders. His Eastern Conference First‑Team All‑Star nod and finalist status for Goaltender of the Year highlight a promising future between the boards.