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3 Red Wings prospects invited to international showcase this summer

The Detroit Red Wings continue to see their young talent gain recognition, with three prospects receiving a major opportunity on the international stage.
Jun 26, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; JP Hurlbert reacts beside NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being selected with the twenty third pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Jun 26, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; JP Hurlbert reacts beside NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being selected with the twenty third pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

If there's one thing that can be said about the Detroit Red Wings, it's that their prospect pool is promising. Three recent American draft picks in the pool recently received an opportunity to represent the United States on an international stage.

These three prospects will now have the chance to showcase their skills at the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase, which will take place from July 26 through August 1 at WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario. The event features some of the top young hockey players from around the world as they compete for an opportunity to earn spots on future World Junior Championship roster.

Here are the three players selected to represent Team USA:

2026 1st round pick: JP Hurlbert

The biggest name of the group is J.P. Hurlbert, who the Red Wings selected with the 23rd overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The winger entered the draft as one of the more talented offensive players available after a strong season with the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL.

For Hurlbert, the event is an opportunity to continue building his reputation. A strong performance could help him gain even more attention as he continues his development toward eventually making the NHL.

2026 2nd round pick: Victor Plante


Victor Plante was selected by Detroit in the second round of the 2026 NHL Draft at 47th overall. The forward was one of the more noteworthy players coming out of the U.S. National Team Development Program and brings a strong two-way game along with offensive upside.

A second-round pick earning this type of opportunity right away is encouraging. Detroit has been focused on adding skilled players throughout the draft, and Plante will look to prove he can become another important piece of the organization’s future.

2025 4th round pick: Brent Solomon

Brent Solomon may not have the same draft spotlight as Hurlbert or Plante, but his invitation makes him a player worth watching. Detroit selected Solomon in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Draft at 109th overall:

The winger has shown the ability to create offense and bring scoring potential, making him an intriguing prospect for the Red Wings. Players selected later in the draft often need more time to develop, but opportunities like the World Junior Summer Showcase can help them gain confidence and recognition.

A Positive sign for Detroit's future

While these players are still early in their careers, every opportunity to compete at a high level helps bolster growth and foster confidence in their gameplay.

For Hurlbert, Plante and Solomon, this tournament is a chance to represent their country and continue proving themselves. For Red Wings fans, it is another reminder that the organization is building a deeper prospect pool filled with players who could have an impact at the NHL level down the road.

The showcase is only one step in their development, but it will be another important opportunity for three young Red Wings prospects to show what they can bring to the future of the franchise.

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