The Western Hockey League (WHL) has announced the finalists for the 2025-26 Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's Rookie of the Year. This recognition honors Jim Piggott, one of the WHL鈥檚 founding members and former owner of the Saskatoon Blades. Finalists include standout players from both the Eastern and Western Conferences. Final decisions on the award will be made by WHL General Managers, with winners announced between April 21 and May 6, 2026.

By the Numbers
  • JP Hurlbert (Kamloops Blazers): 97 points (42G-55A) in 68 games, leading all WHL rookies.
  • Kale Dach (Calgary Hitmen): 75 points (34G-41A) in 63 games, with eight game-winning goals, the highest among WHL rookies.
State of Play
  • The WHL continues to showcase young talent, with top rookies excelling in scoring statistics this season.
  • This year鈥檚 finalists highlight a competitive pool, as many are also eligible for the upcoming NHL Draft.
What's Next

The announcement of the winner will build anticipation during the WHL Awards period, which runs from April 21 to May 6, 2026. The performances of these finalists could impact their NHL Draft rankings.

Bottom Line

With a robust roster of talent, the WHL's Rookie of the Year race exemplifies the quality of junior hockey and its role in developing the next generation of NHL stars. Keep an eye on these players as they shape their careers in professional hockey.