brent Even if its a usb printer, the computer still gives it a physical address, right?
No, the router gives it a network address, whether it's a WiFi or USB connection. It's what routes incoming network traffic to and outgoing traffic from that device.
There's also an HP utility that can assist in connecting to an HP printer, but I've never needed to use it, and I've forgotten what it's called. Hang on and I'll try a search ...
... Got it. It's called hplip, and the description says "HP Linux Imaging & Printing - Print, scan, fax drivers and service tools." Maybe that can help you; it's in the repository.