It is once again the most exciting time of the year for junior hockey fans: the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship has arrived. This annual holiday tradition features the best players under the age of 20 who are not currently competing in the NHL.
The tournament, held in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, provides a vital stage for future stars. Draft-eligible players like Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, and Juho Piiparinen can make a significant international impression, while drafted prospects can showcase their development. The host nation, the United States, is attempting to secure a rare three-peat on home ice, Canada is focused on reclaiming the gold, Denmark hopes to avoid relegation, and numerous other teams harbor medal aspirations.
Both Canada and Finland enter the tournament hampered by significant absences. Obligations to professional hockey mean star players like Macklin Celebrini, Beckett Sennecke, Sam Dickinson, Berkly Catton, Matthew Schaefer, and Konsta Helenius remain with their NHL or AHL clubs. While NHL teams usually release prospects playing in the AHL, the Buffalo Sabres` decision to hold onto Helenius severely impacts Finland`s medal chances. Canada’s missing roster spots—equivalent to an entire line and a defensive pairing—have narrowed the gap considerably. While gold is still expected for Canada, the competition is now far closer.
Group A features the United States, Germany, Slovakia, Sweden, and Switzerland. Group B comprises Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, and Latvia. Fans should anticipate a high-octane tournament defined by tremendous speed and skill, intense back-and-forth action, elevated emotions, and crucial mistakes that will determine medal fates.
Here is an in-depth look at each country’s key prospects and their tournament outlook, starting with those least likely to reach the podium:
Denmark
Denmark’s primary objective is to avoid relegation, which likely means securing a victory over Latvia in their group game. The team will be without one of their best offensive assets, Linus Rørth, due to injury.
The team’s sole NHL prospect, Mads Kongsbak Klyvø (Florida Panthers), along with William Bundgaard, will be relied upon heavily to generate offense. Realistically, Denmark`s survival in the top division hinges on an exceptional goaltending performance from Anton Emil Wilde Larsen.
Latvia
Following their stunning upset over Canada in the last tournament, Latvia hopes to build momentum and qualify for the quarterfinals this year. Given the difficulty of Group A, Latvia’s path to the knockout stage is smoother by virtue of being in Group B, needing only a victory over Denmark to advance.
The Latvians possess two NHL prospects: Darels Uljanskis (Anaheim Ducks) and Mikus Vecvanags (Montreal Canadiens). Among the returning players, Bruno Osmanis stands out as the most crucial, offering strong play-driving ability and offensive creation. Albert Smits is a sizeable defenseman who produces consistently in the Finnish league and will anchor the blue line. While Latvia remains a fun Cinderella story to watch, a quarterfinal exit is the most probable outcome.
Germany
It is highly likely that either Germany or Switzerland will end up in the relegation round due to the strength of Group A. Both teams traditionally work hard and can occasionally surprise a powerhouse, but current rosters lack the depth of talent seen in previous years.
Germany’s hopes are significantly boosted by two goaltenders, Linus Vieillard and Lukas Stuhrmann, both capable of stealing games. Vieillard, as a returnee, is expected to handle the majority of the starts.
The reliance on goaltending stems from struggles on the blue line, where the Germans lack depth and speed. This deficiency will lead to extended defensive zone shifts and susceptibility to odd-man rushes. Offensively, the top line is expected to feature Elias Schneider, David Lewandowski (Edmonton Oilers), and Maxim Schäfer (Washington Capitals). Young Max Penkin (age 16) is the nation`s next top prospect to watch. If these four forwards deliver key contributions alongside elite goaltending, Germany might sneak into the quarterfinals; otherwise, they should be favorites to win the relegation round.
Switzerland
Switzerland aims solely to avoid the relegation round, even if it means a noncompetitive quarterfinal defeat. The days of consistent excellence from players like Nico Hischier and Timo Meier are in the past.
Goaltending is vital, and the Swiss are well-positioned with Christian Kirsch (San Jose Sharks) and Elijah Neuenschwander (Ducks), who are capable of game-stealing performances. These two will serve as the backbone for Swiss aspirations. Defenseman Leon Muggli (Capitals) has been loaned from the AHL to stabilize the blue line and, alongside Ludvig Johnson, is expected to log massive minutes (26–30 per game). If these two defenders and the goaltenders hold firm, it allows the young forward group to capitalize on opportunities. Key young forwards include Lars Steiner (2026 draft-eligible), Jonah Neuenschwander (2027 draft-eligible), Paul Mottard, and Jamiro Reber. Switzerland must play low-scoring games and rely on opponent errors; a Cinderella run seems unlikely this year.
Slovakia
Slovakia brings one of its youngest teams in recent history, with over 15 players projected to return for the 2027 tournament. Despite low expectations, they boast a high-quality goaltender in Michal Pradel (Detroit Red Wings), who is crucial for any potential success. He will start all important games.
On defense, Luka Radiovojevic, passed over in the 2025 draft, will look to prove doubters wrong as the offensive catalyst from the back end. The Slovaks have a solid core of reliable shutdown defenders—Adam Goljer, Patrik Rusznyak, Adam Belusko, and Michal Capos—which is crucial for any dark horse team. They will be heavily needed against Group A’s potent offenses.
The forward group features exciting offensive talents, including the 2026 draft-eligible trio of Adam Nemec (brother of Simon Nemec), Tomas Chrenko, and Tobias Tomik. These three are projected to be drafted early and will drive both even-strength and power-play offense. Veterans Jan Chovan (Los Angeles Kings) and Michal Svrcek (Red Wings) must also produce and win key matchups. If Slovakia can defend reliably in their own zone and limit transition chances, they have the potential to truly challenge one of the contenders.
Finland
Finland`s outlook drastically shifted when the Buffalo Sabres declined to release Konsta Helenius from his AHL obligations, believing he is close to NHL readiness. Losing a top-line center who is a fantastic junior play driver is a difficult blow.
Without Helenius, Finland will rely on Aatos Koivu (Canadiens), Julius Miettinen (Seattle Kraken), and Matias Vanhanen to drive offense. Max Westergard (Philadelphia Flyers) and Vanhanen are expected to be the key creative playmakers. Dallas Stars prospects Emil Hemming and Atte Joki will be deployed in heavy matchup roles while providing secondary scoring.
Defenseman Aron Kiviharju (Minnesota Wild) is slated for a major role, quarterbacking the power play and skating close to 25 minutes per game. Veeti Vaisanen and Daniel Nieminen (Nashville Predators) will play significant two-way roles. Juho Piiparinen (2026 draft-eligible) is rapidly climbing draft boards; it will be interesting to see if his role expands throughout the group stage.
Petteri Rimpinen (Kings) returns after being named top goaltender last year and is the backbone of Finland’s medal hopes. Given the potential quarterfinal matchups (USA or Sweden), Finland may struggle to advance past the quarters without an elite, tournament-carrying performance from Rimpinen.
Stars prospect Emil Hemming will play a key role for Finland.
Czechia
The Czechs look formidable this year and are strong challengers for a medal, aiming for their fourth consecutive deep run. They are secure in goal with Michal Orsulak, who has excelled in the WHL this season and will start the crucial games.
Czechia’s top four defensemen combine skill and experience. Adam Jiricek (St. Louis Blues) and Radim Mrtka (Sabres) are expected to play major two-way minutes, capable of producing offense, making sharp first passes, and defending against transition attacks. Max Psenicka and Tomas Galvas also provide important shutdown capabilities. Solid goaltending and a strong blue line mean the Czechs are well-positioned to defend and threaten for a medal.
Up front, what they lack in individual game-breakers, they compensate for with superior depth. Adam Benak (Wild) is Czechia’s top playmaker and power-play orchestrator. Vaclav Nestrasil (Chicago Blackhawks), one of the tournament’s largest players, should use his size to be a physical force, drawing penalties and dominating space. Petr Sikora (Capitals) and Vojtech Cihar (Kings) will be key contributors. Further depth comes from Adam Novotny (2026 draft-eligible), Max Curran (Colorado Avalanche), and Adam Jecho (Blues), who can create offensive mismatches. This is one of the deepest rosters Czechia has ever brought, boding well for a run to the semifinal, and perhaps even the gold medal game.
Sweden
Sweden is one of three teams with a “gold or nothing” mentality this year. Historically, the Swedes have struggled in the medal rounds despite strong group play. Unlike many top contenders, Sweden does not have an undisputed starting goalie; they will have to ride the hot hand between Herman Liv, Love Harenstam (Blues), and Mans Goos (Stars). Harenstam, who has performed well internationally, and Liv are the most likely candidates.
The Swedes might possess the best blue-line group in the entire tournament, deep with defenders capable of elite offense and shutdown defending. Leo Sahlin Wallenius (Sharks), Victor Johansson (Toronto Maple Leafs), Alfons Freij (Winnipeg Jets), and Sascha Boumedienne (Jets) are highly adept puck movers, capable of beating forechecks and quarterbacking the offense. Defensively, their exceptional footwork helps them negate rush chances. Viggo Gustafsson (Predators) adds further depth and is a key penalty killer. Overall, the Swedish blue line is loaded with highly intelligent skaters who will often bail the team out of trouble.
The forward group is equally stacked. Anton Frondell (Blackhawks), Viktor Eklund (New York Islanders), and Ivar Stenberg (2026 draft-eligible) form a top line that could be the best trio of the tournament. Their performance is paramount if Sweden is to finally capture an elusive gold medal. Lucas Pettersson (Ducks), Eddie Genborg (Red Wings), and Viggo Björck (2026 draft-eligible) provide potent secondary scoring. Eric Nilson (Ducks) and Milton Gastrin (Capitals) are key two-way players whose primary role will be shutting down the opposition’s best talent and closing out games.
Sweden is as deep as they have been in years, featuring significant offensive firepower and the foundation for the tournament’s top defensive team. If Sweden is going to win gold, this seems like the year.
Canada
Despite missing several high-profile players due to NHL commitments, Canada should still be considered the favorite to win the tournament. Canada’s historical issues have often stemmed from shaky goaltending, lack of discipline, or a rigid reliance on “role players” over offensive depth. This year, the goaltending appears solid, with returnee Carter George (Kings) as the likely starter, backed up by the more than capable Jack Ivankovic (Predators).
On defense, Zayne Parekh (Calgary Flames) will lead the way, driving offense at even strength and on the power play. Beyond him, Kashawn Aitcheson (Islanders), Harrison Brunicke (Pittsburgh Penguins), and Ben Danford (Maple Leafs) must provide disciplined shutdown defense. Their ability to stay out of the penalty box is critical. Cameron Reid (Predators) is another quality puck mover who will see major minutes.
The success of the forward group hinges on the top trio of Michael Misa (Sharks), Porter Martone (Philadelphia Flyers), and Gavin McKenna (2026 draft-eligible). This unit, combining speed, skill, and high hockey sense, must be the offensive engine for Canada. Michael Hage (Canadiens), Tij Iginla, and Liam Greentree (Kings) will provide secondary scoring and power-play time. Canada`s roster is rich in two-way forwards, leaving no excuse for a weak penalty kill or poor checking. The Dale Hunter-led squad is expected to thrive defensively, hoping their top offensive talents can create and finish enough opportunities.
Canada has players at every position capable of winning tournament directorate awards. If Misa, McKenna, Martone, Parekh, and George all perform at their peak, the Canadian anthem will likely be playing at the end of the championship. Anything less than gold will be seen as a disappointment.
Gavin McKenna (left) and Porter Martone will be linemates for Canada at the World Juniors.
United States
The pressure of attempting a three-peat on home ice is immense, compounded by the constant threat from Sweden and Canada. While perhaps not as deep as last year`s team, the Americans possess immense talent. Their major advantage lies in team chemistry; many players came through the National Team Development Program (NTDP) and are intimately familiar with USA Hockey`s systems. In a tournament where mistakes can decide gold, this familiarity is a powerful asset.
Nick Kempf (Capitals) is the expected starter, but the inclusion of Brady Knowling—a potential 2026 first-round pick—is a pleasant surprise. Knowling has proven he can deliver timely saves. Though they lack the proven quality of past starters like Trey Augustine or Jacob Fowler, Kempf should be able to deliver when needed.
With three returning defensemen, the Americans are well-equipped to generate offense and defend effectively. Cole Hutson (Capitals) is expected to be one of the tournament`s top defenders, quarterbacking the power play and driving play. Logan Hensler (Ottawa Senators) provides a steady two-way game, eating minutes alongside EJ Emery (New York Rangers). Adam Kleber (Sabres) adds defensive depth, capable of penalty killing and delivering physical play. Chase Reid and Dakota Rheaume-Mullen will push for minutes in offensive, play-driving roles.
The forward returnees are led by James Hagens (Boston Bruins), Cole Eiserman (Islanders), and 2025 golden-goal scorer Teddy Stiga (Predators). Hagens, Eiserman, and Ryker Lee (Predators) are counted on for game-breaking offense, possessing the skill sets of future top-six NHL forwards. Crucially, they must prioritize unselfish decisions and avoid turnovers. The loss of Trevor Connelly (Vegas Golden Knights) to a pre-tournament injury is a blow to the playmaking depth. If LJ Mooney (Canadiens), despite his small stature, is given a top-six opportunity, he is skilled enough to cause havoc in the offensive zone. AJ Spellacy (Blackhawks) and Shane Vansaghi (Flyers) will anchor the essential energy line.
The Americans are well-rounded. They will challenge fiercely for gold, and the final result will depend on their top stars’ ability to penetrate staunch defenses, maintain disciplined play, and secure crucial saves in high-stakes moments.
Teddy Stiga`s overtime goal in the 2025 gold medal game gave the U.S. a second straight title.
Duncan Priestley