The highly anticipated world junior hockey championship is set to kick off on Friday, showcasing a plethora of talented young athletes. Over the years, this tournament has seen the likes of future NHL stars such as Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini, Lane Hutson, and Leo Carlsson in action.
As the event approaches in Minnesota, let’s take a closer look at some of the standout players to keep an eye on this year:
Gavin McKenna, an 18-year-old forward from Whitehorse, was once considered a surefire top pick for the 2026 NHL draft. Despite a slight dip in his point production this season while playing for Penn State in the NCAA, following a stellar performance with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL, McKenna remains a strong contender for the first overall selection. His past achievements, including a notable contribution to Canada’s fifth-place finish at the world juniors, highlight his importance to the national team’s offense.
Ivar Stenberg, an 18-year-old winger from Sweden, is another player making waves on draft boards. Known for his agility and playmaking skills, Stenberg has been showcasing his talent in Sweden’s top professional league with Frolunda.
Michael Misa, a 19-year-old forward who was not part of Canada’s selection camp last year, has quickly risen through the ranks. After an impressive season with the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL, Misa was drafted second overall by the San Jose Sharks. With a strong start to his NHL career, Misa is set to make his mark at the tournament.
Anton Frondell, an 18-year-old center from Sweden selected third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks, brings his professional experience from Djurgardens to the international stage. Frondell’s performance in the Swedish league has positioned him as a key player for his national team.
James Hagens, a pivotal player in the United States’ gold medal victory last year, returns to lead his team on home soil. The 19-year-old center, drafted seventh overall by the Boston Bruins, continues to impress with his strong play at Boston College.
Cole Hutson, the younger sibling of NHL star Lane Hutson, has already made a name for himself as a standout defenseman. With an impressive showing at last year’s world juniors and a solid performance at Boston University, the 19-year-old is a promising prospect.
Alberts Smits, an 18-year-old defenseman from Latvia, is garnering attention as a potential top-10 draft pick. Smits’ experience in Finland’s professional league has honed his skills and prepared him for the international stage.
Chase Reid, a 17-year-old defenseman from the U.S., is another rising star to watch out for. With a strong track record in the OHL, Reid’s performance with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds underscores his potential as a future NHL prospect.
The upcoming world junior hockey championship promises to be an exciting showcase of young talent, with these players poised to make a significant impact on the ice.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/world-juniors-players-to-watch-9.7028186)