As the 2026 World Junior Championship approaches, hockey fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness the next generation of NHL stars on display. With final rosters being announced, it's time to examine which NHL teams have the most prospects participating in this year's tournament, held in Minnesota. This annual event provides a platform for NHL fans to familiarize themselves with their team's future players and assess their potential against their peers.
Thirty of the NHL's 32 teams have drafted players who will be competing for their respective national teams when the tournament commences on December 26, 2025. The Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets are the only two NHL teams without prospects in the tournament. While the Hurricanes have traded away some picks and seen several young prospects graduate to the NHL in recent years, the Blue Jackets' lack of representation is a disappointment, especially with eligible prospects like Cayden Lindstrom and Jackson Smith failing to make Team Canada.
Team Spotlights
Several teams boast a strong contingent of prospects at the tournament.
- Anaheim Ducks: Eric Nilson and Lucas Pettersson.
- Boston Bruins: James Hagens.
- Chicago Blackhawks: Anton Frondell.
- Dallas Stars: Emil Hemming.
- Detroit Red Wings: Carter Bear.
- Los Angeles Kings: Henry Brzustewicz.
- Minnesota Wild: Adam Benak.
- New York Islanders: Kashawn Aitcheson, Kamil Bednarik, Cole Eiserman, Victor Eklund.
- New York Rangers: EJ Emery.
- Ottawa Senators: Logan Hensler.
- Pittsburgh Penguins: Will Horcoff.
- San Jose Sharks: Joshua Ravensbergen, Leo Sahlin Wallenius.
- Seattle Kraken: Blake Fiddler.
- St. Louis Blues: Adam Jiricek.
- Tampa Bay Lightning: Caleb Heil.
- Toronto Maple Leafs: Victor Johansson.
- Vancouver Canucks:
- Vegas Golden Knights: Trevor Connelly.
- Washington Capitals: Cole Hutson, Milton Gastrin.
- Winnipeg Jets: Sascha Boumedienne.
(Note: This list may not be exhaustive, as some teams have not officially announced their final rosters.)
Players to Watch
The tournament will showcase several highly touted prospects, including potential top picks in the 2026 NHL Draft. Gavin McKenna and Keaton Verhoeff of Canada, along with Ivar Stenberg of Sweden, are expected to make a significant impact. Stenberg, in particular, has been impressive in the SHL, showcasing elite skating, puck control, and creativity. Oliver Suvanto from Finland is also a player to watch.
Adam Jiricek (St. Louis Blues) and Emil Hemming (Dallas Stars) are also expected to play important roles for their teams after helping Czechia and Finland win medals at the 2025 WJC, respectively. Joshua Ravensbergen (San Jose Sharks) is one of three goalies competing for playing time with Canada.
Tournament Format and Groups
The United States aims for a third consecutive WJC championship, a feat not achieved since Canada's five-year run from 2005-2009. The United States will compete in Group A alongside Sweden, Slovakia, and Germany, with preliminary-round games held at Grand Casino Arena. Canada will play in Group B with Finland, Czechia, Latvia, and Denmark, with preliminary-round games at 3M Arena at Mariucci.
The 2026 World Junior Championship promises to be an exciting event, offering fans a glimpse into the future of the NHL. With a mix of drafted prospects and draft-eligible players, the tournament will provide a competitive and entertaining showcase of young talent.
