David Lewandowski – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #28 Edmonton Oilers – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 18:00:06 +0000

SAINT PAUL, MN - DECEMBER 20: Edmonton Oilers forward Quinn Hutson (23) follows the play during the second period of a NHL game between the Minnesota Wild and Edmonton Oilers on December 20, 2025, at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, MN.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 28th (Last Year - 26th)
GM: Stan Bowman Hired: July 2024
COACH: Kris Knoblauch Hired: November 2023

Graduating a high-end prospect such as Matthew Savoie is ultimately a positive sign for the organization, but it inevitably takes a toll on prospect depth. While the Oilers will eventually need to turn their attention toward replenishing the pipeline, building for the future is not the immediate priority. For now, the focus remains squarely on maximizing the Connor McDavid era and constructing a roster capable of delivering a Stanley Cup to Edmonton.

To that end, the Oilers have leveraged much of their high-end draft capital and young assets to strengthen the NHL roster. Edmonton has already moved its next two first-round selections, but the organization has retained some flexibility by holding second-round picks in both drafts. The system is currently headlined by Isaac Howard, ranked 55th on McKeen’s prospect list, who appears close to securing a full-time role in the NHL. Although he has yet to translate his early AHL rookie success into consistent NHL production, his offensive upside remains evident. Joining him in Bakersfield is undrafted NCAA signing Quinn Hutson, who has enjoyed a remarkable start to his professional career. The rookie forward has quickly established himself as one of the AHL’s most productive first-year players, pacing the field with a near 65-point rookie trajectory.

With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl firmly in their primes, Edmonton’s approach remains rooted in the present. The objective is simple: continue surrounding their superstars with the necessary support to finally bring the Stanley Cup back to Alberta’s capital.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	2024-25 TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
Edm	1	Isaac Howard	LW	22	5-11/190	Bakersfield (AHL)	47	24	26	50	12
Edm	1	Isaac Howard	LW	22	5-11/190	Edmonton (NHL)	29	2	3	5	12
Edm	2	Quinn Hutson	RW	24	5-10/170	Bakersfield (AHL)	67	30	33	63	84
Edm	2	Quinn Hutson	RW	24	5-10/170	Edmonton (NHL)	4	1	0	1	0
Edm	3	Beau Akey	D	21	6-0/185	Bakersfield (AHL)	42	2	8	10	22
Edm	3	Beau Akey	D	21	6-0/185	Fort Wayne (ECHL)	4	1	0	1	0
Edm	4	Tommy Lafreniere	RW	19	6-0/175	Kamloops (WHL)	67	41	36	77	22
Edm	4	Tommy Lafreniere	RW	19	6-0/175	Bakersfield (AHL)	5	1	1	2	0
Edm	5	Paul Fischer	D	21	6-1/190	Notre Dame (NCAA)	33	6	17	23	39
Edm	6	Viljami Marjala	LW	23	6-1/180	Bakersfield (AHL)	72	17	43	60	22
Edm	7	Josh Samanski	C	24	6-6/190	Bakersfield (AHL)	45	8	23	31	40
Edm	7	Josh Samanski	C	24	6-6/190	Edmonton (NHL)	24	2	2	4	6
Edm	8	David Lewandowski	LW	19	6-2/175	Saskatoon (WHL)	57	17	48	65	42
Edm	9	Connor Clattenburg	LW	21	6-2/200	Bakersfield (AHL)	32	2	2	4	131
Edm	9	Connor Clattenburg	LW	21	6-2/200	Edmonton (NHL)	5	1	0	1	13
Edm	10	Roby Jarventie	RW	23	6-3/195	Bakersfield (AHL)	61	23	24	47	30
Edm	10	Roby Jarventie	RW	23	6-3/195	Edmonton (NHL)	3	0	0	0	0
Edm	11	Asher Barnett	D	19	6-1/200	Michigan (NCAA)	40	5	13	18	14
Edm	12	Maxim Berezkin	RW	24	6-2/200	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	64	7	25	32	18
Edm	13	Nikita Yevseyev	D	22	6-1/185	Amur Khabarovsk (KHL)	61	4	12	16	43
Edm	14	William Nicholl	C	20	6-0/185	London (OHL)	32	15	11	26	14
Edm	14	William Nicholl	C	20	6-0/185	Bakersfield (AHL)	5	1	0	1	8
Edm	15	Samuel Jonsson	G	22	6-5/200	Fort Wayne (ECHL)	33	21	8	2.38	0.910

1. Isaac (Ike) Howard, LW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Ike Howard has been on fire offensively this season with the Bakersfield Condors (47 GP, 24-26-50), creating quality scoring chances each time the puck is on his stick in the offensive zone. With Howard, it’s not just his shot that absolutely terrifies goalies; he’s also a capable playmaker who can create space for his linemates with his stickwork and deception, and he has been quite effective at it for his linemates Quinn Hutson and Josh Samanski this season. Howard already has an NHL-calibre shot and has seen time with the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL this season, but continuing to get reps at the AHL level with the Condors will be paramount for his development. He needs to get top line minutes to really build consistency in his game that will translate at the NHL level, and while he probably deserves to be playing with the Oilers right now, he’s not far off. Howard projects as an offensive goal scorer that should spend a long time in an NHL top six.

2. Quinn Hutson, RW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Quinn Hutson has been extremely impressive at the AHL level as a first-year professional with the Bakersfield Condors. Signed by the Edmonton Oilers as an undrafted free agent out of Boston University, Hutson has translated his offensive production from the NCAA level to the AHL level, where he has been one of the top scorers in the league this season (67GP, 30-33-63). The hallmark of Hutson’s game is his intelligence; he knows where to be on the ice, and this allows him to put himself in great position to capitalize on scoring chances. He also has a good shot that can beat goalies cleanly, and he’s very strong positionally in his own zone. Hutson will finish the rest of this season in Bakersfield, but should play a pivotal role in the Condors’ playoff run and really position himself well to make the Oilers as a full-time player next season. Hutson projects as a middle six scoring winger who can hold his own in the defensive zone.

3. Beau Akey, D, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Beau Akey has adapted well to the pro game after a disappointing end to his junior career with the Barrie Colts. Akey was selected as a talented two-way defenseman who could excel on both sides of the puck due to his great stride and edgework, and while he did impress at times in the junior game, he never really developed into that all-situations defenseman who could really drive the play at the junior level. As such, Akey’s status as a top prospect within the Edmonton Oilers’ system was put on hold as he entered this season. But to Akey’s credit, he has looked quite good as a rookie defender with the Bakersfield Condors (42GP, 2-8-10), while being tasked with playing top four minutes against opposing teams’ best players on an injury-riddled Condors’ defence. Akey’s skating has always been his best tool, but his smart hockey sense has really come through this season as well; he has good positioning, and he plays a simple game. Akey ultimately projects as a bottom-pairing defenseman at the NHL level.

4. Tommy Lafrenière, RW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL) (Currently with Bakersfield Condors, AHL)

Lafrenière made the most of a terrible situation in Kamloops last season, proving himself as a trustworthy player who battled hard night after night, even though his team lost a lot more than it won. All the work that he put in helped him get better as a prospect, and his commitment and loyalty are now being rewarded, as he is still getting to play big minutes on a club that is deeper and significantly more successful than it was before. And make no mistake, he deserves a lot of individual credit for that success: he’s centering his own line, he’s part of the top powerplay unit for the Blazers, and he takes a regular shift on the penalty kill. He’s about equally good offensively as he is defensively, which gives him different pathways that his development could take to help get him to the NHL. The Stanley Cup-chasing Oilers haven’t had many draft picks to use in recent years, so they must be pretty pleased about the early returns that they’re seeing with Lafrenière.

5. Paul Fischer, D, University of Notre Dame (NCAA)

Fischer, who was a stout two-way defender who defended very well for the NTDP during his draft season, has always been a mature defender who plays responsibly. A heavier defender, he skates very well and plays the body effectively. He’s also a very willing shot blocker, doing whatever it takes to win a game for his team. But his offensive tools were under the microscope, and something that scouts and coaches would keep an eye on as he entered the collegiate ranks. He has improved in that area with each passing season, going from 16 points to 21 points in his first two seasons. This year, he has 23 points in 33 games, just two points back from last year’s totals, in eight fewer games. Since joining Notre Dame, he has taken a big step in his puck-moving abilities. He is far more involved and efficient at moving pucks. He also looks more willing to attack the middle of the ice as both a passer and a shooter in the NCAA, showing more confidence in that area. Fischer projects as a bottom pair defender who can play in all situations. But his bread and butter is that of a defensively responsible defender.

6. Viljami Marjala, LW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Viljami Marjala has emerged out of nowhere and re-established himself as a legitimate NHL prospect with his excellent play this season for the Bakersfield Condors (72GP, 17-43-60). Marjala was signed by the Oilers as a free agent out of TPS in the Finnish Liiga, and while he put up good numbers in Finland, it was not expected that Marjala’s offensive game would translate as seamlessly to the AHL level. Marjala’s best attribute is his playmaking; he’s an exceptional passer who can find anyone on the ice, and he’s great at creating time and space for his teammates when he has the puck on his stick. Marjala is also a capable player in his own zone, and while he does need to keep building more strength, he has done quite well this year at the AHL level. Marjala ultimately projects as more of a winger at the NHL level than a centre, and he should be at the top of the line for call-up duty this season. Marjala has the tools to become a third line scoring winger at the NHL level.

7. Josh Samanski, C, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Josh Samanski is a big, talented power forward who has been playing hard all season with the Bakersfield Condors (45GP, 8-23-31). Like Marjala, Samanski was signed by the Oilers out of Europe, and he, too, has done a great job of translating his game to the North American sheet. The hallmark of Samanski’s game is his skill in-tight; he utilizes his big frame to shield the puck against opposing defenders, and he’s got nice hands for a big player that allows him to make that quick pass to an open teammate. Samanski is also a very good skater for a player of his size (6-foot-3, 195 pounds), so he has all of the attributes he needs to develop into a talented power forward at the NHL level. Samanski does need to work on his confidence in making plays, as there are many times when he perhaps defers too much to his linemates, but overall, he has progressed very well this season and looks like a legitimate NHL prospect for the Edmonton Oilers.

8. David Lewandowski, C, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

Even though Lewandowski didn’t produce a lot of points last season he still drew plenty of attention from scouts as a draft-eligible prospect, because it was clear that he possessed some useful tools that could be worked with and had a physical foundation that could be built upon. Fast-forward almost one year and the big German winger can still rifle shots and protect pucks down below better than the vast majority of players his age, but he’s showing up on the score sheet a lot more often because he’s better adjusted to the speed and intensity of hockey in the WHL. He’s even leading Saskatoon in scoring by a wide margin. He does still have a long way to go, however, when it comes to improving his skating ability and pace of play — his two biggest weaknesses — to the point where they’re even just passable at higher levels. Does all of that sound a bit like any other German player that you know, possibly one who is also part of the Oilers organization?

9. Connor Clattenburg, LW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Connor Clattenburg has found himself a nice little niche that not many players can occupy, nor a role that many players are willing to take: a physical demon. Clattenburg has great speed, and he’s always willing to lay a strong hit on the defenseman when he’s on the forecheck, and these are both attributes of his game that make him a surefire NHLer. The other areas of Clattenburg’s game still need work, particularly his work when the puck is on his stick, but he’s a capable player in his own zone who knows what he needs to do to alleviate pressure. There might be a chance Clattenburg can develop into more than just a fourth-line physical presence, such as a penalty killer, but he will need more seasoning at the AHL level for that to come to fruition. Clattenburg ultimately projects as a physical fourth-line player who can fight when called upon. In today’s day and age, especially with playoff hockey right around the corner, that’s not something that’s so bad to have.

10. Roby Järventie, RW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Roby Järventie has struggled with the injury bug over the past couple of seasons, which has stalled his timeline as an NHL prospect, but he has gotten off to a great start this year with the Bakersfield Condors (61GP, 23-24-47). Järventie plays a heavy game that works great around the net, and he’s got a heavy shot that can beat goalies cleanly when he has time and space to fire. Järventie also has the skill offensively to make plays for his teammates, but it will be his willingness to get to the hard areas of the ice that will really cement his game at the NHL level. Defensively, Järventie still has room to improve the level of physicality in his game, especially his compete level, but he has gotten better this year in the defensive zone. Järventie ultimately projects as a middle-six forward who can grind offensively and score points, but there is offensive potential that could lead to a bigger role.

11. Asher Barnett, D, University of Michigan (NCAA)

The former captain of the U.S. U18 team, Barnett has been excellent for the Michigan Wolverines this year as a freshman. He’s a dependable defensive player, but his play with the puck and offensive confidence are improving.

12. Maxim Berezkin, RW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

At this point, Berezkin’s offensive development appears to have stalled in Russia. The offensively gifted power forward looked to be a diamond in the rough, but now the offensive upside has to be questioned. Eligible to be signed by the Oilers at the end of the KHL season.

13. Nikita Yevseyev, D, Amur Khabarovsk (KHL)

A serviceable two-way defender, Yevseyev has broken out as a KHL contributor this year. He doesn’t likely possess significant upside, but he has enough tools and sense to be a depth piece down the line.

14. William Nicholl, C, London Knights (OHL) (Currently with Bakersfield Condors, AHL)

This was supposed to be Nicholl’s big breakout with the Knights; however, injuries got in the way and now there has to be some doubt that the Oilers even sign him by June.

15. Samuel Jonsson, G, Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL)

After a breakout season in Sweden, the big goaltender opted to sign with Edmonton and come to North America. However, having spent the year in the ECHL, it’s obvious that his game still needs a lot of work; he’s very much a long-term project in the crease.

2026 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP GUIDE – GERMANY – Team Preview, Key Players and Draft Eligible Profiles

Chapin Landvogt — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 22:13:38 +0000

Last winter’s tournament was all about survival for Team Germany. Coach Tobias Abstreiter’s team got blown out by the USA in the tournament opener but kept things tight against both Finland and Canada before dropping a tough OT loss to recent nemesis Latvia. That placed them in the relegation round where they overcame a 3-1 second period deficit to defeat Kazakhstan 4-3 thanks to three straight power play goals including the game winner by captain and soon-to-be Chicago Blackhawks pick Julius Sumpf.

This year, Group A action will pit Team Germany against powerhouses Sweden and host USA while also seeing it face Slovakia and Switzerland, two opponents the team is very, very familiar with. And judging by the number of players either playing in North America (mostly in the CHL) or professionally in Germany, even the loss of Draft 2027 top prospect Max Penkin (leg injury) shouldn’t prevent the team from duking things out with both the Slovaks and Swiss for thirrd place in the group. Of course, one of these teams is going to end up in the relegation round and that’s not something the quality of this forward group should be content with. The team has its best goaltending in years, but the blueline will be somewhat unproven internationally. Will it be the Achilles heel? Coach Abstreiter felt it strong enough to leave a healthy and hulking Rio Kaiser off the roster, a former OHLer who is currently getting solid playing time in Germany’s top 2 pro divisions.

One way or another, if Team Germany goes down, it’ll not be without a considerable fight.

Key Players to Watch

FRISCO, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Germany's Carlos Handel #7 passes the puck during Preliminary Round - Group B action against Czechia at 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Comerica Center on April 24, 2025 in Frisco, Texas, USA. (Photo by Micheline Veluvolu/IIHF)

Carlos Händel – Defense (Montreal Canadiens)

Although the 2025 Montreal Canadians draft pick is, statistically, simply repeating his somewhat below-average season of yesterday for the Moncton Wildcats, he’s always picked up the pace when donning a German jersey. For this team, he’ll be the ne plus ultra on the blueline and likely the biggest minute-muncher on the team. It’s a role he’s always thrived in internationally. Furthermore, he’s the one defenseman who can constantly lug the puck up the ice for what looks like a very defensively oriented blueline.

241230 David Lewandowski of Germany looks dejected during the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Germany and Latvia on December 30, 2024 in Ottawa.
Photo: Mathias Bergeld / BILDBYRÅN / kod MB / MB1036

David Lewandowski – Center (Edmonton Oilers)

Fittingly for a German player whose style has somewhat emulated that of Leon Draisaitl in several aspects, Lewandowski was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in last summer’s draft and has only taken steps since. At the moment, he’s scoring at a PPG pace for the Saskatoon Blades, meaning he’ll be one of Germany’s absolute go-to players for this tournament. He has highs and lows, but if Coach Abstreiter can tickle those highs out of him for roughly 10 days this holiday season, then Lewandowski will be the closest thing this team has to a one-man wrecking crew up front.

FRISCO, TEXAS - APRIL 27: Switzerland's Manuel Von Rohr #13 pokes the puck away from Germany's Maxim Schafer #10 during Preliminary Round - Group B action at the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Comerica Center on April 27, 2025 in Frisco, Texas, USA. (Photo by Micheline Veluvolu/IIHF)

Maxim Schäfer – Wing (Washington Capitals)

Having arrived on the scene somewhat unexpectedly for DEL champ Eisbären Berlin last season, the 6-foot-3 Schäfer became a 3rd rounder for the Washington Capitals on the heels of a three-goal performance at the U18 Worlds. Now he’s putting up almost a point per game in the QMJHL while adjusting better than expected to life in North America. He’ll be in a top six role in Minnesota and there’s plenty of that cherished je ne sais quoi moxy in his somewhat uncoordinated game, so teams will have to have him on their radar. His netfront presence can be profound.

Elias Schneider – Center (2026 Draft, second year eligible)

No matter how much he produced in Germany’s junior leagues, the choppiness in his skating always worked against his status as a prospect. Enter the 2025 U18 Worlds, where Schneider put up six points in five games. It only led to him getting drafted by a CHL team, but he’s now playing a solid offensive role for the Shawinigan Cataractes and raising eyebrows. He’ll also be Germany’s #1 center this holiday season.

Linus Vieillard – Goaltender (2026 Draft, third year eligible)

Perhaps the most important factor a team like Germany could possibly have at the WJC is an above-average goaltender. Vieillard had little more than DNL service on his resume last year, but his 2.66 GAA and .916 SV% in three WJC games last winter were tourney-saving numbers. Now he’s currently taking over the #1 job for the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL. If any one player can lead Germany to a playoff spot, look no further than Vieillard.

Other Draft eligible players to watch

Gustavs Griva – Center/Wing (2026 Draft, second year eligible)

Eighteen until next June, Griva was one of the top three scorers - and perhaps the top playmaker - in Germany’s top junior league (DNL) last season. He then put up five points in five games at the U18 Worlds last spring. That tickled some USHL teams’ fancy and now he’s clipping at just about a PPG pace for the Madison Capitols. We’re thinking he’ll be slipping into a third line centering role with Penkin out of the fray and have a hunch that if Germany has a joker up its sleeve in Minnesota, Griva is going to be that guy.

Lenny Boos – Center (2026 Draft, second year eligible)

A lightweight allround waterbug player, Lenny is the son of a long-time German pro and national team player - and strong hockey IQ seems to run in the family. Sure, he had a lousy +/- at last year’s event, but that he was there as a 17-year-old says a lot for a team whose coach tends to take the oldest players available. He’s off to a strong start in the DEL2 this season and has points in the Champions Hockey League to boos, uh, boot.

Timo Kose – Wing (2026 Draft, second year eligible)

At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Kose already has solid NHL size and build, and is coming off an unexpectedly promising 24-25 season featuring 11 points as a mostly 4th line center in Germany’s DEL2, a league no-one expected him in. The raising of eyebrows ceased with a disappointingly pedestrian 2025 U18 Worlds showing. This season, Kose has mostly stuck in the DEL, having contributed 3 goals to date. The team could really use a strong showing in Minnesota, which would certainly boost the 18-year-old’s draft status. However, he is coming in straight off an injury.

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – EDMONTON OILERS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #26

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 19:44:25 +0000

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 05: Boston University Terriers forward Quinn Hutson (17) looks on during the Dunkin’ Beanpot semifinal game between the Boston College Eagles and the Boston University Terriers on February 5, 2024, at TD Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 26th (May 2025 - 30th)
GM: Stan Bowman Hired: July 2024
COACH: Kris Knoblauch Hired: November 2023

While the Edmonton Oilers remain near the bottom of McKeen’s prospect rankings, they continue to make efforts aimed at supporting their championship ambitions.

Their latest move involved a prospect swap, acquiring disgruntled NHL-ready forward Isaac Howard in exchange for Sam O’Reilly, a prospect better suited to contribute down the line. Howard now slots in alongside Matthew Savoie as the top of the Oilers' prospect food chain, with both sitting on the cusp of cracking Edmonton’s NHL roster.

Acquired from the Buffalo Sabres last summer, Savoie finished fifth among AHL rookies with 54 points in 66 games after a dominant WHL career, where he posted a 1.41 points-per-game average. He’s not only the team’s top prospect but also their best internal option for immediate secondary scoring.

Below them are Beau Akey and Dalyn Wakely, both of whom enjoyed strong OHL campaigns. Akey, the Oilers’ top blueline prospect, returned to health and provided steady two-way play for the Barrie Colts. Now 20, he’s expected to transition to the pro level this season. Wakely has joined the NCAA rush, committing to UMass for the 2025-26 season.

Speaking of college, GM Stan Bowman has made a point of adding NCAA talent to the mix, zeroing in on two Boston University forwards: Quinn Hutson—brother of Lane and Cole—and Matt Copponi. Hutson joins and instantly slots in as our third-ranked prospect within the system and should find a home in Bakersfield in 2025-26.

Emil Venni, despite limited starts in 2024-25, remains a high-upside long-term option in the crease.

With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl still in their primes, Edmonton has no choice but to think in the now. For the Oilers, the goal remains clear: keep stacking talent around their stars in hopes of finally bringing Lord Stanley's cup back to Alberta’s capital.

Edmonton Oilers Top-15 Prospects

1 - Matthew Savoie

The Matthew Savoie trade will be a fun one to look back on in a few years when all the dust has settled, especially given Buffalo's long history of giving up future breakout stars. His first full AHL season was very promising, adjusting quickly and producing at a high rate, hovering around 0.80 points per game. Savoie’s shot had a lot of success against AHL goalies, with goals coming from a variety of locations and releases, but his ability to knock loose pucks home with a quick release stood out the most. As a playmaker, he’s made some slick plays by using his shiftiness to open up passing lanes and hit teammates in the slot. It’s very possible Savoie could make the jump to the NHL soon, even if he’s not quite ready. The Oilers are always tight against the cap and looking for secondary scoring, so he could be a strong fit in their bottom six, should they give him an opportunity.

2 - Isaac Howard

Edmonton’s newest prospect addition, Isaac Howard, joins the organization with a pedigree that should excite Oilers fans. The 2022 31st overall pick was acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning this offseason in exchange for fellow first rounder Sam O’Reilly. His game took off in 2024-25 as he jumped up to 52 points, a 16-point improvement on his previous best, en route to a Hobey Baker Award. Howard led the NCAA in points per game with Michigan State and even suited up for the United States at the World Championship in the spring. Howard plays with a ton of pace and is sneakily dangerous with his ability to identify and slip into soft spots in coverage and pounce on loose pucks. This skill set was huge in his emergence as a goal scorer last season, and will be invaluable in the Oilers lineup given the attention-grabbing weapons they already have offensively. It is not hard to imagine Howard being a fixture in Edmonton’s top six forward group and on the power play for years to come.

3 - Quinn Hutson

Quinn Hutson, older brother of Canadiens blueliner Lane and Capitals prospect Cole, was an undrafted free agent that signed an entry level contract with the Oilers this past spring. Hutson emerged as an offensive threat last season with Boston University, reaching the 50-point mark. Though not as elusive of a skater as his brothers, Quinn still is an above average skater and has a much better shot than either of them. His standout trait is his ability to find open ice, where he can either get dangerous shots off or find a nearby teammate with a short pass. Quinn will need to get stronger and focus on developing his defensive game before he will be able to stick as an NHL regular. Hutson may one day develop into a middle six scoring winger. For this season, it’s expected that he will be continuing his development in Bakersfield.

4 - Beau Akey

After missing the majority of last year with a shoulder injury, Akey returned to the Barrie lineup this season with fairly high expectations. The incredibly smooth skating defender ended up having an OK year, which can often be the case for players returning from serious shoulder injuries; it takes time to build up that confidence again. Unfortunately for Akey, he also lost his role as the lead offensive defender due to the emergence of Kashawn Aitcheson. However, he did make the Canadian World Junior team in a depth role, although the team did greatly underperform. The concern with Akey might be that the shoulder injury negatively impacted his development as an offensive facilitator. Does he profile as a defensive first player at the pro level? In order to be an NHL defender, he’s going to need to find that mojo again as a puck carrier, using his terrific skating ability to be a difference maker at both ends. He’ll turn pro next year and will probably need to be brought along slowly in Bakersfield.

5 - Maxim Berezyokin

Maxim Beryozkin has come a long way since being drafted by Edmonton in 2020, evolving into one of the KHL’s top two-way forwards. His high compete level stands out as he pressures opponents relentlessly and forces countless turnovers. Offensively, he’s gained confidence as a play driver, consistently creating chances with smart, patient passing. He protects the puck well using his size and smooth hands, showing a more polished, controlled game overall. While his pace might be a concern at the NHL level, he’s become a reliable, hard-working forward who could thrive in a bottom six/fourth-line role. With his KHL contract set to expire this season, a move to Edmonton could come soon. He will likely need some time in the AHL, but his work ethic and development give him a real chance at an NHL future.

6 - Samuel Jonsson

Coming into the 2024-25 season, no one would have had Jonsson touted as a guy to look out for. But after a great campaign in the Allsvenskan, seemingly out of nowhere, Jonsson should now find himself in a tandem role with Bakersfield. Jonsson is a big, technical goalie, who has some athletic ability but typically opts for a reserved playstyle. He frames a great stance, keeping it very stable, he uses calm precise shuffles with smart routes through the crease, and has shown to have a very quick glove. He also tracks play pretty well too, and has good attention to detail in his movement, moving as a full connected unit. But he does struggle to set his feet for a shot with quick change of direction and has a tendency to open up the five hole if making a butterfly slide/adjustment. Given the goalie situation in Edmonton and no true third string goalie as of yet, Jonsson could find himself in an Oilers uniform relatively soon if he adjusts to the AHL well and potentially end up as a backup.

7 - Roby Jarventie

Roby’s time in North America has not been smooth sailing by any means. He missed much of the 2023-24 season with a lingering knee injury and then played just two games in the 2024-25 season with his new team following his departure from the Senators organization. It was announced he’d miss the rest of the year due to more knee issues. After it looked like he would return to his home country, Edmonton re-signed Roby on a one-year deal, giving him a last chance in North America to have a healthy, productive season. Roby reads the play well and has the skill to be effective in transition. He was regularly winning pucks on the forecheck and picked up a pair of assists in his season debut. He also chipped in defensively, picking off passes and turning the play back up ice. It will be interesting to see Roby fight for a spot with the Oilers in potentially his last opportunity. It all hinges on his lower-body issues.

8 - Tommy Lafrenière

When a player gets to be part of a roster that features generational talents, like the Edmonton Oilers currently have with both Connor McDavid and Leaon Draisaitl, sometimes the most important thing to learn is how to support those superstars and make their jobs easier. For Lafrenière, if he ever reaches that point in his career his coaches probably won’t have to teach him much, because he already is that kind of player. It’s impossible to not like and respect what he brings, because he’s just so focused and determined and fearless, and he brings that mentality every single shift. The Blazers were a WHL bottom-feeder for all of 2024-25, yet that didn’t stop him from playing like every game was a big one, and with that mentality he just kept taking on more and more responsibility on his team, offensively and defensively. Lafrenière will never be the best player on an NHL team — or probably even an WHL or AHL team — but he should be a great glue guy to keep around in an organization.

9 - William Nicholl

Nicholl was, hands down, one of the most improved players in the OHL this past year. In true London Knights fashion, the Edmonton seventh rounder went from being a fourth line afterthought to a top six difference maker in a matter of a year. The Oilers have to be ecstatic about his progress. On a lot of nights last season, Nicholl was the most impressive forward for the Knights and that includes top picks like Easton Cowan, Kasper Halttunen, and former Oiler Sam O’Reilly. Nicholl’s game is all about using his speed to be effective. He loves to push pace, and he has the work rate to match that pace; which has endeared him to Dale Hunter. He flashes significant offensive upside thanks to improving hands and we’ll get a much better read of said upside next year when he becomes a go-to offensive player for London. At this point, it looks like the Oilers have found a nice little gem late in the draft last year.

10 - Paul Fischer

Paul Fischer had a great season as a sophomore at Notre Dame, developing as a two-way defenceman with a strong defensive presence and moderate offensive awareness. His physical play is a standout trait, as he actively engages in puck battles and clears the net front effectively. Under pressure, he demonstrates solid puck movement, though he struggles at times with routine passes. His positioning and defensive awareness started off shaky but improved as the games progressed, highlighting his adaptability. Skating remains average, and decision making is an area for further growth, requiring patience in his development. Fischer has been deployed on the second unit for special teams, showcasing his ability to contribute in various situations. Looking ahead, Fischer’s ability to refine his passing consistency and decision-making will be crucial in maximizing his two-way potential. With continued development, he has the tools to become a reliable, second or third-line pairing defenceman who can contribute on both ends of the ice.

11 - David Lewandowski

We’ve seen several versions of Lewandowski to date and at his best, it can be a glorious thing to watch. And when not, then take cover. Inconsistency has haunted him every step of the way but his jump to the WHL last season after seven scoreless DEL contests was a very good sign of what he has in the tank. We found out he’s more physical than we previously knew but there are skating issues here for Edmonton to clean up. Sidenote: He’s a fan of countryman Draisaitl!

12 - Eemil Vinni

Vinni’s draft year was terribly exciting due to his starting role for a Mestis team with whom he was able to put up big numbers. However, the aftermath of back surgery in the summer of 2024 pretty much led to his 2024-25 season getting washed out. Ultimately, he only started 8 pro contests this past season and his last game was at the end of December. Now it’s all about seeing if and when the rather well-schooled goalie will play again.

13 - Matvey Petrov

With two straight seasons of basically identical lower line AHL stats, Petrov’s stellar 93-point regular season and 22-point playoff run in the OHL during the 2022-23 season feels like a very long time ago. As an AHLer, Petrov hasn’t been able to escape a bottom four role, having at least emerged as a penalty killing option. Time for him to show more wherewithal with the puck, better usage of time and space, and a lot more shots. Chases the game too much.

14 - Viljami Marjala

A 2021 Buffalo Sabres draft pick, Marjala unexpectedly went unsigned this past summer, and Edmonton swiftly moved in to give him an ELC. After two decent but not overwhelming seasons in the QMJHL, Marjala has spent the past three seasons in Finland crafting himself into a verified offensive force in Liiga play, finishing this past season fifth overall in assists and 14th overall in scoring. The AHL beckons and we’re certainly excited about his unpredictable puck play.

15 - Connor Clattenburg

Drafted as a big, rugged winger always willing to throw his weight around, Clattenburg not only spent this past season as the captain of his Firebirds team but became a player coaches across the OHL respected for his extremely hard work and defensive play. Throw in his career high offensive production and the fact that Edmonton has already inked him to an ELC, and it’s evident that the organization believes in his possibilities as a future fourth line NHLer.

MCKEEN’S 2025 NHL DRAFT GUIDE FEATURE: TOP SLEEPER PICKS

McKeen's Staff — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:11:28 +0000

One of the questions consistently asked of us on social media is “who are your favourite sleepers this year?” The concept of a draft “sleeper,” or a player currently flying under the radar is something that fascinates many draft followers. Everyone has their favourite, so we asked our scouting team to supply theirs!

Brock Otten - Director of Scouting

Asher Barnett. Photo by Rena Laverty

Asher Barnett - D - USN U18 (USDP) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #160

For a large part of the year, I felt that Barnett was the NTDP’s most reliable defender. It’s part of why he was selected as the U18 captain. I’m not sure his upside is incredibly high, but I think his mobility and two-way sense are good enough for him to develop into a useful third pairing defender in the future; the kind of guy who can help anchor your penalty kill and play 16-17 minutes a night without hurting you. In the middle rounds, you’d be happy to get that kind of organizational depth.

Charlie Paquette - RW - GUELPH (OHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #192

One of the best players in the OHL in the second half of the season. Through the last 40 games of the year, he had 30+ goals. He’s long been a player with significant scoring upside thanks to his size, skill, and better-than-average skating ability, but consistency has been an issue. In his last year of draft eligibility, he finally put it all together and is a very worthy NHL draft selection. There is a path to the NHL for him as a middle-six winger so long as his game continues to develop.

Derek Neumeier - Associate Director of Scouting

Vincent Desjardins - C - BLAINVILLE- BROISBAND (QMJHL)- MCKEEN'S RANK - #159

Desjardins went undrafted in 2024, and some teams must be kicking themselves about that now. He exploded offensively this year and even comfortably ended up with the most power-play points in the QMJHL. He's a center with playmaking ability that is borderline elite, especially his ability to make no-look, tape-to-tape passes. Even though he's pretty light and not a burner, he's still effective in his defensive duties because he's so positionally sound. When a prospect can make so much progress from one year to the next, that's a great sign they'll be able to make other necessary improvements as they continue developing.

Carter Klippenstein - C - BRANDON (WHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #229

It's incredibly difficult to find future stars in the later rounds of the draft, so scouts also need to be on the lookout for prospects who could become valuable role players. That's Klippenstein in a nutshell. The big, athletic center is already a polished shutdown forward. He's a smart penalty killer, he covers a lot of ice with his skating and reach, and he has some general hardness to how he plays. If he can keep mastering the kind of role he's playing now, then he'll keep improving his chances of being asked to do it in the NHL one day, too.

Regional Scouts

Ryan Miller - C - PORTLAND (WHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #132

There are very few players outside the top of this draft that match Miller’s pace and tenacity. He sprints up and down the ice to ensure he’s engaged in the play and never backs down from puck battles. He gives defenders fits on the forecheck and hustles to tie up sticks and strip pucks on the backcheck. Coaches love guys who play their brand of hockey. His infectious energy level fits the profile of a bottom-six forward at the NHL level, and he has room to grow his game offensively. - Kyle Dalla Zanna

Malte Vass of Färjestad
Photo: Fredrik Karlsson / BILDBYRÅN

Malte Vass - D - FARJESTADS (SWE J20) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #142

I love Vass as a long-term project. Big, mean, and strong. Eager to punish puck carriers skating down his side of the ice. Decent defensive reads that will only get better with reps. Beautiful, long skating strides. Even though his straight-line speed and acceleration need work, he’s got a lot of headroom for growth. He won’t give you much, if any, value offensively, but that’s not what you’re drafting him for. You’re drafting him so he can slot into your bottom four in five years and make your opponents' lives miserable, especially come playoff time. Well worth the gamble in the mid rounds, if you ask me. - Felix Robbins

Luleås Isac Hedqvist
Photo: Jonas Ljungdahl / BILDBYRÅN

Isac Hedqvist - C - LULEA (SHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #276

As a D+2, you have to really impress to get drafted, and Isac Hedqvist has done exactly that. I felt like he was one of the best draft-eligible prospects playing in the SHL and brought consistent play through his great forechecking game. He showed improvement throughout the year and was playing his best with Luleå in the playoffs, contributing to clinching the gold. His feet are always in motion; he is tenacious on the forecheck and can also bring some offense through his blue-collar type of play. There is legit bottom-six potential with Hedqvist, and grabbing him in the later rounds should be great value for any team. - Simon Johansson

HV71s Jamiro Reber
Photo: Carl Sandin / BILDBYRÅN

Jamiro Reber - C - HV 71 (SHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #146

We have no qualms in pointing out that Reber is one of those talents who can disappear in the production department for stretches at a time. Also, until this season, his 5-foot-10 and 176-pound frame really looked to be more on the smaller side. And then there was an inability to show up for his native Switzerland in three straight major tourneys after being highly impressive at the U18 Worlds and the ensuing Hlinka Gretzky Cup in his DY-1. But the young man has the wits and wherewithal to generate offense and surprised many by becoming an SHL regular this season, often gaining upwards of 15 minutes of TOI throughout the season. Then he played a considerable scoring role (4 points in 6 games) in helping his team retain the class for another year of SHL hockey in the relegation round. The cherry on top of his 10 goals and 19 points in 53 total SHL games is that he did it all as an 18-year-old. With a September 4th birthday, he’s one of the absolute youngest overagers in this draft. Heck, we wouldn’t blame anyone for seeing him as a poor man’s Marco Kasper. - Chapin Landvogt

Timofei Zhulin - LW - BARS KAZAN (VHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #250

Timofei Zhulin has been one of my favourite players over the past few seasons. He is a high motor player who checks all the boxes for me, getting it done on both sides of the puck. He is a talented puck carrier who uses his pace to beat opponents and can finish in a variety of ways with skilled hands and a heavy shot. Defensively, he breaks down opponents with harassing forechecking and board play. He battles hard and doesn’t give up on plays easily. He is the exact type of player I would be looking to draft if I were in the GM chair, and I was surprised to see him passed over last season. He is a hard-working grinder who has the skill and speed to create offense when needed. - Henry Lawrence

Jere Somervuori - LW - HIFK (FIN-U20) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #140

Jere Somervuori is the type of player that coaches like because you know what you are going to get from him every night, and wherever he is put in the lineup, he will show the same intensity and engagement level on 200 feet. Somervuori was on one of the best lines in the U20 SM-sarja this season with Matias Vanhanen and Jasper Kuhta. Even if he produced fewer points than his linemates, he was clearly the driver of his line because of his effectiveness on the forecheck and his ability to force turnovers and create space for his teammates. He skates like a breeze, and he is always in motion, trying to find open space or giving support for his teammates. Somervuori is very tiring for the opponents because of his tenacity, and he never gives up on plays. This is the kind of player who can make an impact in the playoffs, as he will do every little detail to help his team win, no matter what the score is. - Jeremy Rivet

Maddox Labre - D - VICTORIAVILLE (QMJHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #187

Playing for the worst team in the QMJHL this season, the Victoriaville Tigers, it was hard to evaluate Maddox Labre’s game. Labre is a raw offensive defenceman who possesses great skills and puck control. He was starting to be more and more confident toward the end of the season, showing smart and crafty plays. His defensive numbers were bad, but the team in general was. Offensively, in his last 18 games, he scored eight of his 19 points total, approaching 0.5 points per game. He still has a lot to refine in his game, especially his defensive game, but the interesting potential needs to be considered, and he could get drafted sooner rather than later. - Jeremy Tremblay

Anders Miller - G - CALGARY (WHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #167

In many ways, you could easily make an Anders Miller comparison to Hampton Slukynsky. Miller's biggest drawback is that he is seen as "unproven" due to his role as a tandem with Calgary joining the team midseason. You can easily draw that comparison to Slukynsky, who was picked out of the USHS-MN, a notoriously unpredictable league to draft from, but he still made a fourth-round selection due to his strong visible skill set. Miller isn't the flashy type of goalie; he's someone who'd likely go under the radar to most people with an untrained goalie eye because it's harder to see the little things he does right. Miller, like Slukynsky, has the footwork, positioning, poise, intelligence, and the efficient and effective frame of a goalie to make him a worthy pick. As Miller should be stepping into a starter role in the WHL for next year, and given he previously remained in Jr A before the merger, there's a strong likelihood Miller has a D1 commitment in the near future, giving him a very similar development path to Slukyknsky who is also stylistically similar to Anders Miller, and has been looking like one of the biggest steals of the 2023 draft. - Liam Crouse

Aidan Lane - RW - ST. ANDREWS COLLEGE (CHS-O) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #141

Aidan Lane is a prime example of a player benefiting from the recent rule changes allowing CHL players to retain NCAA eligibility. A 2025 Harvard commit, Lane split the 2024-2025 season across three different leagues - starting in the Prep Hockey Conference (PHC) with St. Andrew’s College, appeared in two USHL games with the Green Bay Gamblers before transferring over to the Brampton Steelheads of the OHL. Lane projects as a bottom-six winger through his combination of size, skill and hockey IQ. Lane lacks first-step explosiveness but compensates with a powerful stride and wide base to generate speed in motion. As he continues to grow into his frame, there is potential there for him to improve as a puck-protecting, physical winger. Adding more assertiveness to his game will elevate his effectiveness at the next level. The transition for some players joining the CHL, coming over from other junior leagues, was more gradual compared to others. The trouble for Lane was getting consistent ice time on an older, competitive Steelheads team that was built to go all-in this season. Lane played a bottom-six winger role, averaging about 15 minutes a game. The tools of becoming a power winger are evident. Having the opportunity next season to play a full season under one program at Harvard could help his development significantly. - Liam Staples

Matous Kucharcik
(Photo by Micheline Veluvolu/IIHF)

Matouš Kucharčík - C - SLAVIA PRAHA (CZECHIA U20) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #147

Kucharčík is an interesting project. He has decent size at 6-foot-2 but needs to add a lot more muscle to his current frame (165 pounds). He does have promising offensive tools, he’s not afraid to be flashy, he’s strong with the puck on his stick, has a dangerous wrist shot, and his skating is also decent. He might have a future in the NHL as a middle-six forward. He just needs to add more muscle to bring the physicality to his game and work on his overall skills. The potential to become a valuable NHL player with the right development is definitely there. - Matej Deraj

Växjös Liam Pettersson
Photo: Jonas Ljungdahl / BILDBYRÅN

Liam Pettersson - D - VAXJO LAKERS (SWE J20) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #154

Pettersson is the kind of player who flies under the radar but has the makeup of a late-season riser. A mobile defenseman with good size (6-foot-2), Pettersson plays a quiet, effective game, especially on breakouts, where his simple and smart puck movement stands out. He doesn't try to do too much, and that reliability is often overlooked in flashier prospects. His skating is solid, though with some technical refinement, he could become even more efficient. He's not overly physical yet, but with added strength and a more assertive edge, particularly in puck battles, his defensive value will grow. Pettersson has room to compete harder in tough areas, and if he does, his ceiling shifts upward. Offensively, he has a decent skill set with a steady passing game and flashes of upside from the blue line. He's not going to quarterback a power play, but he can contribute as a secondary option. If he takes a step physically and sharpens his compete level, there's real potential for him to emerge as a dependable bottom four defenseman at the next level. - Viktor Ahlund

Brady Peddle

Brady Peddle - D - WATERLOO (USHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #165

I see Brady Peddle as a really intriguing option in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft, and he jumped up many draft boards after equaling his regular-season production in the playoffs. While he doesn’t offer much upside, he plays a physical game and is smart on the breakout. Brady grinds in front of the net to keep his crease clean and wins board battles galore against larger opponents, making him an attractive candidate to carve out a role as a reliable bottom-pair defenseman. He’s one of the more well-rounded and mature defensemen outside of the top 100 pick range. - Kaeden Ireland

David Lewandowski.

David Lewandowski - LW - SASKATOON (WHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #178

Picks in the later rounds of the draft are players that need work, but it’s important that there is a pathway to NHL success, and that is exactly what one team will get with Saskatoon Blades forward David Lewandowski. The 6-foot-1 German has some skill, is strong on the puck, and is willing to play physically. A sore spot for him? Skating, which happens to be arguably the skill that NHL teams are able to develop the most effectively. If the team that drafts him can work with him to grow into even an average skater, it is easy to see a third-line winger in the NHL here. - Jamison Derksen

Shawn Carrier
(Trevor MacMillan/Halifax Mooseheads)

Shawn Carrier - LW - HALIFAX (QMJHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #123

At a certain point during the draft, there comes a time when the remaining players are not very likely to turn into consistent NHLers. The available options will oftentimes be players who might turn into a bottom-of-the-lineup player if everything goes right. Although Shawn Carrier is expected to be drafted into those later rounds, he is an exception to the rule; he could, with the ideal development, turn into a great middle-six forward. Carrier is consistently the fastest, most high-flying skater on the ice. He plays with overflowing confidence, driving the play through the middle, dishing tricky passes and showing great lateral deceptive skills when attacking the opposing defence. He has the hands to keep up his high pace of play and has an underrated shot. Carrier could absolutely be one of the biggest steals of the draft down the road. - Jeremi Plourde

Jacob Kvasnicka.
Photo by Rena Lavertry, USA Hockey

Jacob Kvasnicka - RW - USN U18 (USDP) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #164

Kvasnicka is one of the hardest workers in the entire 2025 draft class. He consistently finds himself in the right place at the right time as he creates opportunities for teammates. While his stat line makes him a long shot for the NHL, undrafted Frank Vatrano put up similar numbers before forcing his way into the NCAA, AHL, and then the NHL. Although his puck skills may not wow as much as his peers at the NTDP, his raw tools, vision, and unrivalled drive make him a tempting option in late rounds. Kvasnicka is playing college hockey next season, where he aims to earn a top-six role with the University of Minnesota. - Sean Boyd

2025 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW: PART TWO – Our scouts provide their biggest surprises and disappointments

Tue, 06 May 2025 15:43:57 +0000

FRISCO, TEXAS - APRIL 26: Sweden's Filip Ekberg #14 skates with the puck while USA’s Charlie Trethewey #19 defends during Preliminary Round - Group B action at the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Comerica Center on April 26, 2025 in Frisco, Texas, USA. (Photo by Micheline Veluvolu/IIHF)

In part two of our U18 post tournament coverage, our scouts submitted their surprises and disappointments from their regions.

SURPRISES

Jere Somervuori

Somervuori came to the IIHF U18 World Championships having a bit of an up and down season. He started the season strong, producing at a point per game pace in the first half of the season but struggling in the second half. However, he was a leader offensively for Finland as he ended the tournament first in points for Finland with six points (2 goals and 4 assists). He was one of the most used forwards for his team and he was able to showcase his high compete level in every game. Somervuori’s effectiveness and tenacity on the forecheck combined with his speed and his ability to play at a high pace are qualities that should make him attractive in the middle rounds. (Jérémy Rivet, Finnish Regional Scout)

Filip Ekberg

Ekberg was a driving force for Sweden at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship, leading the tournament in scoring with 18 points in seven games. His blend of skill, hockey sense, and goal-scoring touch made him a constant threat and a key reason behind Sweden’s silver medal finish. Ekberg’s ability to create offense in transition and from set plays stood out, and he was recognized as the tournament’s MVP and Top Forward. The performance not only highlighted his upside but also reinforced his status as a top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft. (Viktor Åhlund, Swedish Regional Scout)

Cole Reschny

Cole Reschny concluded his second-half surge with an exclamation point at his final event of the season, establishing himself as the biggest riser among WHL skaters. Reschny joined the team midway through the tournament and finished with five goals and three assists in five games, including a clutch overtime winner against Czechia in the quarterfinals. In addition to his cerebral playmaking, Reschny showcased a complete two-way game and a high compete level. He was a regular contributor on the PK and was aggressive in puck pursuits and forechecking sequences. An overall performance that makes him a strong candidate to go in round one. (Kyle Dalla Zanna, Western Canada Regional Scout)

Tinus Luc Koblar

Norway’s Tinus Luc Koblar deserves a huge shout out for his key role in staving off elimination. Koblar was an all-situations center, matching up against the stars of the tournament at even strength as well as seeing time on both special team units. He provided a ton of puck insulation for some of Norway’s smaller players by winning board battles all over the ice and flashed some nifty playmaking moments. Koblar could be a late riser on draft boards thanks to his strong effort this tournament and he’s a strong candidate to be picked in the later rounds. (Felix Robbins, Swedish Regional Scout)

Matúš Lisý

Lisý is an interesting case, he’s a balanced two-way defenseman with average size (6-foot-0 to 6-foot-1) who skates well and could be a late round pick. I’ve seen him play some of his best hockey at the tournament - he was confident with the puck, joining the rush, creating chances and also winning battles in his own end. One thing that concerns me is his decision making - he seemed to make too many mistakes to my liking. Still, he’s a two-way defenseman with a decent toolkit who could make his way into the bottom rounds. (Matej Deraj, Central Europe Regional Scout)

Jakob Ihs-Wozniak

Jakob's never going to drive play like an Ivar Stenberg who does it at an elite level, but instead Jakob is good at finding open space both in the offensive zone while his team has possession or being able to make plays at fast speeds during the rush. Jakob is an incredible finisher and added up five goals throughout the tournament, ending up with seven points in seven games. While he wasn't Sweden's most trusted offensive forward (only receiving 14:24 average ice-time), he was still able to produce. Thanks to his play this tournament, an NHL team could very much be interested in taking him in the first round as the top six potential has become more evident. (Simon Johansson, European Video Scout)

Jack Ivankovic

Jack Ivankovic's talent and ability have always been prevalent throughout the season. Unfortunately, however, his performance has always fluctuated heavily, with his playoff series against Oshawa being a big test to see if the regular season inconsistencies were behind him. Unfortunately, that series did not go as planned, and Ivankovic ended his OHL year in a rut. The U18 world championship acted as the last chance for Ivankovic to generate momentum and prove that he can step up where every game matters. He did just that, only allowing six goals in six games. He looked very in control of the play, and even though his team was dominant, he was able to snuff out any comeback attempts, dominating the play himself and making some big saves while the results were still up in the air. (Liam Crouse, Goaltending Scout)

L. J. Mooney

Although Mooney was the smallest player on team USA, listed at 5-foot-7, he was by far their most consistent and reliable producer throughout the tournament. Not only did he lead the Americans in scoring with 11 points, but he was also their most consistent play driver and physical presence. Money was noticeable in all three zones and did not shy away along the wall and in the high danger areas. His relentless motor helped spark the U.S. squad at times when they needed a boost. This performance should definitely bump his draft stock. (Mark Dube, U.S. Regional Scout)

Cullen Potter

Besides L.J. Mooney, who was the most surprising standout on the USA team, Potter looked far and away the best player for almost every game in the tournament. He only played middle six minutes (technically 3rd line) but over the course of the tournament was continuously adjusting and improving. He seemed to benefit from having Moore and Horcoff on his line, both of whom are very talented in their own respects, and he used his supporting teammates during play more than we’ve seen with ASU throughout the season. Overall, a very strong showing for Potter. There were times when he touched the puck that he looked like an NHL player playing against 17-year-olds. (Sean Boyd, U.S. Regional Scout)

Lev Katzin

I did expect a 5-foot-8 speedster to be a big contributor offensively for Canada…but I didn’t expect it to be Guelph forward Lev Katzin. The Penn St commit had 48 points in 44 OHL games this year but established himself as a key top six forward in this U18 tournament and finished third on team scoring with 10 points. A draft afterthought during the season, I think his play this tournament secured him a later round selection. (Jamison Derksen, North American Video Scout)

Florian Schenk

Coming off a rather disappointing four-point, minus-eight season in the QMJHL, it was uncertain how much of a factor the 6-foot-4, 209-pound winger would be in Texas. Despite Switzerland getting relegated and not winning a game from the test-game phase to the shootout loss to Norway, Schenk showed a lot of spunk and was mighty aggressive in trying to prevent the team’s unfortunate fate. He pumped in four goals and racked up seven minor penalties, mostly because he ran around like a bull in a china shop. It hurt the team at times, but he sure stuck out in what was generally a potpourri of blandness. (Chapin Landvogt, Central Europe Regional Scout)

Elias Schneider

Put your hand up if you knew who Schneider was coming into this year’s U18 Worlds? Well, it sure wasn’t certain where exactly Schneider would wind up in the line-up, but he ended up anchoring the first line and becoming the team’s top scorer with six points. He regularly displayed a heavy shot (hitting a number of solid posts and crossbars along the way) while also collecting several lovely assists (and setting up plays that his teammates didn’t make use of). Sure, he’s not the finest skater and he tried pushing a number of plays that weren’t there, but he was one of the surprises of the tournament, not just this team. We’d sure love to see him in Canadian juniors next season. (Chapin Landvogt, Central Europe Regional Scout)

DISAPPOINTMENTS

Atte Joki

Joki was a bit of a disappointment for Finland offensively for Finland. He ended the tournament with zero points in five games even if he was the most used forward for Finland. Especially in high scoring games where Finland rolled over Norway (7-1) and Latvia (10-2), we could have expected more from him. He was still able to showcase his effectiveness on the forecheck, backcheck, and his play around the net, but his lack of finishing touch, could make his draft stock fall a bit. However, the number of minutes he played demonstrated that he is a player that can be trusted in different situations. (Jérémy Rivet, Finnish Regional Scout)

Karl Annborn

Karl Annborn’s performance at the 2025 U18 World Championship fell short of my expectations, particularly on the offensive side. Despite playing in all seven games, he failed to register a single point and had minimal impact in Sweden’s transition game or offensive zone play. In a tournament that highlighted the value of mobile, puck-moving defensemen, Annborn contributed little in terms of creativity or offensive pressure. While defensively reliable, his lack of production limited his overall influence. His showing reflected a more conservative role rather than one of a dynamic two-way contributor. (Viktor Åhlund, Swedish Regional Scout)

Cameron Schmidt

Cameron Schmidt’s play left much to be desired. Known for his breakneck skating ability and ability to execute skilled plays with high-end speed, the diminutive winger struggled to create offence and displayed concerns around his hockey sense and lack of defensive engagement. He disappeared for long stretches, and showed individualistic habits on the attack, skating into pressure and passing up playmaking opportunities for low-percentage shots far too often. Schmidt’s dynamic abilities and goal-scoring upside bring optimism for his NHL projection when he’s on his game, but at this point, he’s going to hear his name called on day two. (Kyle Dalla Zanna, Western Canada Regional Scout)

Eddie Genborg

Eddie Genborg was a player I wanted more from all tournament long. Outside of a couple big hits, Genborg was outshined and out-gritted by his checking linemates Torkel Jennersjo and Morgan Anderberg. While he isn’t exactly known for his scoring ability, he was a net negative on the puck and seemed to be constantly chasing play. He’s billed as a straightforward, playable depth piece, but there were moments he didn’t look all that playable for Sweden. This performance shouldn’t overshadow the excellent year he’s had in the J20 with Linköping, but the likelihood of Genborg going in the top two rounds may be in jeopardy. (Felix Robbins, Swedish Regional Scout)

Michal Oršulák

Goaltending was the main issue for Czechia throughout the whole tournament. Due to Ondřej Štěbeták’s absence, Oršulák was tasked with being the goalie no. 1, but eventually lost his job to underager František Polatín. Oršulák often looked nervous and disengaged in net. He was solid in his first game, although he did let in a sloppy goal, but held Czechia throughout the match. The next performances were much worse. He has great size at 6-foot-4 and displays solid athleticism, but his performance at the tournament certainly didn’t help his draft stock. (Matej Deraj, Central Europe Regional Scout)

Anton Frondell

Frondell's performance in the U18 tournament was a bit of a letdown. He joined the team mid-tournament and there are arguments for him being tired because of his play in the Hockeyallsvenskan. However, I would say that excuse doesn't suffice as he didn't play much at all through the latter parts of the Hockeyallsvenskan playoffs. Being talked about as a top 10 pick in this draft, you expect more from him. His flashes are good, making solid reads defensively and displaying his hockey IQ by finding teammates in good scoring areas. But overall, he was quite invisible and was lacking as a difference maker, which could drive his stock down in the upcoming draft. (Simon Johansson, European Video Scout)

Michal Orsulak

The U18 world championship is the ideal venue for goalies outside of the well-covered North America to make a name for themselves with a strong performance, leading to the draft. Orsulak was a goalie whose stats in Czechia U20 did not stand out, and relied upon his visual skillset to generate attention, but needed a strong performance at the tournament to assert that he is a legit prospect. Unfortunately, his weaknesses got exposed, allowing several weak goals from clean shots that could’ve been prevented with active hands and better positioning. Each goal seemed to negatively affect Orsulak and linger throughout the tournament, as he didn’t appear to be the same competitive, athletic goalie that was shown in the regular season. (Liam Crouse, Goaltending Scout)

Jack Murtagh

As the highest ranked U18 NTDP prospect here at McKeen’s, there were some expectations from Murtagh coming into this tournament. He’s known for his goal scoring abilities and only ended up with two goals and six points in seven games for team USA. Murtagh seemed to lack that confidence with the puck he often possessed throughout the season. He didn’t drive the net with much authority and seemed hesitant to shoot at times when a play was available to him. One tournament doesn’t define a season, but it would have been nice to see more from Murtagh in Texas. (Mark Dube, U.S. Regional Scout)

Charlie Trethewey

After a very strong season with the U17 team, he started slow this season and then really started heating up his play towards the end of the season, but he really fell flat this tournament. The offensive upside and overall shine to his game seemed suppressed and his highlights were overshadowed by mishandling under pressure and defensive lapses. Posting one assist in seven games after 10 points in seven games at the U17s last season, it seemed like there was still a lot of work to be done with Trethewey. Time in the NCAA with Boston University next season could iron out issues and bring back his A-game. (Sean Boyd, U.S. Regional Scout)

Jackson Smith

Jackson Smith was expected to be one of the best defensemen in the tournament and a key player for Canada. He was good, and did end up scoring four goals, but he didn’t really stand out or take over games the way I thought he might. No new red flags or anything, it just was a bit of a letdown for the number two defenceman on the draft board. (Jamison Derksen, North American Video Scout)

Matia Nico Birchler

Of all the goaltenders who stood in net for at least three games, Birchler’s numbers were the worst. He came in felt to be good enough to back the team into the quarterfinals but ended up being a difference maker from a negative standpoint. A 7.79 GAA and .810 save percentage were actually quite indicative of what we saw along the way and there were some goals against of the backbreaking variety in each contest. The 6-foot-5 netminder has some tools, so this was a bad time not to be able to apply them. (Chapin Landvogt, Central Europe Regional Scout)

David Lewandowski

The right wing on upstart Germany’s top offensive unit, Lewandowski underwhelmed his way to three points in the first three games before falling off the planet. In fact, he wrapped things up as more of a detriment to the team than the difference maker they desperately needed him to be. Possessing immense stickhandling and physical tools, not to mention a 41-point WHL season under his belt, he did far too little for a team that was otherwise busy overachieving. With several players having put up a +4, his -6 was the worst on the team. His shanking of a shot on as wide open a net as you’ll ever see was poignantly descriptive of his overall performance. (Chapin Landvogt, Central Europe Regional Scout)

2025 IIHF U18 World Championships – Division B – Team Preview – Players to Watch

Chapin Landvogt — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:52:40 +0000

It’s been a few years since we saw the U18 Worlds hosted by USA hockey in Frisco and Allen, Texas, back in the spring of 2021. At the time, the pandemic still played a considerable role in shaping schedules throughout the hockey world, but the tournament proved very special in that the names Bedard and Michkov were already all the rage. Double underagers, they each made heavy offensive contributions (usually of a highlight variety) and then faced off in the tournament final, one decided by a Team Canada that would eventually see 22 players drafted in the following years.

Sure, the tournament was filled with many other talented and highly sought players, but it wasn’t one to remember for Team USA, which bowed out in the quarterfinals. This year’s edition feels somewhat similar to the host back in 2021 in that it lacks the all-out star power of recent years and will include a handful of outside additions from Canadian junior ranks and the NCAA. We nonetheless are terribly excited about seeing this year’s US squad duke it out in Group B action against annual contender Sweden, a loaded Czech program, the most impressive German ensemble in quite some time, and eternal quarterfinal participants Switzerland. Viewing things from the outset, this group could potentially present three of the four teams that will end up playing for a medal. Each of the Czech Republic, Sweden, and the USA feature numerous players of NHL interest for the next two drafts. At the same time, it’s anybody's call as to which of Germany or Switzerland is most likely to be heading to the relegation round and either could be good for a surprise along the way.

Here’s what to expect from each of the Group B contestants from April 23rd through May 3rd.

Czechia

Adam Benak

We keep getting excited about the progress the Czech program has made over the past 5-8 years but there’s no denying that they’ve simply reached a point where contention for a medal should be expected at both the U18 and U20 levels year after year. The nation keeps generating talents that are desired in junior leagues across North America and northern Europe while others manage to play pro at home already at this young age. Once all of this year’s nominees have arrived in Texas, Coach David Cermak will be able to dish out a ton of ice time to a handful of specific players who have everything required to make this team a gold medalist.

Alas, therein lies the problem as a number of the top nominees are still busy in primarily North American league playoffs. In some cases, they might not make it whatsoever. This could lead to the scouting world getting to see some special aspects like 15-year old defensive phenom Lukas Kachlir and Liberec product David Roszival, who had a sneaky good year at the perhaps underscouted Czech U20 level, not to mention hulking underage forward Simon Katolicky. But we’re going to assume that most of the big guns will be there at some point and then this Czech outfit will be one we expect to see battling for a medal on May 3rd.

Players to watch

Adam Benak - F

It feels like we've been gushing about Benak forever thanks to many dazzling performances at no less than the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. However, he finally brought his show to the USHL this season and it was magical. As he continues to get quicker on his feet and with the puck, we watched him create magic all season long for the Youngstown Phantoms, where his silky hands led to what seemed like unending offensive creation. Worries about size are still legitimate, but his 59 points in 56 games indicate he has no plans on letting it hold him back. He’s still involved in the USHL playoffs, so the Czechs will have to wait for his services, but when he arrives, he’ll likely become the tournament’s top powerplay producer.

Vojtech Cihar - F

A well-built winger with good speed and the knack of regularly making his way to the goal, Cihar already took a regular shift at the WJC and is coming off an entire season at the pro level (4 goals, 9 points) in the Czech Republic’s top league. He should be a key player in the top six for this team while adding a physical dimension to the attack.

Simon Katolicky - F

Only 16, Katolicky is already 6-foot-4 and inching towards 190 pounds. He’s been playing his junior hockey in Finland and has suited up for Czechia internationally 46 times over the past two seasons, for whom he regularly occupies the Ovechkin spot on the powerplay, albeit from the right side faceoff circle. Long story short, he brings size, skating, and a heck of a shot. He’ll be a hot topic for the 2026 draft and truth be told, if his playing style is any indication, Jaromir Jagr is definitely his idol.

Radim Mrtka - D

If a 6-foot-6, 200-pound righty shot defenseman who skates well, checks like a bull, and can lead your attack with a solid first pass is your idea of a unicorn, then Mrtka is your unicorn du jour for this year’s tournament. He possesses everything necessary to take over a game. He’ll without a doubt be the go-to man for coach Cermak on the blueline and is one of the key reasons the Czechs are expected to be a medal contender.

Matej Pekar - F

One of the youngest players in this summer’s draft, Pekar’s rookie season in the WHL was decent but nothing to get all too excited about. Having gone the Swiss juniors route in recent years, Pekar is your classic puck-rusher who’ll shake ‘n bake his way into scoring positions if you give him the time and space. This should allow him to eat some teams apart if they’re busy giving other forwards on this Czech side most of their attention. Both passer and shooter, he won’t hesitate to rip off wristers when he sees the net.

Tomas Poletin - F

A returnee from last year’s squad, the 6-foot-1, 196 pound power forward has spent several years in Finland’s U20 junior circuit and even got into 20 Liiga games this season, including playoffs. As for friendly matches and various test games with the nation’s U17 and U18 teams in recent years, he’s always been at the top of the scoring lists. He’s hard on the forecheck and makes his way to the net regularly.

Max Psenicka - D

Vladimir Dravecky may have to step up to the plate a bit until Psenicka arrives, but once (or if) the steady 6-foot-4, 190-pound defenseman arrives from the WHL playoffs, he’ll be a go-to player on the blueline and will give the Czechs the kind of size and righty-shot combo that few teams possess. A player not too different from Mrtka, Psenicka joined the Portland Winterhawks later in the season but immediately became a defensive mainstay with a solid eye for his teammates. Could be literally and figuratively a huge boost to this team’s blueline.

Ondrej Stebetak - G

As we write this, Stebetak is still battling it out for his Portland Winterhawks in a grueling seven-game series against the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL. Should his side lose the next game, he’ll be on his way to Texas. And truth is, the Czechs have a vested interest here because Stebetak is talented enough to be the end all, say all, difference at the U18 Worlds. Still, he’s played 13 playoff games over the past 22 days, so we don’t know what’ll be in the tank if he makes it down!

Germany

David Lewandowski of Germany lduring the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Germany and Latvia on December 30, 2024 in Ottawa.
Photo: Mathias Bergeld / BILDBYRÅN

Coach Patrick Reimer is entering this tournament knowing that he’s going to be coaching at the pro level next season. Thus, this is his last hoorah at the U18 level for now and what he’s got is essentially the most anticipated German side in recent years. Having only just regained a spot at the top level again with a flawless D1A U18 Worlds in Denmark last spring, Reimer will be making use of a handful of players who were keys to that promotion, several of whom were already key contributors to Germany’s WJC efforts this past winter.

Particularly the forward group is chock full of players who have taken excellent strides (many at the pro level) in recent years and bring a much higher rate of offensive acumen than just about any German outfit in recent memory. Nonetheless, it’s uncertain how solid this goaltending group can be and if we’re honest, the blueline is currently looking like it’s only one very solid pairing deep. There’s potential within the remaining six defenders, but it’s definitely going to require at least three of them to step up to the plate and show there’s more in them than they’ve indicated internationally to date, even if we were very excited about Max Bleicher this time last year.

With all that in mind, the team is here to stave off relegation. This realistic goal will be plenty hard to achieve and even if the squad believes it can duke it out with anyone it faces, the fact is that the preliminary bout against archrival Switzerland on April 27th will likely be all-decisive in determining if the team heads to the quarterfinals or once again has to decide its fate in a relegation round. On paper, their chances against Switzerland are clearly better than they otherwise have been in recent years.

Players to watch

David Lewandowski - F

As we enter this tournament, Lewandowski is far and away Germany’s top prospect for the 2025 NHL draft. Already talked about heavily throughout Germany’s hockey scene in recent years, it took him all of seven DEL games this season to decide that he’s best suited strutting his stuff in North America. A jump to the Saskatoon Blades, and the ensuing 41 points in 56 total games, gave the hockey world a clear sample of his possibilities and even if his scoring abilities were anything but dominant, his quick and successful adaption to the rough-n-tumble ways of the WHL answered some of the key questions we’ve had in recent years. More importantly, he’s gotten a taste of the North American scene, and you can be certain that he knows all too well what this tournament can mean for his draft chances this summer. Key first line and powerplay roles await him.

Carlos Händel - D

It’s been a long time since a German defenseman was able to head to a Canadian junior league and make an impact, much less at age 17, but righty shot Händel did just that this season for the Halifax Mooseheads. Having just turned 18, Händel is an extremely confident player who wants the puck on his stick and won’t let a few bad bounces get him off his game. Expect him to be on the ice for every important situation Team Germany faces seeing as how he already averaged over 22 minutes of TOI at last winter’s WJC.

Maxim Penkin - F

The 15-year-old gained “exceptional status” to play in Germany’s top U20 league (DNL) this past winter and proceeded to score at more than a PPG pace while then becoming the league’s playoff MVP for the champion Adler Mannheim. Not a shabby start! Likely possessing the strongest offensive skillset since Tim Stützle, Penkin will already be a top nine player at the upcoming tournament and scored in the test game against Canada. He may not make a lot of music in Texas, but just getting to see him at this early stage should be a real treat for the whole hockey world.

Maxim Schäfer - W

A behemoth of a 17-year-old, Schäfer is already 6-foot-4 and moves around the ice with the coordination and purpose of an older player. He’s also coming off what was almost an entire season of top league DEL play, but his 44 points in 18 U20 league games showed that he can dominate teenagers his age and older. three points in five WJC games - played in Canada no less - indicate that he’s ready to make an impact in Texas. However, he’s currently still playing for Berlin in the DEL finals with his team two wins away from the title. Would be a boon if he’s in Texas by April 27th!

Dustin Willhöft - W

A spit in the bucket weightwise, the 5-foot-8 mini might is coming off a dominant year in Germany’s top junior circuit (104 points in 43 games) and was already Germany’s top performer at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where hardly any offensive opportunities were created without him being right in the middle of them. He has a motor and a heck of a shot, but it’s his vision and set-up abilities that will have you (and his teammates) smiling.

Sweden

Djurgårdens Anton Frondell.
Photo: Kenta Jönsson / BILDBYRÅN

Coach Tommy Paananen has nominated a team that has every scout’s mouth watering. Especially when it comes to the forward group, the team is more than “locked and loaded” for a medal in Texas, if not gold itself. An 8-3 romping of Team Canada in a pre-tournament test game verified that. About the only player missing from this dream team attack is Victor Eklund, but that’s because he’s aged out. The group is three scoring lines deep and that’s even considering that the main man up front, Anton Frondell, is still busy vying for promotion for his Djurgarden club, so he’s bound to miss two, if not three of the preliminary round games.

The team will nonetheless have to see one of the goaltenders stand tall at times, with Love Härenstam being the expected frontrunner despite being statistically behind his two netminding colleagues, and the defensive group will need to prove itself capable in the transition and puck-moving game because the bulk of them are of the defense-oriented variety. How Paananen makes it all work will be interesting to see but it’s clear that he has many pieces to work with once everyone is on board. Anything less than a medal would be a terrible disappointment, with all eyes clearly focused on gold.

Players to watch

Viggo Björck - F

An absolutely dynamic offensive dynamo who excels in puck possession (and protection), Björck is entering this tournament as one of the top three prospects for the 2026 draft. A wonderkid in many respects, his strong strides and tricky righty shot release have led to a gawd awful number of points in Sweden’s junior ranks in recent years. He got into one game of pro play this winter and sure enough, he scored his first pro goal. Having led Sweden’s U20 circuit in regular season scoring (then finishing second in the playoffs), we’ve got every reason to believe that Björck could already be Sweden’s go-to offensive force over the next two weeks. He’s that good.

Sascha Boumedienne - D

If there’s one player on this team that the scouting community hasn’t seen too little of, it’s Boumedienne. The son of a former part-time NHL defenseman, Boumedienne headed to the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL last season and excelled as a two-way defenseman with a strong understanding of the defensive side of the game. He’s now completed his first season of college hockey with the BU Terriers and just missed out on a national championship, having logged no less than 22 minutes of TOI over the final six games. He understands tournament play very well, knows what it’s like to live under a microscope, and in Texas, he’ll have one last shot at rounding out his profile as that of a late first rounder. Expect this staff to give him plenty of ice time along the way.

Anton Frondell - F

The ride continues for one of the most exciting offensive juggernauts in the 2025 draft. Frondell brings a variety of weapons to the table but impresses most through his incredible maturity and solid decision making for a player his age. And, well, he just loves to generate offense. Having spent the bulk of the season putting up 25 points in 29 HockeyAllsvenskan games, he’s shown he’s able to play with some of the best players Sweden has to offer. Alas, he and his team have been so good that they’re now in the midst of the championship series and he’s sure to miss the tournament’s beginning, as he continues to hold a top nine role for his team. He’ll be a key once he arrives, and we just hope he won’t be too worn out when the time comes.

Milton Gästrin - F

A bit of a power forward with solid size and both playmaking and finishing abilities, Gästrin got into eight SHL games this season and has been absolutely incredible for Sweden in international friendlies the past two years. The captain of the U17 national team last winter and the assistant captain of his MoDo U20 squad, we’re not doubting that his word weighs heavy in this locker room. The tournament will also be an opportunity for him to entrench himself as a first-round option for a team this summer.

Eddie Genborg - F

Like Gästrin, Genborg is another big, solidly built power forward winger with a strong drive to the net. His production for his club’s U20 team as a 17-year-old was fantastic and his development was at a point where he got into 28 SHL games this season, albeit with little tangible results (2 goals, -1 rating). Nonetheless, some view him as worthy of a 1st round pick this summer, so this tournament will be his final opportunity to convince the scouting community that that’s where he belongs.

Theodor Hallquisth - D

Tall and gangly, Hallquisth is a righty shot defenseman who has a knack for blocking shots while he defends with a long stick that he aptly uses to master the pokecheck. A player who forwards smashed their teeth against trying to get by this winter, Hallquisth has also gotten into 12 SHL games and loves to push up the middle to the slot, adept at carrying the puck himself. We can expect him in a top four role in Texas, but we are curious to see how he’ll match up with some of the smaller skill forwards that teams like the USA and Czech Republic will be throwing out on the ice.

Jakob Ihs-Wozniak - F

A tournament returnee, Ihs-Wozniak is one of this year’s draft prospects who has seen his stock drop a bit, having not been selected to the WJC squad, yet who brings many key attributes to the table, not the least of which being a 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame that doesn’t prevent him from getting around the ice somewhat smoothly. A righty shot, Ihs-Wozniak dressed for 13 games for Lulea, which is currently battling for the SHL championship. Internationally, all he’s done is regularly produce for Sweden’s junior teams, so he’s got an offensive role in the bag at this tournament.

Ivar Stenberg - F

What a winter it’s been for Otto Stenberg’s little brother Ivar, who - as a 17-year-old - got into 25 regular season (3 points) and 12 postseason (6 points) contests for Frölunda. His trajectory has been up and up all season, as his combination of speed, hockey sense, and quick hands already allowed him to dominate the U20 circuit offensively (53 points in 27 games). He’s not eligible to be drafted until 2026, but we fully expect him to use this tournament to continue building on his profile and are hearing that he’s planning on spending the next two springs gunning for his older brother’s statistical U18 Worlds records.

Switzerland

We’re going to be generous by stating that coach Schumacher and his staff will have their work cut out for them in Texas. Despite being able to almost always stave off an appearance in the relegation round, Switzerland hasn’t had a lot of success in recent years and this tournament may not be any different. With the first game against Sweden not even 48 hours away, the world is still waiting for the Swiss to announce the final roster.

Still, there really won’t be any surprises as the team will consist almost entirely of players who spent this past season playing in the nation’s top U20 league, some of whom not getting beyond a middle six role. Sure, the team will be interesting in some respects, like with Lian Bichsel’s little brother Finn expected to make the cut while underagers Clemens Troxler and Jonah Neuenschwander will probably slot into top nine roles.

One way or another, there’s simply no star power for this year’s class and international events have given us little reason to believe this rather nameless group is going to be able to do much more than keep the results close. Critical will be the game against archrival Germany on April 27th. That’ll be the most important game of the tournament for both teams and the Swiss are well aware that Germany is bringing one of the most anticipated waves of players it’s been able to throw onto the ice in recent years. Expect that game to decide if this team will once again have the honor of facing the uphill battle posed by quarterfinals or instead have to duke it out for class retention.

Players to watch

Guus Van der Kaaij - D

The likely captain for this year’s outfit, Van der Kaaij is dual Swiss Dutch citizen and is a solidly built athlete who has seen his star rise this past season more than any other Swiss prospect. Although his U20 stats were just average (better in the playoffs), it’s his all-round game and defensive wherewithal that has raised eyebrows while he’s been lauded for his leadership capabilities. Moreover, his 11 SL games in which he collected two assists, and a +6 rating showed a high level of maturity and a knack for picking up the pace with the higher level. He then got into seven NL games, six of which were in the playoffs. Rest assured that he’ll be made heavy use of in Texas.

Jeremiah Mundy - F

Entering the season, the 6-foot-3, 196-pound forward who is half Canadian was seen as perhaps Switzerland’s top prospect for the upcoming draft. Having flipped over to the Davos program before the season, he proceeded to see that status go lost while always being a top six forward to the tune of 16 goals and 30 total points in 54 games. In addition, he was never called up or loaned out to a pro team, so his good but average stats are only applicable for a league that isn’t an international measuring stick. Is he as good as he was advertised before this season? His performance as a top six forward in Texas will be his last chance to show he is in time for this summer’s draft.

Jonah Neuenschwander - F

First eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft, Neuenschwander just turned 16 not even a month ago and already measures in at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds. In addition, Swiss Hockey even brought him along to the WJC this past winter as a 15-year-old and gave him three games of experience, so he should be a top nine forward during this event. All that pales in comparison to the fact that the burly forward got into 15 games of top league NL action this past season while putting up 45 points in 48 total games for his U20 squad, something that saw him finish fourth overall in playoff scoring. He’s a star on the rise in a time where the Swiss program is in desperate need of one.

USA

Cole McKinney

If you’ve been following us all winter long, you’ll know that this hasn’t been the best season for the famed USNTD program, one that experienced a whole lot of losing against USHL clubs and less than inspiring results in some of the international bouts throughout. That the team recently dropped a 4-3 OT decision against Norway in a test game surely had some in the hockey community rolling their eyes but we’re viewing this team with the belief that it can get things together in time for the quarterfinals and then push for a medal when all is said and done.

The reason for this is that by adding WHL defenseman Blake Fiddler, OHL defenseman (and underager) Chase Reid, NCAAers Cullen Potter and William Horcoff, and USHLers Casey Mutryn and Benjamin Kevan, the team will be getting some considerable reinforcements from the outside, all of whom have past ties to USA Hockey in some capacity. From a scouting perspective, we won’t be disappointed if we get to see any of underagers Mikey Berchild, Sammy Nelson, or Teddy Mutryn either, but that’ll likely mean that someone else isn’t carrying his weight.

There are enough tournament-built requisites throughout the line-up for coach Moore to play any type of game that comes but it’d be a big advantage if this US team doesn’t find itself having to chase the scoreboard much. Goaltending and the blueline have proven to be shaky to date, but both Germany and Switzerland should be gimmes in the preliminary round and as long as the outside additions can gel with the core by the time the games start to really count, this team should be in medal contention. Of course, we all thought that back in 20-21, when the team couldn’t get over the oh so deadly hill that is the quarterfinals, where four teams always see their tournaments end.

If that should be the USA’s fate, the program may want to find a different venue the next time it’ll be hosting this vaunted event. The dominant U18 program the past decade plus, the story this team will write over the next 10 days is one of the most anticipated of the tournament.

Players to watch

Blake Fiddler - D

A huge 6-foot-4, 210-pound righty shot defenseman with NHL pedigree, the Nashville-born Blake Fiddler was a do-it-all mechanic for the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL this season and already starred for Team USA at last summer’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Widely considered a first-round talent, Fiddler may be the best US defenseman in this class and the team will need him to bring his A-game all tournament long. If he solidifies things, this should have an impact on the other talented, but inconsistent blueliners dotting the line-up.

Cole McKinney - F

Probably the biggest riser within the program this past winter, McKinney has a prime opportunity to use this tournament to make a major jump up draft lists. The University of Michigan commit has been one of the program’s more productive players in recent months and is a weapon of all trades. He’s got moves, he’s got deadly wristers and snapshots, he possesses a playmaker’s vision, and he’s proving himself opportunistic on the ice, showing a strong read of where the puck is going to be. He’s a given as an offensive catalyst for a team who’ll need him to step up to the plate in order to play for a medal.

L.J. Mooney - F

Incredibly small, Mooney moves around on the ice like few on this team can. Flashing electric edgework and slick directional changes, Mooney’s hands keep up with his feet and also deliver the best playmaking on the team. Naturally limited in the physical department, he’s an energetic waterbug who’ll look to create space by beating one opponent before finding the next open teammate. Enthusiastic and hungry to create opportunities, his 5-foot-7 height won’t play much of a role at this tournament, so we expect him to be making a serious impact off the rush.

Will Moore - F

A tall forward with a back-n-forth game, Moore has spent the past two seasons clipping at just under a PPG average but could at any time take the bull by the horns and be this team’s offensive catalyst. Is that time now? The Boston College commit has added a bit of playmaking side to his previous profile as an adept sniper and as things stand, he could very well line up with center Potter and left wing Horcoff for a new trio entering tournament play. We’d like to see him use this platform to suggest himself as a surefire 1st round draft pick this summer. His prospect standing is still in flux.

Jack Murtagh - F

Solidly built and consistently a producer, Murtagh looked like a bonafide 1st rounder heading into this season, having shone at the World Hockey Challenge last year. There were ups and downs this winter and as much as the Boston University commit looks like a solid pro in the making, there’s no telling whether we'll see him be all he can be in Texas. If he is, then this team will be getting a player who looks for his teammates but adores picking corners as much as anything else. Look for him to make his presence known.

Cullen Potter - F

Originally a member of the USNTDP, Potter decided to head to college early and pretty much thrived while being one of the youngest players in the NCAA. Having just turned 18 in January, his quick and deceptive game built off of great acceleration and the readiness to shoot with aplomb had Potter’s inclusion on this team being a no-brainer. And it may perhaps prove to be just the jumpstart the US needs, seeing as his natural talent combined with his experience against much older and stronger competition should have him ahead of the game in Texas. To be noted is that Potter is just 5-foot-9 and not even 170 pounds, thus fast but can be pushed around.

Charlie Trethewey - D

Off to Boston University next fall, Trethewey feels like one of the players on this team who most needs to clarify his identity in this event. In general, he has most of the prerequisites of a defensive defenseman with just enough offensive acumen to get rushes started or contain pucks in the offensive zone in a positive manner, but for all the big hits we’ve seen him throw, there have been misses and positioning problems. For the long term, there’s much to build on here, but for the U18 Worlds, he needs to bring an A-game, if he’s got it in him at this juncture.

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Team Latvia remains the feel-good story of the tournament

Kyle Watson — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:24:28 +0000

OTTAWA - It wasn't a day fans had marked on their calendar.

The prospect of watching the Germans and Latvians duke it out for a spot in the quarterfinal and Team Slovakia face lowly Kazakhstan did not entice many — neither match was well attended.

World Juniors enthusiasts who showed up or tuned in on TV were rewarded with arguably the most exciting day of action thus far.

Captain Dalibor Dvorsky scored twice and set up two more goals to give the Slovaks a 4-2 lead heading into the final frame of Monday's opening contest. In the game's dying minutes, Team Kazakhstan managed to score twice while killing a major penalty to force overtime.

Buffalo Sabres prospect Maxim Strbak played the saviour in overtime, slipping the puck through Vladimir Nikitin's five-hole on the breakaway and helping his team avoid total collapse:

SLOVAKIA HANGS ON!

Maxim Strbak scores in overtime to win 5-4 over Kazakhstan. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/e9zO6ftAJd

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

The win clinched third spot in Group B for Team Slovakia, earning them a place in the quarterfinals for the third-straight tournament.

Latvia-Germany was even more hectic.

The Germans needed a win in regulation to have a chance of playing in the quarterfinals. With the game tied 2-2 with 2:51 remaining, their head coach Tobias Abstreiter decided to pull the goalie on an offensive zone draw to give his team a 6to 4 man advantage.

The move immediately backfired:

GERMANY PULLS THEIR GOALIE TO GO FOR THE WIN AND IT INSTANTLY BACKFIRES

3-2 LATIVA! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/JoDUhhKK34

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

Just 20 seconds later, with Germany's net still vacant, 2025 NHL Draft prospect David Lewandowski's one-timer sailed over the shoulder of Linards Feldbergs to serve up the day's second helping of 3-on-3 sudden death.

Mateiko continues to lead the way for Latvia

Washington Capitals prospect Eriks Mateiko, who played shootout hero against Canada, showed off his lightning-quick release in overtime to give Team Latvia their third quarterfinals berth in four years:

LATVIA WINS IT IN OVERTIME

Who else but Eriks Mateiko, the OT hero! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/UnukGxpWaz

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

The 6-foot-4, 201-pound forward has spearheaded the Latvian attack at the World Juniors: he possesses an impressive blend of skill and snarl that's emblematic of his team's approach.

There won't be enough ice in all of Ottawa to meet the needs of this Latvian team by the time the World Juniors are over, because of all the bruises caused by all these blocked shots

Those kids are hurting, but they wouldn't have it any other way: they're on to the quarterfinals

— Derek Neumeier (@Derek_N_NHL) December 30, 2024

When the Germans took a 2-0 lead midway through the second period, Mateiko rallied his team together by scoring under a minute later.

All goaltender Linus Viellard could do was pray it hit him:

LATVIA RESPONDS!

Eriks Mateiko responds 32 seconds after Germany's second goal to make it 2-1. WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/RiQ2EVzceQ

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

"We found a way," said Mateiko, after the game. "That probably wasn't our best game; Germany played well."

"But it's really fun to win in this tournament, I can tell you that!" he added with a smile.

It was a milestone victory for the nation: the only time they've ever won two games in the round-robin.

"It's really big for Latvia," said Linards Feldbergs.

"We are a small country, but we can do big things like we did today and [the] game against Canada."

Dvorsky, Pecarcik star as Slovakia survives late scare

On day two, we discussed how Slovakia needed more from Dalibor Dvosrky in his fourth World Juniors appearance. Yesterday's contest was the first time in the tournament he displayed the talent that convinced the St. Louis Blues to select him 10th overall in 2023.

Dvorsky is a terrific finisher, particularly in the thick of traffic in front of the net. He scored twice down low before dropping jaws with his setup for linemate Juraj Pekarcik:

Just before time expires in the 1st period, Slovakia makes it 3-0! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/GejwISETT6

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

Providing another helper for Pekarcik to make it 4-1 before the Kazakhstani comeback, Dvorsky finished with two goals and two assists.

Pekarcik, who plays for Moncton in the QMJHL, was also drafted by the Blues in 2023: 76th overall. The 19-year-old was named player of the game with an identical stat line of two goals and two assists.

This is the second tournament in which the St. Louis prospects have been deployed on a line together: their chemistry could prove pivotal for the team's success. Slovakia will take on the winner of today's matchup between Switzerland and Kazakhstan in the quarterfinals, with the loser facing Germany in the relegation round.

Parting notes

Truly one of the craziest finishes to a group in recent history:

So, for WJ's tomorrow:

-winner of wins Group A

-if that game goes to OT, will finish no lower than 2nd

-if goes to OT, will finish no lower than 2nd

-but if loses in regulation, and or wins in regulation, will finish 3rd and play the loser of …

— James Duthie (@tsnjamesduthie) December 31, 2024

16-year-old forward Olivers Murnieks (Sioux City, USHL) had his best game of the tournament. The 2026 NHL Draft prospect set up the Latvians' first two goals before scoring an empty netter. He was a plus-three with three shots on goal.
Julius Sumpf (Moncton, QMJHL) continues to set the pace for Team Germany: the 19-year-old had two assists yesterday, taking his tournament totals to one goal and four points
There is currently a four-way tie for the top scorer in the event: Hradec Vojtech (Mladá Boleslav, Czech Extraliga), Axel Sandin-Pelikka (Skellefteå, SHL), Jakub Stancl (Kelowna, WHL), and Dalibor Dvorsky (Springfield, AHL) each have seven points
Only two goaltenders have played 100% of their team's minutes in the tournament so far: Latvia's Linards Felbergs (Sherbrooke, QMJHL) and Finland's Petteri "Showtime" Rimpinen (Kiekko-Espoo, Liiga).

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: 8 Early Standout Draft-Eligibles

Jeremy Rivet — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 15:40:56 +0000

_{James Hagens}

We have already reached the halfway mark of the preliminary round of the 2025 World Juniors Championship in Ottawa, and the competition remains wide open in the two groups. The tournament has already witnessed one of the biggest surprises in its history, with Latvia's shocking win over Canada, and I am confident that it will not be the only one. In a tournament where the outcome is decided in a single game, anything can happen.

My primary focus has been on the players eligible for the upcoming NHL draft, and I wanted to observe how they would perform against the best players of their age group, as well as how some who were overlooked in last year's draft have progressed. Here are the eight main prospects that have stood out for me so far.

Matthew Schaefer, Erie, OHL - D (Canada)

Schaefer was Canada's best defenseman during the pre-tournament and in the first game of the preliminary round before sustaining a tournament-ending left shoulder injury against Latvia. This will be a significant loss for Canada for the remainder of the World Juniors. At only 17 years old, Schaefer was deployed in all situations, showcasing his elite mobility and the physical aspect of his game, which makes him a well-rounded defenseman capable of logging heavy minutes. Hopefully, his injury will not keep him off the ice for an extended period, as the race for the first-overall pick heats up.

James Hagens, Boston College, NCAA - C/LW (United States)

The other leading candidate for the first overall selection in the upcoming NHL Draft had a strong performance against Germany, recording four points (two goals and two assists). The chemistry between Hagens and his Boston College linemates, Gabe Perreault and Ryan Leonard, was evident, and Hagens was a key contributor to that line's success. His elite puck-handling and playmaking skills are what set him apart. It will be intriguing to see how he performs against tougher opponents and as the stakes increase.

Victor Eklund, Djurgarden, Swe.2 - F (Sweden)

A potential top-5 selection in the upcoming draft, Eklund made a significant impact in Sweden's first game against Slovakia. His high compete level and willingness to battle in the tough areas of the ice are two aspects of his game that I found impressive. He competes for pucks along the boards and in front of the net, and his playmaking ability is at a high level, as evidenced by his no-look passes that are challenging for goalies and opponents to read. Eklund was named the player of the game in Sweden's matchup against Kazakhstan, registering two points.

Benjamin Rautiainen, Tappara, Fin. - F (Finland)

Rautiainen is a re-entry prospect and is making his first appearance at the World Juniors. He has been having a strong season in the Liiga, and that form has carried over to the tournament. Although he hasn't recorded a point yet, I found him to be one of Finland's most dangerous forwards in their first two preliminary-round games. He plays with a high tempo, creating scoring chances for his teammates through his vision and by attacking the interior of the offensive zone. Rautiainen also demonstrated a good stick and a high compete level, causing turnovers on the forecheck.

Jan Chovan, Tappara Jr., Fin. - F (Slovakia)

As a first-year draft-eligible player, Chovan has primarily been used as the 13th forward for Slovakia in their first two games against Sweden and Switzerland. Despite the limited ice time, he was able to make an impact, scoring the game-winning goal against Switzerland, a crucial game that likely determined the third-place finisher in Group B. Chovan was also deployed in the final seconds to protect the lead, showcasing his size, mobility, and hockey IQ to play multiple roles. It will be interesting to see if he receives an increased role as the tournament progresses.

David Lewandowski, Saskatoon, WHL - F (Germany)

Lewandowski has been one of the most utilized forwards for Germany after the first two games. The combination of size, speed, and skill makes him resemble a power forward. He scored a goal against the United States with a great shot off the rush from the top of the circle. What stood out the most in his game was his puck protection ability and his skill in creating space for his teammates. Lewandowski likes to be around the net and is not afraid of the physical aspect of the game.

Julius Sumpf, Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL (undrafted) - C (Germany)

The Moncton Wildcats center is another prospect who was overlooked in last year's draft. He is probably Germany's best player in the tournament, as he is utilized in all situations and is the most-used forward on the German side. At 6-foot-2, he possesses an intriguing size, and although he is not a physical player, his hockey IQ and intelligence with the puck to create plays are his primary strengths. His speed is also not to be underestimated. Sumpf has recorded two points so far in two games and will be a crucial part of Germany's success, especially in the games that will likely determine the fourth-place finisher in Group A against Latvia.

Linards Feldbergs, Sherbrooke, QMJHL (undrafted) - G (Latvia)

Feldbergs was phenomenal in Latvia's historic win against Canada in their opening game. The undrafted goaltender from last year will certainly attract the attention of NHL teams after this performance. He demonstrated the ability to handle the pressure of playing in front of a hostile 18,000-strong crowd against a top-3 hockey nation. Despite being outshot 57-27, Feldbergs was able to shut down most of Canada's attack, making 55 saves and stopping all 8 shootout attempts to secure the victory. This will undoubtedly raise his profile ahead of the upcoming NHL draft.

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Draft-Eligible Players to Watch

Brock Otten — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 20:00:55 +0000

There is a general rule when watching first-time draft-eligible players at the World Junior Championships; a good performance should help raise a player’s stock, but a poor tournament should not considerably lower a player’s stock. Historically, this is a tough tournament for underagers to excel at. Not everyone is ready for the limelight like Connor Bedard was in 2023 when he set the new scoring record for a U18 player, or like Patrik Laine and Jesse Puljujarvi were when they led Finland to a gold medal in 2016, combining for 30 points. Auston Matthews had a single goal when he played for the US as a U18 player. Sergei Fedorov, Scott Niedermayer, David Legwand, Brian Leetch, and Sebastian Aho are among the many who were held pointless. Bottom line, there are more failures than success stories and it’s important to keep that in perspective when evaluating draft-eligible players at this tournament.

That said, we’d be lying to you if we said we weren’t keeping tabs on certain players to see how they perform. This year, there are several players to keep an eye on and we’ve got you covered with that list.

Matthew Schaefer - Defense - Canada

Our new top-ranked player for the 2025 NHL Draft (as per our recent update), there wasn’t a lot of skepticism about Schaefer making this team. However, there was no guarantee, given his age, that he would receive a prominent role. After the exhibition schedule, it certainly appears that Schaefer is going to receive significant ice time and responsibility for Canada. He was one of the team’s top defenders in the tune-up games and he is poised to have a big tournament. The Canadian scoring record for a U18 defender at this event is held by Ryan Ellis with seven and Schaefer could challenge that.

Porter Martone - Wing - Canada

The power winger is likely to be a bottom-six player on this Canadian team, perhaps even a victim of the numbers game in the press box. The key for him will be providing physicality without crossing the thin line that exists in IIHF hockey.

Jack Ivankovic - Goaltender - Canada

Unlikely to see significant time ahead of Carter George or Carson Bjarnason, but stranger things have happened at this tournament. Realistically, Ivankovic is here to gain experience for future events. If anything, this serves as a great break from the OHL for Ivankovic, who has struggled the last month for the reeling Brampton Steelheads.

James Hagens - Center - USA

Hagens enters the tournament as the first-line center for the United States as part of an all-Boston College unit with Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault. Their chemistry should really help them in a short tournament and all three could be right up near the top of the tournament scoring leaders. As we approach this tournament, Hagens is finding himself off the top spot on several current 2025 lists (including ours). A dominating performance here could go a long way to proving to scouts that he is still the top player this year.

Logan Hensler - Defense - USA

It hasn’t been an easy freshman year for Hensler at Wisconsin, who entered the year neck and neck with Schaefer as the top defender available, but now finds himself firmly behind the talented Canadian. However, Hensler has a chance to be a pretty versatile defender for the U.S. at this event and that could really help him gain a hold of the second-best defender title.

Vojtech Cihar - Wing - Czechia

There’s no guarantee that Cihar plays much of a role for a Czech team with serious medal aspirations, however, the talented winger has had a terrific year in the Czech league and is firmly on the draft radar as a top two-round candidate. Can he find a way to carve out a role?

Carlos Handel - Defense - Germany

Handel hasn’t had the kind of offensive impact, especially of late, as many had hoped he would when he joined Halifax of the QMJHL for his draft year. However, he’s still a pretty highly regarded prospect and he’s going to likely get top-four ice time for Germany at this event; an excellent opportunity for him to shine on the big stage.

David Lewandowski - Center - Germany

Another German standout who has crossed the pond to play in the CHL, Lewandowski has excelled for Saskatoon of the WHL. The big pivot plays a power game that should help him match up well against some of the other big powers in Germany’s division. Look for him to play a top-three-line role.

Rio Kaiser - Defense - Germany

A lesser-known prospect eligible for this year, Kaiser is still someone on the draft radar because of his size and intriguing athleticism on the backend. He hasn’t received a ton of ice time in the DEL this year, but he could play a prominent defensive role at this tournament and open up some eyes.

Bruno Osmanis - Wing - Latvia

Playing a good chunk of the year in the Allsvenskan (Swedish second-tier pro league), Osmanis has actually produced well playing against men in a limited role. This sets him up well for success at this event, where he’s going to be counted on by Latvia to be one of their go-to offensive players.

Luka Radivojevic - Defense - Slovakia

Our scouting team has been pretty divided on Radivojevic this year, so the fact that he should get decent ice time for Slovakia could help with that division. He’s been playing better lately after the move to Muskegon of the USHL, but how impactful can he be at the higher levels given his lack of size? We’re curious to see how he defends at this event, against the world’s best.

Jan Chovan - Center - Slovakia

Chovan came into the year with a fair amount of hype after a good U17 year and a strong Hlinka/Gretzky Cup performance, but his production in the Finnish U20 league has been underwhelming. The big pivot can play a heavy, two-way game and that should make him an ideal bottom-six player for the Slovaks. Would Chovan consider a post-WJC move to the OHL, where Sudbury owns his rights?

Tomas Pobezal - Center - Slovakia

Pobezal is on pace for a legendary season in the Slovak men’s league, right on par with the likes of Marian Hossa and Marian Gaborik. That has him right in the conversation as a top 50 selection this year. He may not be flashy, but Pobezal is gritty, intelligent, and versatile. Look for him to play a middle-six role for the Slovaks.

Victor Eklund - Wing - Sweden

Another potential top-five selection playing in this year’s tournament (along with Schaefer, Martone, and Hagens). There’s no guarantee that Eklund receives a lot of ice time for the Swedes, but he’s the kind of dynamic offensive player who can have an eventual impact in the tournament.

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Team Preview – Team Germany

Chapin Landvogt — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 19:00:08 +0000

_{Julius Sumpf}

What a wild ride the 2024 WJC was for Team Germany. After upsetting clear-cut favorite Finland 4-3 to kick off their tournament, the Germans dropped three straight, including a 6-2 stinker against key group rival Latvia. That had Germany eyeing a spot in the relegation round where the new post-pandemic modus now called for a one-and-done face-off. Norway was the head-on-head opponent and was sporting a team featuring upcoming 1st rounders Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Stian Solberg as well as a plethora of players honing their craft in Sweden, some in the pro ranks.

Despite a 4-2 lead after roughly 55 minutes of play thanks in part to 2-point performances from Kevin Bicker (DET) and Veit Oswald, the Norwegians managed to tie things up in the 57th minute of play. What ensued was a back-and-forth overtime thrill show which concluded when tiny tot Moritz Elias circled the Norwegian zone for what felt like forever before lacing a wrister in the far upper left corner. The joy of victory was topped only by the collective sigh of relief for Germany’s program, which has had to do all it could in recent years to stay in the top group.

Germany is now returning to action with precious few returnees, the biggest loss being that of Detroit’s 2023 5th-rounder, the aforementioned Bicker. The speedster had already topped his 23-24 season DEL production with 4 points over 18 games this fall before suffering what may end up being a season-ending injury in November. That leaves Moncton center - an assistant captain - Julius Sumpf and Green Bay Gamblers defenseman Norwin Panocha as the only returning players of note and they’ll certainly have their work cut out for them if this team is going to retain their spot among the world’s elite, which remains the priority.

What Coach Abstreiter’s team will feature is a swath of youngsters who are currently playing in one of Germany’s three pro leagues, with two coming straight out of the topflight DEL. Also of note is the rather large number of players born in 2006 or even 2007, a bit of a novelty for a German team that almost always consists entirely of players who’ll be aging out shortly after the tournament. This isn’t all that surprising for insiders though as the U18 team had a wonderful D1A Worlds last spring and features a few of the more talented players to make their way through the pipelines in recent years. In fact, this team could feature up to four forwards who are first eligible for next summer’s draft, David Lewandowski of the Saskatoon Blades being the most notable.

Once again in a group featuring Canada and the USA, with a bout against Finland smack dab between the North American giants, little is expected of the Germans in the way of points until they face off against Latvia on December 30th. This obvious key match of the preliminary round is probably already giving Coach Abstreiter ulcers as few even-keeled opponents have had the Germans’ number as handedly and regularly in the past decade as Latvia has. If that bout doesn’t see Germany advance to the quarterfinals, chances are pretty strong that one of Kazakhstan or archrival Switzerland will be the opponent for the all-decisive game on January 2nd.

Key Players

Carlos Händel, D

We’ve been big fans of Händel’s for three seasons now, having initially gotten very curious when he jumped from Mannheim to Frölunda back in 2022. Strong international play and an overly positive season with Malmö’s U18 squad throughout last season made him a rather desirable item for CHL teams. Sure enough, he’s plying his trade in Halifax nowadays. That’s not without its growing pains though, as Händel has some physical development to go through and is facing a level of competition in the Q that he’s never known before. But a defenseman who collects 11 points in 28 QMJHL games (on North American ice, no less) is not a player Germany has the luxury of leaving home, his current -15 be damned. The fact is, Händel is a smooth-skating defender who loves to have the puck on his stick and is adept at warding off attackers. These kinds of players don’t grow on trees in Germany. There’s a smooth skill and skating package here, and his club might be best served to force-feed him highlights of Axel Sandin-Pellikka. You can expect him to man the point on one of the team’s power play units as well as lead his fair share of rushes - if Abstreiter chooses to unleash him.

David Lewandowski, C/W

Coming in with 15 points in 20 WHL games, Lewandowski will be the youngest German player to participate in a WJC since the days of Tim Stützle. At the moment, Lewandowski is the nation’s top prospect in next summer’s draft, and he brings size, skill, and a bit of flash ‘n dash to the table. He can really get himself moving in an east-west fashion and it’d be a boon to the team if he’s ready for 2nd line and power play duties, which we feel he certainly is. Alas, his international play to date has been marred by inconsistency, overhandling of the puck, and disappearing acts. When he’s comfortable and doing his thing, there’s a powerful forward here with the kind of hockey sense that sets him apart from most of his peers. It would be huge if that’s the Lewandowski we get to see here on this platform.

Lua Niehus, D

Getting knocked out right away in Germany’s first game last winter, Niehus wasn’t able to show the international hockey world why, at 18, he was already playing DEL hockey. Things are looking good this time around. Granted, the 5’9”, 160-pound Niehus certainly will have his hands full with the bigger bodies that line the other rosters, but it’s not something he isn’t already used to in the DEL. A bit of a speedy player with a low center of gravity, Niehus’ strength lies in his positioning and breakout pass. He also likes to edge out players along the boards, but he can be tossed around and has problems with net-front coverage. He can also be guilty of holding onto the puck too long. He is a trusted presence for Abstreiter, so he’s going to get plenty of opportunities to sink or swim.

Norwin Panocha, D

When Panocha was drafted in 2023, we felt he was an excellent pick as a 7th-rounder. He had just come off a dominating DNL performance and was highly regarded by his Eisbären Berlin organization. He also was one of the very few bright spots on Germany’s disappointing U18 team that spring. In light of exceptional 4-way mobility, we saw him as a guy you chance it on in the later stages of the draft, limited viewings be damned. He then looked great in Buffalo’s rookie prospect camp before heading to the Q, getting off to a good start with Chicoutimi. But something happened and we don’t know what it is. Last season didn’t end well, and he transferred to the WHL this summer, a move that - after just 3 pointless games - led to him flipping down to Green Bay of the USHL. He’s been quiet there ever since as well. Now he comes in as a go-to first pairing defenseman and Germany needs him to brush off whatever has held him back over the past 12 months because his 2024 WJC showing was nothing to write home about either. This is an important time for Panocha to prove his metal.

Nico Pertuch, G

Very big in the crease and deceptively mobile, Pertuch’s pro experience in the DEL2 has him looking like the starter, even if his being part of last year’s WJC squad was about little more than being along for the ride. And even though he spent all of last season as a backup at the pro level, Pertuch has been getting into more action this time around and his 1.91 GAA and .906 save percentage in 8 contests are rather eye-opening in a league that has its fair share of high-scoring bouts. He’s cool and collected. Abstreiter likes to split duties according to the opponents, but you can expect Pertuch to be in net against Finland and Latvia - and whatever comes after the preliminary round.

Elias Pul, C/W

Pul headed into the 23-24 season as Germany’s top prospect for the 2024 draft. He had lost that position by the time US Thanksgiving rolled around in 2023. All in all, it was a year full of learning and facing adversity. Then he signed with a DEL2 club this offseason and has been taking flight ever since. With 8 goals and 11 points in 24 games, he’s way ahead of the pack among U21 players in that respective league, where a number of his teammates on this national team are taking shifts. What’s been really nice is seeing how elated he is with each and every goal his team scores. He not only brings skill and some sweet anticipation to the table but a joie de vivre that has been the surprise of the league. Moreover, he’s showing why we were so excited about him several summers ago. He could be the 2nd line center; he could be the first-line left wing. We’ll see.

Timo Ruckdäschel, LW

There was a time when the husky winger with a long reach looked like he could be a special offensive player. Now in his 3rd year of DEL action (his first as a regular), he’s making his mark by being a physical player who is rough ‘n tumble along the boards. So much so that we’re thinking he’s here to provide the muscle while being a plus player in the puck-possession department. At 6’1”, 201 pounds, he makes an even bigger impression on the ice and has been playing with and against men for three whole seasons now. He could also be a difference-maker in those tight games. We see Abstreiter leaning on his size and experience on one of the top two lines.

Julius Sumpf, C

It’s a breakout year for Sumpf, who we’ve eyed as one of Germany’s few above-average offensive prospects in recent years. Much of what he does isn’t flashy but can be highly effective. At the moment, the half-Canadian is spending his DY-2 year as one of Moncton’s motors in the QMJHL, having put up 37 points and a league-best +31 in 29 games. This comes on the heels of a 55-point rookie campaign last year, one that didn’t lead to him getting drafted. Sumpf also excels in the face-off circle and has added some defensive acumen to his game. This is all good and fine, but the fact is, Sumpf is going to have to be the main man in any success Germany is going to experience here. It’s not a role he’s taken to well in years past. We’d like to see him be the top player when Germany faces Latvia. That’ll be his biggest and most doable challenge.

Edwin Tropmann, RHD

Imagine being 16 and not only making your nation’s U18 Worlds team for a tournament your nation was hosting but finding yourself in the Ovechkin spot on the team’s first power play unit by Game 3 of the tournament. That was Tropmann’s fate, and it effectively put him on the map for the 2023 draft, one he didn’t get selected in after a quiet season was followed by just being “meh” for a German side that got relegated that spring. His DY-1 season was actually quite promising, but he didn’t really suit up internationally. Now he’s taking a regular shift in the DEL2 and has been called upon for six DEL contests. His sound overall play has been so notable, both at the pro level and in national team meet-ups, that he’ll be captaining this year’s WJC edition and likely racking up 20+ minutes of TOI a night. More importantly, this is a chance for him to show the scouting community that there’s a go-getter in this 5’10”, righty-shot player whose playing style is akin to that of a MacKenzie Weegar.

Paul Vinzens, RW

In his DY-1 season, Vinzens comes in as one of the team’s motors and quite a plugger of a winger. He’s tough to defend against and takes on all challenges, even if he is guilty of disappearing acts. Every once in a while, he unpacks some real treats for the fans, not hesitating to do the unexpected. He’s been a strong player for the Red Bull Juniors for two seasons now and we felt he’d be a sleeper draft topic last summer, but some injuries kept him from strutting everything he’s got. With 15 points in 14 AlpsHL games, Vinzenz has been called up to the Munich Red Bulls of the DEL for six outings and isn’t looking out of place. We think he’ll be Sumpf’s right winger and that means, it’s time for him to arrive internationally.

Sleeper

Lenny Boos, C/RW

A water bug who has been a big-time scorer in Germany’s junior ranks, Lenny is the son of a long time German-league pro and has already seen 5 games of DEL action this season while spending most of the young season taking a regular shift for 3rd leaguist Essen, chipping in 10 points in 18 games. Moreover, he’s basically the ying to Lewandowski’s yang. The two have played together for years in Düsseldorf and often team up internationally as well. What we like is that he shows no knowledge of being smaller than most other guys on the ice. He gets his nose dirty and comes out of tight spaces with plenty of pucks. He’s smart and knows how to survive. Should he make the cut, he’ll have a unique opportunity to become a draft topic, especially if he finds himself back on the line with Lewandowski.

David Lewandowski – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #28 Edmonton Oilers – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Prospect System Ranking – 28th (Last Year - 26th) GM: Stan Bowman Hired: July 2024 COACH: Kris Knoblauch Hired: November 2023

1. Isaac (Ike) Howard, LW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

2. Quinn Hutson, RW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

3. Beau Akey, D, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

4. Tommy Lafrenière, RW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL) (Currently with Bakersfield Condors, AHL)

5. Paul Fischer, D, University of Notre Dame (NCAA)

6. Viljami Marjala, LW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

7. Josh Samanski, C, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

8. David Lewandowski, C, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

9. Connor Clattenburg, LW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

10. Roby Järventie, RW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

11. Asher Barnett, D, University of Michigan (NCAA)

12. Maxim Berezkin, RW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

13. Nikita Yevseyev, D, Amur Khabarovsk (KHL)

14. William Nicholl, C, London Knights (OHL) (Currently with Bakersfield Condors, AHL)

15. Samuel Jonsson, G, Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL)

2026 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP GUIDE – GERMANY – Team Preview, Key Players and Draft Eligible Profiles

Key Players to Watch

Carlos Händel – Defense (Montreal Canadiens)

David Lewandowski – Center (Edmonton Oilers)

Maxim Schäfer – Wing (Washington Capitals)

Elias Schneider – Center (2026 Draft, second year eligible)

Linus Vieillard – Goaltender (2026 Draft, third year eligible)

Other Draft eligible players to watch

Gustavs Griva – Center/Wing (2026 Draft, second year eligible)

Lenny Boos – Center (2026 Draft, second year eligible)

Timo Kose – Wing (2026 Draft, second year eligible)

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – EDMONTON OILERS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #26

Edmonton Oilers Top-15 Prospects

1 - Matthew Savoie

2 - Isaac Howard

3 - Quinn Hutson

4 - Beau Akey

5 - Maxim Berezyokin

6 - Samuel Jonsson

7 - Roby Jarventie

8 - Tommy Lafrenière

9 - William Nicholl

10 - Paul Fischer

11 - David Lewandowski

12 - Eemil Vinni

13 - Matvey Petrov

14 - Viljami Marjala

15 - Connor Clattenburg

MCKEEN’S 2025 NHL DRAFT GUIDE FEATURE: TOP SLEEPER PICKS

Brock Otten - Director of Scouting

Asher Barnett - D - USN U18 (USDP) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #160

Charlie Paquette - RW - GUELPH (OHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #192

Derek Neumeier - Associate Director of Scouting

Vincent Desjardins - C - BLAINVILLE- BROISBAND (QMJHL)- MCKEEN'S RANK - #159

Carter Klippenstein - C - BRANDON (WHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #229

Regional Scouts

Ryan Miller - C - PORTLAND (WHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #132

Malte Vass - D - FARJESTADS (SWE J20) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #142

Isac Hedqvist - C - LULEA (SHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #276

Jamiro Reber - C - HV 71 (SHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #146

Timofei Zhulin - LW - BARS KAZAN (VHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #250

Jere Somervuori - LW - HIFK (FIN-U20) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #140

Maddox Labre - D - VICTORIAVILLE (QMJHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #187

Anders Miller - G - CALGARY (WHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #167

Aidan Lane - RW - ST. ANDREWS COLLEGE (CHS-O) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #141

Matouš Kucharčík - C - SLAVIA PRAHA (CZECHIA U20) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #147

Liam Pettersson - D - VAXJO LAKERS (SWE J20) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #154

Brady Peddle - D - WATERLOO (USHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #165

David Lewandowski - LW - SASKATOON (WHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #178

Shawn Carrier - LW - HALIFAX (QMJHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #123

Jacob Kvasnicka - RW - USN U18 (USDP) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #164

2025 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW: PART TWO – Our scouts provide their biggest surprises and disappointments

SURPRISES

Jere Somervuori

Filip Ekberg

Cole Reschny

Tinus Luc Koblar

Matúš Lisý

Jakob Ihs-Wozniak

Jack Ivankovic

L. J. Mooney

Cullen Potter

Prospect System Ranking – 28th (Last Year - 26th)
GM: Stan Bowman Hired: July 2024
COACH: Kris Knoblauch Hired: November 2023