With rosters now set for the World Junior Championship, all competing teams have arrived in Sweden and the tournament is set to begin on Boxing Day. Team Canada will be competing in Group A and face stiff competition from the host Sweden as well as Finland, Germany and Latvia.
My colleague, Ryan Dixon, in his latest Power Rankings wrote about which NHL teams have the most drafted prospects to watch at the WJC. Today, I’m providing a more in-depth scouting report on WJC players who are prospects for Canadian NHL teams.
(Note: Click on the player cards to flip for more information)
WINNIPEG JETS
Rutger McGroarty, F, Team USA
The Jets’ first round selection in 2022 (14th overall), McGroarty is equal parts power and finesse. There was a time I was concerned about his open ice pace. He’s never been a poor skater, but another gear was certainly required for both the college, and eventually, pro game.
McGroarty is the Captain for Team USA and should slot into one of their top two lines. He is capable of being used in all situations. His impact is greatest in the offensive zone from the hash marks down, along the wall, and out front of the net. The 6-foot-1, 209-pound forward is hard to defend. He has quick mitts. McGroarty is efficient finding pucks in traffic via tips and rebounds.
BORN
2004-03-30
Lincoln, NE, USA
HEIGHT
6’1″
WEIGHT
205lbs
SHOOTS
L
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
1st Round / 14th Overall
2022 Winnipeg Jets
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / CapFriendly
POS. C
NO. 2
BORN
2004-03-30
Lincoln, NE, USA
HEIGHT
6’1″
WEIGHT
205lbs
SHOOTS
L
CAP HIT
—
CONTRACT
—
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
1st Round / 14th Overall
2022 Winnipeg Jets
Season
Team
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
+/-
The Jets first round selection in 2022 (14th). McGroarty is equal parts power and finesse. There was a time I was concerned about his open ice pace. He’s never been a poor skater, but another gear was certainly required for both the college, and eventually, pro game.
McGroarty is the Captain for Team USA. He should slot into one of their top two lines. He is capable of being used in all situations. His impact is greatest in the offensive zone from the hash marks down, along the wall, and out front the net. The, now, 6’1 209lbs forward is hard to defend. He has quick mitts. McGroarty is efficient finding pucks in traffic via tips and rebounds.
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / Sportsnet / CapFriendly
Elias Salomonsson, D, Team Sweden
Salomonsson is a 6-foot-2, 185-pound, right shot defenceman who will very likely match-up against top six forwards and be deployed on the penalty kill. Salomonsson is a great skater. He’s mobile and quick to space. His long reach is also an asset. The Jets’ second round pick in 2022 (55th overall) isn’t likely to produce much offence for Team Sweden. He’s a two-way defenceman who gaps up to kill plays and blocks shots.
BORN
2004-08-31
Skellefteå, SWE
HEIGHT
6’2″
WEIGHT
185lbs
SHOOTS
R
CAP HIT
$846,667
CONTRACT
25/26
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
2nd Round / 55th Overall
2022 Winnipeg Jets
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / CapFriendly
POS. D
NO. 44
BORN
2004-08-31
Skellefteå, SWE
HEIGHT
6’2″
WEIGHT
185lbs
SHOOTS
R
CAP HIT
$846,667
CONTRACT
25/26
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
2nd Round / 55th Overall
2022 Winnipeg Jets
Season
Team
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
+/-
Salomonnson now listed at 6’2 185lbs. He’s a right shot defenceman who will very likely match-up against top six forwards and be deployed on the penalty kill. Salomonnson is a great skater. He’s mobile and quick to space. His long reach is also an asset. The Jets second round pick in 2022 (55th) isn’t likely to produce much offense for Team Sweden. He’s a two-way defenceman who gaps up to kill plays and blocks shots.
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / Sportsnet / CapFriendly
Fabian Wagner, F, Team Sweden
Winnipeg selected Wagner in the sixth round (175th overall) in 2022. The 6-foot, 176-pound forward will slot into Team Sweden’s bottom six forward group. Wagner is a strong skater and quick out of the gate. His speed is an asset on the penalty kill. He pressures the puck in his zone and up ice. Wagner is unlikely to see a role on the power play, though, and it would be a bonus for Team Sweden if he chips in with some secondary offence. Wagner, in his current form, is best described as a two-way “energy” forward.
BORN
2004-05-07
Nyköping, SWE
HEIGHT
6’0″
WEIGHT
176lbs
SHOOTS
L
CAP HIT
$858,333
CONTRACT
25/26
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
6th Round / 175th Overall
2022 Winnipeg Jets
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / CapFriendly
POS. C
NO. 26
BORN
2004-05-07
Nyköping, SWE
HEIGHT
6’0″
WEIGHT
176lbs
SHOOTS
L
CAP HIT
$858,333
CONTRACT
25/26
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
6th Round / 175th Overall
2022 Winnipeg Jets
Season
Team
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
+/-
Winnipeg selected Wagner in the sixth round (175th) in 2022. The left shot forward will slot into Team Sweden’s bottom six forward group. Wagner is a strong skater. He’s quick out of the gate. His speed is an asset on the penalty kill. He pressures the puck in his zone and up ice. Wagner is unlikely to see a role on the power-play. It will be a bonus for team Sweden if he chips in with some secondary offense. Wagner, in his current form, is best described as a two-way ‘energy’ forward.
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / Sportsnet / CapFriendly
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
Elias Pettersson, D, Team Sweden
Pettersson is a 6-foot-4, 205-pound, left shot, two-way defenceman. The Canucks selected him in the third round (80th overall) in 2022. He’s an excellent skater, especially for his stature. Pettersson has the hockey sense, puck skill, and pace to be used in a variety of roles. He’s likely to match up versus top six forwards and roll over the boards on one of the primary penalty killing units for Team Sweden, but he’s also capable of producing better than secondary offence.
The Canucks have a potential top four defenceman on the horizon in Pettersson. The scouting staff should be excited, and proud, about where they grabbed him in the draft.
Jonathan Lekkerimaki, F, Team Sweden
[brightcove videoID=6343744789112 playerID=JCdte3tMv height=360 width=640]
Last season didn’t go the way Lekkerimaki planned, due to injury and some uneven play when healthy, but he’s bounced back nicely this season and is playing to his identity offensively. Lekkerimaki possesses a fantastic release. He’s a threat to rip pucks from the weak side flank on the power play. He’s also the kind of forward who sniffs out open ice in the neutral zone and takes advantage when he sees an open lane to attack off the rush. He’s slotted to play on one of Sweden’s top lines and power play units. Lekkerimaki isn’t a pure burner, but he’s sneaky quick. Vancouver selected Lekkerimaki in the first round (15th overall) in 2022.
Tom Willander, D, Team Sweden
Vancouver drafted Willander in the first-round (11th overall) at the 2023 draft. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound, right shot defenceman can do it all and is best described as a “two-way/transitional” defenceman. Willander is an elite skater with high end hockey sense. He angles his checks to the perimeter very well and he’s quick to space in all three zones. He can walk the offensive blue line to open up lanes to get pucks on net or distribute to the flanks.
Willander will be one of Sweden’s top four defencemen at the WJC. Look for him to be primarily deployed at even strength and the penalty kill. Possibly some power play clean up duty.
BORN
2005-02-09
Stockholm, SWE
HEIGHT
6’1″
WEIGHT
179lbs
SHOOTS
R
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
1st Round / 11th Overall
2023 Vancouver Canucks
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / CapFriendly
POS. D
NO. 5
BORN
2005-02-09
Stockholm, SWE
HEIGHT
6’1″
WEIGHT
179lbs
SHOOTS
R
CAP HIT
—
CONTRACT
—
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
1st Round / 11th Overall
2023 Vancouver Canucks
Season
Team
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
+/-
Vancouver drafted Willander in the first-round (11th) at the 2023 entry draft in Nashville. The right shot defenceman can do it all. He’s best described as a ‘two-way/transitional’ defenceman. Willander is an elite skater with high end hockey sense. He angles his checks to the perimeter very well. He’s quick to space in all three zone. He can walk the offensive blue line to open up lanes to get pucks on net or distribute to the flanks.
Willander will be one of the Swede’s top four defenceman at the WJC. Look for him to be, primarily, deployed at even strength and the penalty kill. Possibly some power-play clean up duty.
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / Sportsnet / CapFriendly
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Easton Cowan, F, Team Canada
Toronto selected Cowan in the first round (28th overall) at the 2023 draft. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound forward can play both centre and the wing. Cowan brings a combination of energy and skill. He’s quick off the rush and relentless pursuing opponents trying to create turnovers. Another bonus is the fact he is willing to battle for pucks in traffic. If he gets the edge off the rush, he takes the puck to the paint.
Expect Cowan to play in Team Canada’s middle six forward group. There’s a chance he could be used in a variety of roles at the WJC, potentially seeing time in all situations.
BORN
2005-05-20
Strathroy, ON, CAN
HEIGHT
5’11”
WEIGHT
185lbs
SHOOTS
L
CAP HIT
$935,833
CONTRACT
25/26
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
1st Round / 28th Overall
2023 Toronto Maple Leafs
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / CapFriendly
POS. C
NO. 7
BORN
2005-05-20
Strathroy, ON, CAN
HEIGHT
5’11”
WEIGHT
185lbs
SHOOTS
L
CAP HIT
$935,833
CONTRACT
25/26
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
1st Round / 28th Overall
2023 Toronto Maple Leafs
Season
Team
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
+/-
Toronto selected Cowan in the first round (28th) at the 2023 entry draft. The 5’11 185lbs forward can play both center and the wing. Cowan brings a combination of energy and skill. He’s quick off the rush and relentless pursuing opponents trying to create turnovers. Another bonus is the fact he is willing to battle for pucks in traffic. If he gets the edge, off the rush, he takes the puck to the paint.
Expect Cowan to play in Team Canada’s middle six forward group. There’s a chance he could be used in a variety of roles at the WJC, potentially seeing time in all situations.
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / Sportsnet / CapFriendly
Fraser Minten, F, Team Canada
Minten broke camp with the Leafs at the beginning of the season, after a solid training camp. He returned to Kamloops (WHL) before being traded to the Saskatoon Blades.
The Leafs selected Minten in the second round (38th overall) in 2022. The 6-foot-2, 192-pound forward can play both centre and the wing. He’s responsible defensively, and capable of taking key face-offs in all three zones if required. Minten moves well, has the hockey sense to be used in all situations and the offensive upside to provide better than secondary scoring for Team Canada.
BORN
2004-07-05
Vancouver, BC, CAN
HEIGHT
6’2″
WEIGHT
192lbs
SHOOTS
L
CAP HIT
$845,833
CONTRACT
25/26
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
2nd Round / 38th Overall
2022 Toronto Maple Leafs
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / CapFriendly
POS. C
NO. 16
BORN
2004-07-05
Vancouver, BC, CAN
HEIGHT
6’2″
WEIGHT
192lbs
SHOOTS
L
CAP HIT
$845,833
CONTRACT
25/26
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
2nd Round / 38th Overall
2022 Toronto Maple Leafs
Season
Team
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
+/-
Minten broke camp with the Leafs, at the beginning of the year, after a solid training camp. He returned to Kamloops (WHL) before being traded to the Blades. His scoring stats are from both stops in the WHL so far this season.
The Leafs selected Minten in the second round (38th) in 2022. The 6’2 192lbs forward can play both center and the wing. He’s responsible defensively, and capable of taking key face-offs in all three zones if required. Minten moves well, has the hockey sense to be used in all situations and the offensive upside to provide better than secondary scoring for Team Canada.
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / Sportsnet / CapFriendly
MONTREAL CANADIENS
Lane Hutson, D, Team USA
Teams better not sleep on Hutson due to his smaller stature (5-foot-10, 161 pounds). He’s dynamic offensively. Hutson will quarterback one of team USA’s power play units. He’s a dual threat who is equal parts shooter and distributor. Hutson is elusive with the puck on his stick. He has elite escape ability from his zone. He’s also not shy defensively. Hutson has no problem closing quickly to kill plays in his zone. He has plenty of battle in his DNA.
The Habs’ second round pick (62nd overall) in 2022 will likely play over 20 minutes per game for Team USA.
BORN
2004-02-14
North Barrington, IL, USA
HEIGHT
5’10”
WEIGHT
161lbs
SHOOTS
L
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
2nd Round / 62nd Overall
2022 Montréal Canadiens
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / CapFriendly
POS. D
NO. 20
BORN
2004-02-14
North Barrington, IL, USA
HEIGHT
5’10”
WEIGHT
161lbs
SHOOTS
L
CAP HIT
—
CONTRACT
—
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
2nd Round / 62nd Overall
2022 Montréal Canadiens
Season
Team
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
+/-
Teams better not sleep on Hutson due to his smaller stature (5’10 161lbs). He’s dynamic offensively. Hutson will quarterback one of team USA’s power-play units. He’s a dual threat who is equal parts shooter / distributor. Hutson is elusive with the puck on his stick. He has elite escape ability from his zone. He’s also not shy defensively. Hutson has no problem closing quickly to kill plays in his zone. He has plenty of battle in his DNA.
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / Sportsnet / CapFriendly
Owen Beck, F, Team Canada
Beck is a “do it all” forward who can be used in all situations. The 6-foot, 190-pound right shot forward produces offence without sacrificing detail defensively. He’s above the play when his group doesn’t have control in the offensive zone. He can take key face-offs on both sides of the ice. Simply put, Beck is a trustworthy, 200-foot forward who skates well and has plenty of battle in his game.
The Canadiens’ second-round pick (33rd overall) in 2022 will likely match up against top forwards and provide a layer of secondary offence for Team Canada.
Filip Mesar, F, Team Slovakia
Mesar is easy to identify. The Canadiens’ first-round pick (26th overall) in 2022 is always in motion hunting offence. Mesar is a solid skater who is a threat off the rush and scores goals a variety of ways. He has a good release and the ability to score off the weak side flank on the power play. He also has some elusive net drive when he sees an open lane. The 5-foot-10, 176-pound forward plays a generally light game physically. He’s a skill player who isn’t as comfortable along the wall and in the trenches.
Mesar will be tasked with carrying the mail offensively for Team Slovakia. He’s best-utilized at even strength and the power play.
BORN
2004-01-03
Spišská Belá, SVK
HEIGHT
5’10”
WEIGHT
176lbs
SHOOTS
R
CAP HIT
$918,333
CONTRACT
25/26
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
1st Round / 26th Overall
2022 Montréal Canadiens
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / CapFriendly
POS. RW
NO. 48
BORN
2004-01-03
Spišská Belá, SVK
HEIGHT
5’10”
WEIGHT
176lbs
SHOOTS
R
CAP HIT
$918,333
CONTRACT
25/26
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
1st Round / 26th Overall
2022 Montréal Canadiens
Season
Team
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
+/-
Mesar is easy to identify. The Canadiens first round (26th) pick in 2022 is always in motion hunting offense. Mesar is a solid skater who is a threat off the rush and scores goals a variety of ways. He has a good release and the ability to score off the weak side flank on the power-play. He also has some elusive net drive when he sees an open lane. The 5’10 1765lbs forward plays a generally light game physically. He’s a skill player who isn’t as comfortable along the wall and in the trenches.
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / Sportsnet / CapFriendly
Jacob Fowler, G, Team USA
Fowler is a freshman at Boston College and their starting netminder. He posted a 2.16 GAA and .925 SV% before he left for Team USA’s WJC training camp.
The 6-foot-2, 214-pound goaltender was selected in the third round (69th overall) at the 2023 draft. Fowler is a proven winner at every level. He plays a butterfly style. He’s big in the net and generally efficient. Rarely does he get caught moving outside his crease. When he does, he has the athleticism to regroup and make saves with his long legs. He has excellent feet and balance overall. At this stage of his development Fowler doesn’t present any holes in his game.
Fowler is likely to split time with teammate Trey Augustine in the preliminary round, before Team USA settles on one of the goalies for the medal round.
BORN
2004-11-24
Melbourne, FL, USA
HEIGHT
6’2″
WEIGHT
214lbs
CATCHES
L
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
3rd Round / 69th Overall
2023 Montréal Canadiens
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / CapFriendly
POS. G
NO. 1
BORN
2004-11-24
Melbourne, FL, USA
HEIGHT
6’2″
WEIGHT
214lbs
CATCHES
L
CAP HIT
—
CONTRACT
—
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
3rd Round / 69th Overall
2023 Montréal Canadiens
Season
Team
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
+/-
Fowler is a freshman at Boston College and their starting netminder. He posted at 2.16GAA and .925% before he left for Team USA WJC training camp.
The 6’2 214lbs goaltender was selected in the third round (69th) at the entry draft in Nashville. Fowler is a proven winner at every level. He plays a butterfly style. He’s big in the net and generally efficient. Rarely does he get caught moving outside his crease. When he does, he has the athleticism to regroup and make saves with his long legs. He has excellent feet and balance overall. At this stage of his development Fowler doesn’t present any holes in his game.
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / Sportsnet / CapFriendly
CALGARY FLAMES
Samuel Honzek, F, Team Slovakia
The Flames selected Honzek in the first round (16th overall) last summer. The 6-foot-4, 194-pound forward was slowed by injury to start this season, but has returned to health and will be one of the key forwards for Slovakia at the WJC.
Honzek is a rangy, average plus skater, with good puck touch and vision. He’s best described as equal parts goal scorer and play maker. His long reach is an asset when protecting pucks from checkers and interrupting the flow of opponents in the defensive zone. His three-zone detail is reliable. Expect Honzek to be used in all situations for Team Slovakia.
BORN
2004-11-12
Trencin, SVK
HEIGHT
6’4″
WEIGHT
194lbs
SHOOTS
L
CAP HIT
$950,000
CONTRACT
25/26
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
1st Round / 16th Overall
2023 Calgary Flames
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / CapFriendly
POS. LW
NO. 29
BORN
2004-11-12
Trencin, SVK
HEIGHT
6’4″
WEIGHT
194lbs
SHOOTS
L
CAP HIT
$950,000
CONTRACT
25/26
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
1st Round / 16th Overall
2023 Calgary Flames
Season
Team
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
+/-
The Flames selected Honzek in the first round (16th) in Nashville. The 6’4 194lbs forward was slowed by injury to start this season.
Honzek is a rangy, average plus skater, with good puck touch and vision. He’s best described as equal parts goal scorer and play maker. His long reach is an asset when protecting pucks from checkers and interrupting the flow of opponents in the defensive zone. His three-zone detail is reliable.
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / Sportsnet / CapFriendly
OTTAWA SENATORS
Oskar Pettersson, F, Team Sweden
The Senators drafted the 6-foot-2, 198-pound, right shot winger in the second round (72nd overall) in 2022. He’s best described as a two-way forward who can occasionally provide some secondary offence. Pettersson is an average skater who competes hard up and down the ice. There’s not a ton of flash to his game. He’s involved in traffic and battles to extend plays along the wall. Expect Pettersson to slot into a depth role for Team Sweden. His primary ice time will come at even strength and the penalty kill.
Tomas Hamara, D, Team Czechia
Hamara started the season with the Kitchener Rangers (OHL), where he suited up for 18 games, scoring three assists. He’s landed in more of an offensive role playing for the Brantford Bulldogs (OHL).
Ottawa selected the 6-foot, 192-pound, left shot defenceman in the third round (87th overall) in 2022. He’s best described as a steady two-way defenceman who provides secondary offence. There’s nothing elite that stands out about Hamara’s game. He moves well. He’s an average-plus defender. In short, he’s reliable in a variety of roles. Expect Hamara to, potentially, be used in all situations for Team Czechia.
BORN
2004-03-09
Praha, CZE
HEIGHT
6’0″
WEIGHT
192lbs
SHOOTS
L
CAP HIT
$831,667
CONTRACT
25/26
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
3rd Round / 87th Overall
2022 Ottawa Senators
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / CapFriendly
POS. D
NO. 9
BORN
2004-03-09
Praha, CZE
HEIGHT
6’0″
WEIGHT
192lbs
SHOOTS
L
CAP HIT
$831,667
CONTRACT
25/26
NHL ENTRY DRAFT
3rd Round / 87th Overall
2022 Ottawa Senators
Season
Team
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
+/-
Hamara started the year with the Kitchener Rangers (OHL). He suited up for eighteen games, scoring three assists. He’s landed in more of an offensive role playing for the Brantford Bulldogs (OHL).
Ottawa selected the 6’0 192lbs, left shot, defenceman in the third round (87th) in 2022. He’s best described as a steady ‘two-way’ defenceman who provides secondary offense. There’s nothing elite that stands out about Hamara’s game. He moves well. He’s an average plus defender. In short, he’s reliable in a variety of roles. Expect Hamara to, potentially, be used in all situations for Team Czechia.
Provided By: Jason Bukala, The Pro Hockey Group / Sportsnet / CapFriendly
Kevin Reidler, G, Team Sweden
Reidler came to North America this season to develop in the USHL with the Dubuque Fighting Saints. He’s posted a 3.20 GAA and .900 save percentage.
The first thing that stands out about the Senators’ fifth-round pick (151st overall) in 2022 is his stature. Reidler is a giant in the net, standing 6-foot-6 and 201 pounds. Reidler is a butterfly goalie who can use his size as an advantage. He presents decent coordination and mobility. It’s key for Reidler to not get wandering around too much. When he loses his posts, he also loses his size advantage by having to track too far from side to side.
In the pre-tournament camp and games it appeared Reidler might end up being the third goalie for Team Sweden.
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