The World Junior Hockey Championship is generally regarded as a tournament that showcases some of the most elite 19-year-olds from around the world. What makes this year’s event even more exciting is the fact that many of the top 2026 draft-eligible prospects are on several rosters.
Here’s a look at 10 of the top prospects who will be competing at the WJC in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, over the holidays:
Team Canada
Gavin McKenna, 6-0, 170 pounds, left-shot winger
McKenna was the consensus pre-season top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft. He’s still hanging around the top ranking, but his first semester playing NCAA hockey at Penn State has challenged him to make some adjustments to his game. He’s averaged over 20 minutes per game while producing four goals and 14 assists in his first 16 college games.
McKenna remains one of the most dynamic offensive forwards in the draft class, but his three-zone detail on and off the puck is a work in progress. The WJC will provide him an opportunity to shine on the world stage and re-establish his top draft ranking. McKenna will be slotted into one of the top-two forward lines for Team Canada and roll over the boards as part of the top power-play unit.
Keaton Verhoeff, 6-4, 212 pounds, right-shot defenceman
Verhoeff is having a productive freshman season at the NCAA level playing for North Dakota. He averages over 19 minutes of ice time and has been deployed in a variety of roles. Verhoeff has proven he can beat goaltenders from long range with a heavy, accurate shot, while still thoughtfully making plays, distributing the puck. He’s produced four goals and seven assists in 16 games at North Dakota.
Verhoeff appears to be the extra defenceman for Team Canada. The group includes other right-shot defenders Zayne Parekh (Calgary Flames), Harrison Brunicke (Pittsburgh Penguins) and Ben Danford (Brantford Bulldogs). Verhoeff can easily slot in to take the place of one of these players if they falter. If his number is called by Canada’s head coach Dale Hunter, expect Verhoeff to be deployed primarily at even strength.
Carson Carels, 6-2, 194 pounds, left-shot defenceman
Carels is a prospect on the rise, an outstanding skater with exceptional hockey sense. He can be trusted in all situations. Carels closes on opponents physically, moves pucks responsibly and can create offence. He’s a complete player who has produced eight goals and 21 assists in 28 games for the Prince George Cougars in the WHL.
Ethan MacKenzie, 6-0, 174 pounds, left-shot defenceman
MacKenzie is a relentless competitor who can also be used in a variety of roles. A strong skater, MacKenzie closes on opponents quickly and has the legs to escape pressure and defensive-zone exits. He’s produced 10 goals and 21 assists for the Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) while being deployed in all situations. MacKenzie isn’t the biggest defender, but he’s more than willing to engage physically.
It’s safe to say MacKenzie is a bit of a late bloomer compared to the other draft-eligible prospects in the tournament, but he’s earned his roster spot, and a productive tournament will go a long way toward him being selected by an NHL club in June.
Team Sweden
Ivar Stenberg, 5-11, 183 pounds, left-shot forward
Stenberg is challenging for the top draft slot and producing at a historic rate, playing for Frolunda in Sweden’s top pro league, the SHL. He’s produced six goals and 18 assists in 25 games.
Stenberg plays like an NHL-ready pro. He’s above the play when his group doesn’t have the puck and battles hard in traffic to extend plays. Stenberg has been part of the leadership group in his age group every step of his journey with the Swedish national team. He leads by example and has the skill to be a difference-maker offensively.
Viggo Bjorck, 5-10, 177 pounds, right-shot forward
Bjorck is a prospect I’m eager to view in high-leverage games at the WJC. He stands out as a forward who seems to be in continuous motion, with quick-strike offensive ability in small areas and an extra gear in transition off the rush. Bjorck is likely to land a role on one of Sweden’s power-play units. He’s a bit undersized compared to others in his peer group, but his speed and skill are undeniable. Bjorck could end up being a top-10 draft pick in June.
Team Finland
Juho Piiparinen, 6-3, 203 pounds, right-shot defenceman
Piiparinen is a coveted right-shot defenceman who plays a steady two-way game. He’s skating in Finland’s top pro league, Liiga, playing for Tappara.
I don’t expect Piiparinen to move the needle offensively, but he’s an outstanding skater who kills plays with his length and gets in shooting lanes to block shots. Players like Piiparinen are very trustworthy and can be deployed in key match-up/shutdown scenarios.
Team USA
Chase Reid, 6-2, 188 pounds, right-shot defenceman
Reid is a player to watch closely at the WJC. Like Canada’s Carels, Reid is a prospect on the rise. He’s deployed in all situations at the OHL level playing for the Soo Greyhounds, contributing 14 goals and 21 assists in 31 games.
Reid isn’t shy about joining the rush as an extra player off the puck. He makes plays in the offensive zone and has excellent vision. He reads how plays are developing and has the hockey sense to exploit open space and create offence. Reid accomplishes what he does offensively without sacrificing detail defensively. Right-shot defenders with this pedigree are highly valuable prospects.
Team Latvia
Alberts Smits, 6-3, 205 pounds, left-shot defenceman
Latvia comes into the tournament as an underdog that will be fighting to stave off relegation. Its entire roster will have to perform to the best of its ability every shift just to give the team a chance to stay in games.
Smits is a player I’m tracking very closely. He’s a two-way defenceman with better than secondary scoring upside. Smits is an elite skater. He’s quick to take away time and space defensively, and presents an extra gear with the puck on his stick in transition. Smits has produced six goals and six assists in 28 pro games for Jukurit in Liiga.
Team Czechia
Adam Novotny, 6-1, 205 pounds, left-shot forward
Team Czechia is always competitive at the WJC, and this year’s roster is loaded with big, strong, character players.
It took some time for Novotny to find his stride in North America, but he’s settled in nicely and produced 19 goals and 16 assists in 29 games for the Peterborough Petes (OHL). Novotny provides a combination of power and skill. He has a lethal release when the puck ends up on his stick in high-danger areas. A productive WJC will increase his stock as he continues to trend upward as a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft.
