It’s that time of year in the hockey world. A three-day break from the NHL puts the spotlight on the kids as the World Junior Hockey Championships kick off on Boxing Day.
From prospects already drafted to draft-eligible players looking to make a name for themselves, there will be no shortage of future NHL talent at the tournament.
Some fans are more informed than others when it comes to junior hockey and the players they are cheering on to represent their country in the coming weeks.
There is great talent spread across the major countries, so it is extremely difficult to determine a list of five. That said, let’s do just that and narrow it down to five key players that everyone should know about and look forward to at this year’s World Juniors.
Gavin McKenna
No player will have more eyes on him during the tournament than McKenna. Once seen as a near chance to go first overall in the upcoming draft, that status is no longer certain after a disappointing start to his college hockey career.
Even if he lights up at Penn State, McKenna would still be the biggest draw in Minnesota. His skills are undeniable: elite hands, hockey IQ, creative playmaking ability and a deadly shot that screams future star. It will be fascinating to see if he can make that magic happen with the hockey world watching, especially with last year’s quarterfinals still fresh in his mind.
Ivar Stenberg
One of the few prospects who is starting to close the gap on McKenna – or even surpass them in some circles – is Sweden’s Stenberg. The 18-year-old was excellent in his second season with Frolunda HC, scoring just under a point per game with 24 points (six goals, 18 assists) in 25 games.
Although the Swedes are not in the same group as McKenna and the Canadians, a potential medal run between the two would be a must-watch. Stenberg’s speed, smarts and tenacity give him a real chance to steal the show and strengthen his case to finish first overall in June.
Michael Misa
Misa, the second overall pick of the 2025 NHL draft, will be one of Team Canada’s offensive focuses alongside McKenna. He had a cup of coffee in San Jose and showed flashes before being moved to the AHL ahead of his World Junior debut.
No player in the CHL was more productive than Misa last season, as he scored a whopping 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists) in 65 games. Canada will rely on his scoring ability to open up games, hoping he and McKenna will bond as a dynamic duo that no other country can match.
Will Horcoff
Initially seen as a reach when Kyle Dubas and the Penguins selected him 24th overall in the 2025 Draft, Horcoff quickly silenced those doubters. The 6-foot-4, 201-pound center – and son of longtime NHLer Shawn Horcoff – was dominant at Michigan, scoring 28 points (19 goals, nine assists) in just 20 games, leading the NCAA in goal scoring.
Now he will have the opportunity to further demonstrate his growth on the international stage as a key part of the Americans’ edge. If he continues his current trajectory, this tournament could be the icing on the cake to what has already been a breakout season for Horcoff.
Cole Hutson
Hockey fans have seen just how special Lane Hutson is early in his NHL career. Now it’s time to get reacquainted with another Hutson. Cole’s production in college was nearly identical to his older brother’s, and some scouts even believe he could be the most versatile defender.
As some will remember, he was dynamic at last year’s World Juniors and played a crucial role in the USA’s gold medal run. Expect Hutson to once again be at the center of everything for the Americans as they chase a three-nation tie on home soil, something they have never done before.
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