By Scott Wheeler, Corey Pronman and Max Bultman
PLYMOUTH, Mich. — With the 2025 World Junior Championship approaching this December in Ottawa, the world’s elite under-20 hockey players are yet to gather. However, following last week’s late-summer exhibitions involving Canada, Sweden, Finland, and the United States in metro Detroit, we now have a clearer perspective on potential rosters for some of the tournament’s leading contenders.
It’s important to note that summer hockey can be deceptive; many anticipated standout players either missed the World Junior Summer Showcase or had limited participation. This uncertainty is compounded by several months of additional play ahead.
After observing a week of camps and scrimmages, The Athletic‘s Corey Pronman, Scott Wheeler, and Max Bultman have compiled projected rosters for four teams likely to contend for medals.
Let’s address the major point: Team Canada will unfortunately have some notable exclusions from its roster in Ottawa—especially among forwards.
Among forwards not making our projected roster are 2024 top-10 pick Tij Iginla—the WHL’s potential leading scorer at Christmas (with fellow skater Andrew Cristall performing well in Plymouth)—the reigning QMJHL MVP Mathieu Cataford (a possible bottom-six option), along with Hockey Canada favorites Tanner Howe and Ethan Gauthier from Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay respectively.
The math becomes challenging; space is at a premium with four returning forwards: Matthew Wood, Easton Cowan, Carson Rehkopf, and Brayden Yager. Denver Barkey was among last year’s final cuts but had an impressive showing in Plymouth while being versatile enough to play multiple positions as well as on penalty kills. Calum Ritchie is secure in his position on the team while Bradly Nadeau seems destined for either NHL or AHL action this year; notably remaining is Gavin McKenna’s indispensable presence.
This leaves only four available forward spots open for competition. We filled those spots tentatively with Cayden Lindstrom (who sat out at Plymouth but was deemed worthy by Bultman and Pronman), Jett Luchanko (who initially missed an invite but came through impressively), Riley Heidt plus Beckett Sennecke (though there was debate between Sennecke versus 2025 prospect Porter Martone—with Pronman leaning towards Martone).
On defense, returnees Tanner Molendyk alongside Oliver Bonk are joined by lock Zayne Parekh; beyond them lies an exciting competition among five players vying for four more roles: Sawyer Mynio (who shone during his week alongside Parekh), top-ranked prospects Sam Dickinson and Carter Yakemchuk who exhibited mixed performances throughout camp weeks], plus 19-year-olds Andrew Gibson (Predators) and Noah Chadwick (Maple Leafs). Wheeler anticipates Chadwick making it onto the final roster courtesy of management trust from Peter Anholt—his GM back at Lethbridge—but Gibson bested him here presently based on his showing pre-roster decisions.
In goalkeeping scenarios despite penciling three names down initially—it traditionally caps at two choices when North America hosts tournaments—top prospect Joshua Ravensbergen displayed significant talent though fell short of optimum form in Plymouth while returning Scott Ratzlaff along with U18 worlds standout Carter George lead presumed frontrunners currently chasing number one spots available now.
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Previewing the Contenders: Projected Rosters for Canada, USA, Sweden, and Finland Ahead of the 2025 World Junior Championship
The 2025 World Junior Championship: A Brief Overview
The 2025 World Junior Championship (WJC) promises to be another thrilling edition of this prestigious tournament, showcasing the best young hockey talent from around the globe. Scheduled to take place in early January 2025, the competition will feature teams from Canada, USA, Sweden, and Finland—each with a rich history and formidable rosters. In this article, we’ll delve into the projected rosters for these four hockey powerhouses, offering insights into their strengths, key players, and potential lineups.
Canada’s Projected Roster
Canada has a storied history in the World Junior Championship, having won the tournament a record number of times. With a mix of returning stars and promising newcomers, Canada is set to field a competitive roster in 2025.
Key Players to Watch
- Connor Bedard (Forward) - The 2023 first overall NHL draft pick is expected to lead the offense.
- Shane Wright (Forward) – A dynamic player with leadership qualities.
- Mason McTavish (Forward) – Known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills.
- Owen Power (Defense) – A strong presence on the blue line, offering both size and skill.
- Thomas Milic (Goalie) – Showcased incredible talent in junior leagues, poised to be the starting goaltender.
Projected Lines
| Forwards | Defense | Goaltender |
|---|---|---|
| Connor Bedard | Owen Power | Thomas Milic |
| Shane Wright | Brandt Clarke | |
| Mason McTavish | Kaiden Guhle |
USA’s Projected Roster
The United States has made significant strides in international hockey, consistently producing top-tier talent. The 2025 roster will feature a blend of skillful forwards and solid defensemen.
Key Players to Watch
- Logan Cooley (Forward) – A highly skilled playmaker who can turn games around.
- Matthew Knies (Forward) – Known for his scoring touch and physical play.
- Luke Hughes (Defense) - A top defensive prospect with elite skating and vision.
- Tyler Boucher (Forward) – Combines physicality with scoring ability.
- Kaiden Keller (Goalie) – Projected to be a standout in goal, building on a strong junior career.
Projected Lines
| Forwards | Defense | Goaltender |
|---|---|---|
| Logan Cooley | Luke Hughes | Kaiden Keller |
| Matthew Knies | Ryan Johnson | |
| Tyler Boucher | Coronado Wright |
Sweden’s Projected Roster
Sweden is synonymous with producing elite hockey talent, and the 2025 WJC will see them field another strong team. With a focus on skill and speed, expect Sweden to compete fiercely for the title.
Key Players to Watch
- Leo Carlsson (Forward) – A top prospect with a high ceiling and excellent puck control.
- Dalibor Dvorský (Forward) – A dynamic offensive player who can change the game.
- Simon Edvinsson (Defense) – A powerful and agile defenseman who contributes both defensively and offensively.
- Rasmus Dahlin (Defense) – An experienced player who has already made an impact in the NHL.
- Filip Lindberg (Goalie) – Expected to be a key player in net, with great reflexes and composure.
Projected Lines
| Forwards | Defense | Goaltender |
|---|---|---|
| Leo Carlsson | Simon Edvinsson | Filip Lindberg |
| Dalibor Dvorský | Rasmus Dahlin | |
| Oskar Magnusson | Victor Söderström |
Finland’s Projected Roster
Finland has emerged as a powerhouse in international hockey, boasting a reputation for strong team play and resilience. The 2025 WJC will see them field a roster brimming with talent and determination.
Key Players to Watch
- Brad Lambert (Forward) – A speedy and skilled forward with a knack for scoring.
- Joakim Kemell (Forward) – An offensive threat with an eye for the net.
- Kasimir Kaskisuo (Defense) – A solid two-way defenseman with great vision.
- Ville Koivunen (Forward) – Known for his creativity and playmaking abilities.
- Juha Jatkola (Goalie) – Expected to be a stalwart in goal, showcasing agility and quick reflexes.
Projected Lines
| Forwards | Defense | Goaltender |
|---|---|---|
| Brad Lambert | Kasimir Kaskisuo | Juha Jatkola |
| Joakim Kemell | Anttoni Honka | |
| Ville Koivunen | Joni Jurmo |
Comparative Overview of Contenders
When comparing the projected rosters of Canada, USA, Sweden, and Finland, several trends emerge:
- Offensive Power: Canada and the USA look particularly strong in offensive talent, featuring high-caliber forwards capable of producing significant scoring.
- Defensive Depth: Sweden’s blue line, highlighted by players like Simon Edvinsson and Rasmus Dahlin, offers a combination of skill and experience that could turn the tide in tough matches.
- Goaltending Strength: Each team has promising goaltenders, but Finland’s Juha Jatkola and Canada’s Thomas Milic may hold the edge in terms of experience and skill.
Benefits of Following the WJC
As the 2025 World Junior Championship approaches, fans and analysts alike can look forward to several benefits of closely following the tournament:
- Spotting Future NHL Stars: The WJC is a prime venue for identifying the next big names in hockey.
- Understanding Team Dynamics: Observing how different countries develop their young
