The 2022 World Junior Championship Players To Watch

The 2022 World Junior Championship is upon us. The rosters are different than the tournament that got started and cancelled. With that in mind, I am not going to try to prognosticate this other than to say that Canada is the favourite in my mind. We have the gift to be able to watch one of the best tournaments in the world in August. It beats watching reruns even if you’re not a big fan. Get excited people!

Who Is Leading Team USA?

Team USA has a different roster heading into the summer version of the 2022 World Junior Championship. Blackhawks draft pick, Frank Nazar was among the final cuts. Matt Knies (Leafs) and Logan Cooley (Coyotes) are two of the best players on this team. Matt Coronato (Flames) and Thomas Bordeleau (Sharks) are the next level of offence the team will need. Luke Hughes (Devils) is one of the best offensive defensemen in the tournament and having captain Brock Faber (Wild) and Sean Behrens (Avs) who knows how to find open ice helps. Jack Peart (Wild) could be a surprise star for them. Their weakness is between the pipes.

Canada Has it All

Team Canada has potential 2023 NHL Draft first overall pick, Connor Bedard on their squad. He will be among the top scorers because of his edgework, the fact that his motor never stops, and his quick strike ability. Mason McTavish (Ducks) is a star as well as Kent Johnson (Jackets), Brennan Othmann (Rangers). They have no shortage of offence; Canada may have the best goaltending with Dylan Garand (Rangers) and Sebastian Cossa (Red Wings). Carson Lambos (Wild) is fun to watch from the blue line. He has a lot of offence in his game. Donovan Sebrango (Red Wings) and Ryan O’Rourke (Wild) are hard to play against.

Sweden Has a Dangerous Roster

Team Sweden has two stud goaltenders in Jesper Wallstedt (Wild) and Calle Clang (Penguins). Emil Andrae (Flyers), Simon Edvinsson (Red Wings), and Helge Grans (Kings) make up a talented blueline who can transport the puck. Liam Ohgren (Wild), Fabian Lysell (Bruins), and Oskar Olausson (Avs) will provide the necessary offence, but I’m not sure they have enough.

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Finland Will Be In The Mix

Team Finland is pretty set in goal with Leevi Merilainen (Sens) in the net. At 6-3, he covers a lot of the net. Aleksi Heimosalmi (Hurricanes), Topi Niemela (Leafs). and Joni Jurmo (Canucks), make up a well-rounded blue line. On offence, Roby Jarventie (Sens) is a big pro who can score. Joakim Kemell (Preds), Aatu Raty (isles), and Brad Lambert (Jets) can be a sneaky good offence. They’re a contender for sure.

Additional Players To Watch

Those are the main threats. Jiri Kulich (Sabres), will be fun to watch for Czechia. Slovakia has an exciting center in Dalibor Dvorsky, who is 2023 draft eligible, and Adam Sykora (Rangers) will add some offence. Latvia has replaced Russia, look for Anri Ravinskis, who plays in the Q. He has some skill and toughness. Swiss goalie, Noah Patenaude, also plays in the Q and could frustrate some shooters.