Five More Observations About the 2023 World Juniors

The 2023 World Juniors have been exciting and full of twists and turns. Any time Canada has a chance of losing its big news. This tournament has picked up steam in the United States. I love the coverage that it gets because the players give it their all to win for their country, and showing that off is great. It’s a purely amateur competition.

Connor Bedard Is Special

Connor Bedard has already broken five records including the Canadian record for scoring in a single tournament. Another key point is his 32 points in his world junior career is also a record that he can add to. This calendar year has been crazy for him. I’m not going to say he’s the greatest player to play in the tournament, and won’t compare him to Connor McDavid. That’s ridiculous. However, if he puts away the U.S. team with the same kind of heroics it took to beat Slovakia, his legend will grow. If he doesn’t win a gold, that will also be a mark against him somehow. Even though Canada struck gold during the summer. One of Bedard’s gifts that is unmatched is his ability to play long shifts with enough intensity to keep creating and making scoring strikes.

Happy New Year! Don’t just break the record Connor Bedard, smash it! Win the tournament. Go Canada! #WorldJuniors

— Eric Lindros (@88EricLindros) January 1, 2023

Carlsson Can Move Up In The Draft

Leo Carlsson has four points in his first five games. Sweden is still alive, and his draft stock is rising. I have no issue with a possible conversation about whether or not he could be the second-overall pick instead of Adam Fantilli. It’s a worthy debate. Carlsson can play center which adds to his future value. The fact that he already has a pro body at 6-foot-3, 194 pounds, makes him an attractive selection. His numbers in the SHL are really good so don’t be surprised, whether he medals or not, that there is talk about him possibly being the second-overall pick at some point very soon.

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Fantilli Hasn’t Hurt His Draft Stock

Fantilli has had a decent tournament. He’s very young and has three points in his first five games. He only has two penalty minutes, and that’s impressive considering the amount of ice time that he gets against top players in the world. I don’t think he’s hurt his draft stock. Should he shine in the next game or two that could help him keep that second spot for now? Remember, this is only a small part of his draft grade. Fantilli has a lot of season, left to play at the University of Michigan.

Czechia Has Been Fantastic

I still think they will medal. They have nine players who are scoring at a point-per-game pace. Jiri Kulich has been a revelation. He has five goals in five games. He’s having a terrific season for the Rochester Americans in the AHL. Some don’t like his game. Amazingly, the Buffalo Sabres got him 28th overall. I ranked him 30th, and I think I may have missed the mark a bit. This tournament does have a way of showing off a player’s talents.

Tomas Suchanek Will Get Drafted

Tomas Suchanek was passed over in the 2021 NHL Draft. That won’t happen again. With a 4-1 record so far and a .955 save percentage. This Czech netminder has already made an impression. With his good stick work and assists aside, he may be the best goalie in the tournament. Suchanek has been ok while playing for the Tri-City Americans, and he didn’t light the world on fire in the last World Juniors. What a difference a year makes.