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6 Players to Watch at the 2026 World Junior Championship

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With the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship set to drop the puck on December 26th, we take a look at six players to watch in the tournament. The top under-20 hockey players in the world will head to Minnesota, all looking to bring a Gold Medal back to their home country. The hosts of the 50th edition of the tournament, Team USA, begin their quest to three-peat for the first time in USA Hockey history. At the same time, countries like Canada and Sweden are looking to play the spoiler, boasting star-studded rosters made up of top-tier NHL prospects.

The 2026 World Junior Championship Top Prospects

Here’s a look at six players to keep an eye on during the 2026 tournament. They may not necessarily be the top prospects, but between some being draft eligible still, and others looking to light up the tourney, they are definitely guys worth watching.

Ivar Stenberg – Forward – Sweden

  • Current Team: Frolunda HC (SHL)
  • NHL Team: 2026 Draft Eligible 

The 2026 NHL Draft Eligible Swedish Forward may be the most intriguing player of the 2026 World Juniors. In recent weeks, his name has entered the conversation as a potential number-one overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, with the potential to jump Team Canada Forward, Gavin McKenna. McKenna has been the presumptive first-pick since the start of the pre-draft cycle.

This season with Frolunda of the Swedish League, Stenberg has been on a record-setting pace with 24 points in 25 games, so far. He is a dual-threat puck mover who can set teammates up, while also finishing himself with quick hands and a knack for getting to the goal. He’ll be playing on a line with Victor Eklund and Anton Frondell, two top-tier offensive threats, which should help him feel comfortable making plays in the offensive zone. A big tournament could lead to a rise in his draft stock. Therefore, scouts will be watching his every move to see how he handles the pressure of playing on the brightest stage in junior hockey.  

Tij Iginla – Forward – Canada

  • Current Team: Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
  • NHL Team: Utah Mammoth 

While he may be overshadowed heading into the tournament by Canada’s other top-end forwards like Gavin McKenna, Porter Martone, and Michael Misa, Iginla stood out in pre-tournament competition, registering three goals in their last two exhibition games. He has put up 13 goals and 14 assists for Kelowna this season, playing in 17 games so far. The Utah Mammoth Prospect is the son of NHL legend Jarome Iginla and has recently been sidelined due to injury, but looks to make his mark on this year’s tournament, coming back healthy and looking to contribute and play top-six minutes for Team Canada. 

Petteri Rimpinen – Goaltender – Finland

  • Current Team: Kiekko-Espoo (Liiga) 
  • NHL Team: Los Angeles Kings 

Rimpinen returns to the World Junior Championships after being named the Top Goaltender of last year’s tournament. In 2025, he boasted a 5-2-0 record, with a 2.34 goals-against average, and a .915 save percentage. Rimpinen became the first goalie in history to play every minute of the World Junior Championship tournament and helped lead Finland to a Silver Medal in 2025. If the Fins are going to make a run for a medal, they’ll need another stellar tournament in net from Rimpinen. 

Cole Hutson – Defence – USA 

  • Current Team: Boston University (NCAA)
  • NHL Team: Washington Capitals

The Team USA alternate captain is looking to help lead his team to a three-peat for the first time in USA Hockey history. Hutson is a hyper-competitive offensive defenceman and led all players in last year’s tournament with 11 points. He is the younger brother of 2024-25 NHL Rookie of the Year, Lane Hutson, and has tallied 20 points in 18 games with Boston University, so far this season. He will be the main quarterback on Team USA’s power play, and his performance will be key for the Americans if they want to win gold on home soil. 

Victor Eklund – Forward – Sweden

  • Current Team: Djurgårdens IF (SHL)
    NHL Team: New York Islanders 

Eklund is the younger brother of San Jose Sharks winger William Eklund and is expected to play an integral role in the Swede’s offence. The alternate captain is a defensively solid winger who can find open space in the offensive zone to create offense and put up points. He has solid two-way ability and can be trusted in the defensive zone, allowing him to be on the ice for more transition and breakout opportunities. Eklund will benefit from playing with other top-end offensive talent in his Djurgardens teammate, Anton Frondell, and 2026 Draft-Eligible, Ivar Stenberg, allowing him to play his style of game and not have to drive all of his line’s offence on his own.

Alberts Smits – Defence – Latvia 

  • Current Team: Jukurit (Liiga)
  • NHL Team: 2026 Draft Eligible 

Smits is only 18 years old and stands 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, with a pro-ready frame. He is a 2026 NHL draft-eligible and will have a great opportunity to put his talent on display for scouts throughout the tournament as he tries to push himself into the top-10 conversation. He’s been averaging almost a half-point per game in Liiga with 12 points across 29 games in 2025- 26. Smits will bolster the blueline for the Latvians as they try to play the spoiler again, as they did in 2025 when upsetting Canada in group play. 

Main Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports