32 Prospects: Sabres’ Power, Sens’ Sanderson among players to watch at World Juniors

Chris Peters
Chris Peters
32 Prospects: Sabres’ Power, Sens’ Sanderson among players to watch at World Juniors

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in so many ways, but for a certain segment of the hockey-rabid fans across the globe, the holidays also mean World Junior time. The tournament is set to begin in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta, Dec. 26. Boxing Day could not come soon enough.

To help get you prepped for the tournament, I wanted to give you a look at some of the most notable prospects for each of the NHL’s 32 teams competing. For the two teams that don’t have any prospects in the tournament – sorry to the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders – I included some draft-eligible prospects to be aware of just so you don’t feel left out. The list below also includes all the other prospects with NHL draft rights playing in the tournament

There’s much more World Junior content coming your way on Daily Faceoff very soon as I’ll be previewing the event next week and providing on-the-ground coverage from Alberta once the tournament gets rolling.

Anaheim Ducks: Mason McTavish, C, Canada

The Ducks made the difficult decision to send McTavish back to juniors despite some solid showings for him at the NHL level. His return to junior was a boon for Hockey Canada as McTavish will be a significant piece of Team Canada’s golden quest. He is expected to be the team’s top center and should be used in a variety of roles. His physicality and strength are just as valuable as his skill as he is such a thorn in the side of anyone he plays against. This tournament could be a good preview of what he’s going to look like at the NHL level with the many ways he can impact the game.

Others: D Ian Moore (USA), RW Sasha Pastujov (USA), D Olen Zellweger (CAN)

Arizona Coyotes: Dylan Guenther, RW, Canada

The Coyotes have just one player in the tournament and it just so happens to be the top prospect in their system. Guenther was returned to juniors wisely as the Coyotes were always going to struggle mightily this season. Guenther has gone back to junior and dominated. He has 32 points through 25 games in the WHL and should be a top-six scoring threat for Canada at the World Juniors. His finishing ability will be a massive asset to Canada’s offense.

Boston Bruins: Fabian Lysell, RW, Sweden

Sweden has a good dose of skill on its roster, but Lysell also helps bring a bit more speed to the offensive attack. Currently playing for the Vancouver Giants in the WHL, the Bruins’ most recent first-round pick has 28 points in 23 games as he’s made a seamless transition to North America after playing most of last year in the Swedish Hockey League. He’ll likely be in more of a secondary-scoring role for Sweden.

Buffalo Sabres: Owen Power, D, Canada

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft has made the most of his time after deciding to return to school for another season. Power is the top scoring defenseman in college hockey, with 23 points in 18 games for the University of Michigan. He will be Canada’s top defenseman and play massive minutes for this team. Having already won gold at men’s Worlds last year, Power will be looking to claim more hardware in his first trip to the WJC.

Others: LW Isak Rosén (SWE), D Nikita Novikov (RUS)

Calgary Flames: Matt Coronato, RW, USA

After scoring 48 goals in the USHL last year, Coronato is now producing above a point per game at Harvard. It appears he’s poised to play a top-six goal-scoring role for Team USA. He’s seen time with Matty Beniers and Brett Berard on Team USA’s top line in camp, which suggests he could be viewed as one of the primary scorers for the U.S. Coronato is a hard-driving winger who gets to the net very well. In just 11 games this season, he already has six goals.

Carolina Hurricanes: Vasili Ponomaryov, C/W, Russia

With 10 prospects in the tournament, no NHL team has more players participating in the World Juniors. There’s a lot of talent in this mix, but Ponomaryov is a returning player who scored some big goals in the last WJC. He’s split time this year between the KHL and VHL in Spartak Moscow’s system. Ponomaryov is a hard-driving forward who can score and has some sneaky skill. He could be in a pretty significant role in this tournament as a returning player.

Others: D Scott Morrow (USA), D Aleksi Heimosalmi (FIN), RW Ville Koivunen (FIN), G Nikita Quapp (GER), D Joel Nystrom (SWE), Zion Nybeck (SWE), LW Nikita Guslistov (RUS), RW Alexander Pashin (CAR), D Ronan Seeley (CAN)

Chicago Blackhawks: Drew Commesso, G, USA

The Blackhawks have three players on Team USA and while all will be important, none is more key to USA’s hopes than Commesso. Expected to be the starter for Team USA, Commesso’s numbers this season aren’t overly spectacular, but he’d played better leading into the tournament. Boston University has had a tough season as a whole, but at the WJC, he’ll have one of, if not the tournament’s best blue line in front of him. That should allow Commesso to settle in and get back to the standard that helped him get selected in the second round.

Others: D Wyatt Kaiser (USA), C/W Landon Slaggert (USA), D Michael Krutil (CZE)

Colorado Avalanche: Oskar Olausson, RW, Sweden

With 12 goals and 25 points in 22 games, Olausson has made a smooth transition to North America with the Barrie Colts. Now Sweden may need him to provide some secondary scoring. He was on the Swedish team last year, which had a disappointing tournament overall. Olausson looked good though as a solid two-way player. This time around, he’ll likely have a more prominent role.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Kent Johnson, LW, Canada

Despite an illness that didn’t allow him to join Canada’s selection camp until right before the deadline for all players to be in the World Junior bubble, Johnson is expected to play a big role for the Canadians. As one of the most gifted playmakers in college hockey, he’s got a chance to be a top-six contributor for Canada in his first trip to the World Juniors. He may be one of the most entertaining players in the tournament.

Others: D Samuel Knazko (SVK), D Stanislav Svozil (CZE), LW Martin Rysavy (CZE)

Dallas Stars: Logan Stankoven, C/W, Canada

Stankoven beat out several players with better draft pedigree than he has, but his tenacity and ability to score are two things that will help Team Canada at the World Juniors. Stankoven isn’t a big guy, but he plays with a lot of jam and has excellent puck skills to challenge defenders. He’ll probably play a bit further down Canada’s lineup, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see him play his way into a bigger role.

Others: LW Daniel Ljungman (SWE), C Albert Sjoberg (SWE), Mavrik Bourque (CAN)

Detroit Red Wings: Simon Edvinsson, D, Sweden

The Red Wings have eight prospects in the tournament, but the one I’m most looking forward to seeing is Edvinsson, who has been having a phenomenal year in Sweden. He does a little bit of everything, but has really seen his offensive game blossom this year. As a 6-foot-5 defenseman with outstanding mobility, he should play major minutes for Sweden in this tournament.

Others: G Sebastian Cossa (CAN), C Red Savage (USA), RW Carter Mazur (USA), D Dononvan Sebrango (CAN), D Eemil Viro (FIN), G Jan Bednar (CZE), C Theodor Niederbach (SWE)

Edmonton Oilers: Xavier Bourgault, C, Canada

As one of the top scorers in the QMJHL this year, Bourgault has taken charge even more than normal. He’s always been a producer. This time around, his two-way value may be put to the test as he’s likely to settle further down Canada’s lineup. He can still score from there, but Canada needs him to fit a role that is a little different than he’s used to.

Others: D Luca Munzenberger (GER)

Florida Panthers: Mackie Samoskevich, RW, USA

Florida’s first-rounder from 2021 earned his way onto Team USA’s roster with his speed and overall skillset. Samoskevich has quality puck skills that help him open up space for himself and teammates and make him a bigger offensive threat. His speed can be the real difference maker, however. The U.S. wants to play an attacking style and guys like Samoskevich can aid that significantly.

Others: LW Ty Smilanic (USA), D Kasper Puutio (FIN), LW Justin Sourdif (CAN), Elliot Ekmark (SWE)

Los Angeles Kings: Brock Faber, D, USA

All five of the Kings prospects that are going to the tournament should play pretty prominent roles on their teams, but Faber is one of the key returnees for USA’s gold medal defense. Faber is expected to play massive minutes as one of the elite defenders in this tournament. His skating and overall footwork are NHL-caliber already and he thinks the game at a high level. USA head coach Nate Leaman said that he’s going to play Faber a lot in many different situations.

Others: LW Martin Chromiak (SVK), D Helge Grans (SWE), C Samuel Helenius (FIN), LW Kasper Simontaival (FIN)

Minnesota Wild: Jesper Wallstedt, G, Sweden

The Wild’s prospect pool has really deepened in the last few years and that will be on display with six prospects playing in Alberta. Wallstedt is expected to be Sweden’s starter in the tournament and will be central to their gold medal hopes because they don’t have the same depth they often do. Wallstedt has a .923 save percentage in 17 games this season with Lulea.

Others: C Marat Khusnutdinov (RUS), D Carson Lambos (CAN), D Ryan O’Rourke (CAN), C Pavel Novak (CZE), D Jack Peart (USA)

Montreal Canadiens: Kaiden Guhle, D, Canada

Outside of Owen Power, Guhle is Canada’s most important defenseman. He’s going to play a lot of minutes and probably wear a letter for the team, if not captain the team outright. Guhle is a brilliant skater and a physical defenseman who can also make some plays with the puck. He’s probably going to be asked to play a lot of tough matchups, so if he doesn’t produce a ton, don’t be alarmed. He’s one of Canada’s cornerstone players, though.

Others: C Oliver Kapanen (FIN), C Jan Mysak (CZE)

Nashville Predators: Yaroslav Askarov, G, Russia

It’s been a bit of a roller coaster the last few seasons for Askarov and his two trips to the World Juniors have had mixed results, but at his best he can steal games for his team. This is his last shot at getting a World Junior gold and he’s played some of his best hockey with his back against the wall. This season has not been overly inspiring for the 19-year-old goalie, but he can really springboard himself with a strong showing at this tournament.

Others: C Simon Knak (SUI), D Anton Olsson (SWE), C Fyodor Svechkov (RUS)

New Jersey Devils: Alexander Holtz, RW, Sweden

The Devils will have three first-round draft picks playing in this tournament, but Sweden was in desperate need of the scoring that Holtz provides. If he’s at his best, he can be a significant difference maker for this team. Having had NHL experience and playing in North America over the last season will help him against his age peers. There’s still plenty for Holtz to prove and now he’ll get his former Djugardens teammate to help out as he should play alongside William Eklund.

Others: D Luke Hughes (USA), G Jakub Malek (CZE), D Shakhir Mukhamadullin (RUS)

New York Islanders: None

The Isles would have had a prospect in here, a pretty good one, too, but Aatu Raty was knocked out of Finland’s lineup because his club team was under mandatory quarantine in Finland. That quarantine wasn’t going to end before the team had to leave for Canada and get into the Bubble, so that knocked him out.

However, some NHL Draft-eligible prospects you might want to keep an eye on include David Jiricek of the Czech Republic and Logan Cooley of the United States. The Isles are currently in that lottery range right now and both Jiricek and Cooley are lottery picks. Jiricek is a big two-way defenseman who is currently playing in the Czech pro league and playing at a historic level there. Meanwhile, Cooley is a lightning-fast forward with high-end skill. He could be USA’s No. 2 center in this tournament.

New York Rangers: Brett Berard, LW, USA

Berard is a bit of an under-the-radar prospect as a fifth-round draft pick, but has he ever blossomed into quite a player. He is expected to play alongside Matty Beniers on USA’s top line and has been one of the top scorers in college hockey this year for Providence College. Berard has a good mix of skill and grit that he uses very effectively. He’s not the biggest player on the ice, but he competes effectively.

Others: G Dylan Garand (CAN), LW Will Cuylle (CAN), LW Kalle Vaisanen (FIN), C/W Jaroslav Chmelar (CZE)

Ottawa Senators: Jake Sanderson, D, USA

As USA GM John Vanbiesbrouck said recently, Sanderson could be playing for the Ottawa Senators right now. Instead, Sanderson wanted to return to school and take his game to another level. So far, there’s a lot of evidence to support he’s done just that. Sanderson’s offensive numbers have already surpassed his freshman totals and he’s turned into a play-driving defenseman who also defends at an elite level. If the human body didn’t get tired, he’d never leave the ice.

Others: C/W Ridly Greig (CAN), D Tyler Kleven (USA), G Leevi Merilainen (FIN), RW Roby Jarventie (FIN)

Philadelphia Flyers: Elliot Desnoyers, LW, Canada

In a team full of first and second-round draft picks, Desnoyers doesn’t have the draft pedigree of his teammates, but he very much earned his way onto Canada’s roster. As a tenacious player with skill, Desnoyers will likely settle into the middle of Canada’s forward lineup. He’s been a dominant scorer in the QMJHL this year with 36 points in 23 games.

Others: D Brian Zannetti (SUI), D Emil Andrae (SWE)

Pittsburgh Penguins: Joel Blomqvist, G, Finland

Blomqvist is going to be in a battle with Leevi Meerilainen to get minutes in net for the Finns, but he’s the more likely of Pittsburgh’s two goalie prospects in the tournament to see some time between the pipes. His numbers in eight Liiga games don’t even look real. He’s appeared in eight games, started in six and is 4-1-1 with a .964 save percentage for Karpat.

Others: G Calle Clang (SWE), RW Kirill Tankov (RUS)

San Jose Sharks: William Eklund, LW, Sweden

What a boost Sweden got when Eklund was sent back to Djugardens despite a very good start with the Sharks this season. Getting a chance to play in this tournament was certainly part of the calculus of sending Eklund back. He should be a top-line player and be the team’s best overall playmaker. Expect him to play in all key situations and be central to Sweden’s offensive attack.

Seattle Kraken: Matty Beniers, C, USA

USA’s top center will be playing in all situations for the U.S. Beniers is versatile, which is what makes him so valuable. To being one of the more important offensive players for the U.S., he’s also capable of getting a key stop against opposing teams’ top lines. He should play more than any U.S. forward in this tournament as he looks for his second straight World Junior gold.

Others: D Ville Ottavainen (FIN)

St. Louis Blues: Jake Neighbours, LW, Canada

Neighbours made a good case for himself to stick with the Blues this season, but ultimately St. Louis sent him back for a little more seasoning in junior. He’s been dominant since he returned and making a mockery of the WHL, but now he’ll have a tougher task of helping Canada win gold on home ice in the same building he plays his junior hockey with the Edmonton Oil Kings. Neighbours will likely be part of Canada’s energy line that will also be viewed as a unit that scores its fair share. Neighbours is capable of playing a heavy game, which Canada will welcome as part of their strategy to get back to the top of the podium.

Others: C Tanner Dickinson (USA), D Leo Loof (SWE)

Tampa Bay Lightning: None

The Lightning do have a first-round pick this year, but I’m always fascinated with what they do in the middle rounds instead. So if you’re a Bolts fan, keep a close eye on Dominic James of the United States. He was passed over in the last two drafts, but has really broken out this year for Minnesota Duluth. His speed and two-way tenacity make him a very good stylistic fit for the kind of players that the Lightning usually go after in the mid rounds. Tampa Bay doesn’t have a pick until the fifth round at this point after it uses its first-rounder in 2022.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Topi Niemela, D, Finland

The season Niemela is having in Finland is nothing short of remarkable. He is on pace to shatter the previous single-season point total for a U20 defenseman in Liiga. The last blueliner to put up 0.77 points per game or better in the league was Miro Heiskanen. Niemela is a mature, mobile and confident blueliner. He could be in the mix to lead all defenders in points at this event and will be central to Finland’s medal hopes.

Others: LW Matthew Knies (USA), C Roni Hirvonen (FIN)

Vancouver Canucks: Dmitri Zlodeyev, RW, Russia

Vancouver’s only prospect in the tournament is the 2020 sixth-rounder from Russia. Zlodeyev is probably going to play further down Russia’s lineup. He’s had a tough year just because he’s moved around the Russian system a lot, from U20 to the KHL, he’s actually already played for four different teams this year.

Vegas Golden Knights: Jakub Demek, RW, Slovakia

All three Golden Knights prospects should be pretty important to their respective teams, but Demek has a chance to really break out. Slovakia is going to be much better than in years past due to so many quality draft-eligible players. Demek, however, is having a spectacular junior season with the Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL. He has 35 points in 28 games. He’s a 6-foot-4 playmaker, so it’s not hard for him to stand out in the games.

Others: D Lukas Cormier (CAN), RW Jakub Brabenec (CZE)

Washington Capitals: Oskar Magnusson, LW, Sweden

Magnusson wasn’t really on my radar to be on this team, but he’s played well in Sweden’s second pro division where he has spent all of this season. He also got a good chance to play for Sweden in U20 events this fall. He’s got good two-way ability, which probably slots him further down the lineup for Sweden, but he’s done well for himself as a 211th overall draft pick.

Winnipeg Jets: Cole Perfetti, LW, Canada

One of the most brilliant playmakers I’ve had the chance to see live, Perfetti’s hockey sense is off the charts. Now he’ll bring pro experience to the table. With a World Junior silver and World Men’s gold medal in his trophy cabinet, Perfetti certainly will be one of the leaders of this Canadian team both in terms of his offensive numbers and experience. He has 15 points in 17 AHL games this year and made his NHL debut. Confidence should be high for the 2020 No. 10 overall pick.

Others: C/W Chaz Lucius (USA), LW Daniel Torgersson (SWE), LW Nikita Chibrikov (RUS)

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