Breaking down USA’s World Junior Championship roster: cuts, standouts, line projections and more

Steven Ellis
Steven Ellis
Breaking down USA’s World Junior Championship roster: cuts, standouts, line projections and more
Credit: Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff

Cue the national anthem.

The United States are one of the top teams heading to Sweden for the 2024 World Junior Championship. Even without top young prospects Cole Eiserman (who wasn’t invited but is currently injured) and James Hagens (cut), the Americans have one of the deepest lineups we’ve seen in recent years.

But that doesn’t matter if they can’t put it together. And if there’s anything we’ve learned anything about the United States, having all the skill in the world is great, but it’s not the be-all, end-all.

That being said, I’d hate to bet against this group.

USA Hockey announced its 25-man roster on Saturday afternoon, cutting four players in the process. Only 23 players can be registered at a time, with two players brought over as injury replacements. Once a player is replaced, they can’t return.

I went to Plymouth, Michigan this week to watch these players in person. Here are my thoughts on what I saw, and what to make of this group:

The cuts

Many saw James Hagens, a top 2025 NHL Draft prospect, as the team’s potential No. 1 center. But the team had enough depth down the center, with Cutter Gauthier and Will Smith likely being the team’s top two centers. Even Frank Nazar made it difficult to keep Hagens around. So I get it, but Hagens’ ability to play a strong two-way game with good hockey IQ made him an intriguing option for this squad.

Beyond that, almost everything else felt… right. William Whitelaw was a decent depth option, but he didn’t really have a role once it became clear Rutger McGroarty was healthy enough to go. Patrick Geary and Jake Livanavage both had their moments during camp, but they needed bigger performances if they were going to crack the roster as long shots.

Top players

Cutter Gauthier, F (Philadelphia Flyers): Beyond his exploits with Boston College, Gauthier has had a remarkable few years internationally, too. The Flyers draft pick was one of USA’s most valuable players at last year’s tournament and led all U-20 scorers at the men’s World Championship a few months later. There’s no doubt Gauthier will turn pro after his season at BC, but he’s focused on leading USA to gold for now.

Lane Hutson, D (Montreal Canadiens): You’ve seen what he’s capable of before. He was great last year, had a strong World Championship showing and was the best defenseman at the World Junior Summer Showcase. Oh, and there’s all those other exploits we’ve seen from him in college. After Luke Hughes graduated to the NHL, Hutson is ready to be the No. 1 blueliner for the United States.

Will Smith, F (San Hose Sharks): I could have thrown his two BC linemates on here too, but it’s Smith that draws the most attention. He’s the most dominant player on the ice when he’s playing at his best. He plays a good 200-foot game, can be deceptive and knows where his teammates are at all times.

Rutger McGroarty, F (Winnipeg Jets): McGroarty was injured last month, with his tournament participation in question. But he looked great in line rushes in camp, showing little-to-no visible pain. He wore a red no-contact jersey throughout camp, but it seems unlikely he won’t be ready to go.

Jimmy Snuggerud, F (St. Louis Blues): It feels like the average fan underestimates Snuggerud’s true value. He was an integral piece of the University of Minnesota’s top line last year that included Matthew Knies and Logan Cooley. And we can’t forget his near run of nearly two points per game at this event last year. He’s not dominating college this year, but he’s still one of USA’s most lethal goal-scorers.

Goalie thoughts

Right now, it’s still Trey Augustine‘s net to lose. He was the starter last year and was lights out with the USNTDP in the past, too. But Jacob Fowler, a Montreal Canadiens prospect, has been better this year at Boston College, and was arguably the biggest standout back in August, too.

You can’t go wrong with either option, and I could see the two splitting the action in the preliminary round. The issue? Czechia and Slovakia might prove to be a challenge, but they won’t get the same challenges that, say, Canada or Sweden will get in the other group. So we’ll see what happens, but both are eligible to return next year, too. So consider this an audition for the return to Ottawa.

Line Projections

Forwards

Rutger McGroarty – Cutter Gauthier – Jimmy Snuggerud
Gabe Perreault – Will Smith – Ryan Leonard
Isaac Howard – Frank Nazar – Gavin Brindley
Quinn Finley – Oliver Moore – Danny Nelson
Carey Terrance

Defense

Lane Hutson – Ryan Chesley
Zeev Buium – Seamus Casey
Drew Fortescue – Eric Pohlkamp
Sam Rinzel

Goaltenders

Trey Augustine
Jacob Fowler
Sam Hillebrandt

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