Five NHL prospects making a case to play for Canada’s World Junior team

Nov 17, 2025, 13:00 ESTUpdated: Nov 17, 2025, 10:00 EST

Five NHL prospects making a case to play for Canada’s World Junior team

Credit: Steven Ellis

Just under two weeks ago, we took an early peek at what Canada’s World Junior roster could look like.

Hockey Canada isn’t doing a traditional selection camp this year. Instead, it’s going to be a training camp with what will appear to be the final roster for the main event in Minnesota, running from Dec. 26 until Jan. 5. With more time together, it should give Canada ample opportunities to gel in an attempt to avoid another quarterfinal exit.

But what that means is that we won’t see anyone making a late charge for one of the final roster spots during camp. On the surface, that’s not the biggest deal, but it means time is ticking for players on the outside looking in to make their cases.

Today, we are looking at five players who were not on our projected roster earlier this month but could still play their way onto it over the next few weeks. There are three potential prospects still in the NHL who could make things interesting: Seattle’s Berkly Catton, Calgary’s Zayne Parekh and Pittsburgh’s Harrison Brunicke. If none of them is loaned out, we very likely could have a few players listed below make the big club. If not, these teenagers might miss out on realizing their gold-medal dreams.

So, let’s look at five players who deserve your attention:

Tarin Smith, D (Anaheim Ducks)

Smith had 60 points a year ago and should blast past 70 in his final season with Everett. He got off to a slow start to his junior career after injuries limited him to just eight games in what was supposed to be his first full campaign in 2022-23. Since then, though, he has proven to be a solid value pick from the Ducks, who took him 79th in 2024.

Smith is a skilled, puck-moving defender who has played heavy minutes for the dominant Everett Silvertips this year. He also has experience with Hockey Canada, having played at the U-17s in 2022. Canada has a handful of more skilled defenders higher in the pecking order, but Smith could become a valuable power-play option if Parekh isn’t made available.

John Mustard, LW (Chicago Blackhawks)

Mustard has relished under the spotlight in his second year at Providence, scoring in each of his first nine games. He’s seemingly getting better with every outing, too. His production has been spectacular, often using his tremendous skating to win battles and create scoring chances. I also like that he plays on the penalty kill for the Friars – something he’d do for Canada if given the call.

The Newmarket, Ontario native has spent his entire junior/college career in the United States. Will that hurt his chances of making Canada’s roster? It probably doesn’t help. But politics aside, Mustard has elevated his game in such a way that has to excite Blackhawks fans. They already have one of the best pipelines in the NHL, and Mustard’s play only helps. I think he’ll have a tough time cracking Canada’s roster, but his stock is absolutely up right now.

Owen Protz, D (Montreal Canadiens)

You’ll never mistake Protz for a skilled, puck-moving defenseman. But what he does well, he does REALLY well. The 6-foot-2, 207-pound defender takes up a lot of space, hits hard, and can shut down just about anyone in the OHL. The Brantford Bulldogs are a deep team, but Protz’s ability to take space away without difficulty makes him incredibly valuable.

If Canada gets Parekh and Brunicke back from the NHL, Protz’s odds will decrease significantly. But if not, Protz could be valuable as a No. 7-8 defenseman who can be used on the penalty kill and called upon to disrupt plays late in games. Protz had a solid showing at the World Junior Summer Showcase, and his play during the season definitely hasn’t hurt him. But is there simply too much depth ahead of Protz right now?

Malcolm Spence, LW (New York Rangers)

I have been very impressed with the University of Michigan forward and always have been. It always felt like he was built for the college game. He kicked off the season with five points on opening weekend and has thus kept the energy up, even while his offense has trailed off a bit. What he brings to the table, though, is an unrelenting work ethic. Few players can keep up with him.

Spence was one of Canada’s better wingers at the World Junior Summer Showcase, and has already proven multiple times how valuable he can be to Hockey Canada. The 19-year-old will have to deal with some decent forward depth – especially if Canada elects to move more centers to the wings. But Spence would be an excellent option on the penalty kill or as a net-front presence in tight games.

Terik Parascak, LW (Washington Capitals)

Canada won’t have a lack of scoring options to choose from – but Parascak is giving them something to think about. He’s coming off a three-goal performance against Victoria last week, which helped him get back on a 55-goal pace. Taken 17th overall by the Capitals in 2024, Parascak has been one of the WHL’s most lethal forwards over the past three years, but he has yet to skate for Canada in international competition.

It still feels like a long shot for that to change this year. He’s simply not as rounded as other bottom-six options. But, man, there are few CHLers you could trust more to score in open ice than Parascak. He had 43 goals two years ago, and he’s looking significantly more confident as Prince George’s best forward so far. A couple more blazing weeks might make the decision even more difficult for Hockey Canada.

Other notables: Justin Poirier, RW (Carolina Hurricanes); Marek Vanacker, LW (Chicago Blackhawks); Spencer Gill, D (Philadelphia Flyers)

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