Hockey fans, the wait is over — the World Juniors are here.
The best U20 hockey players in the world are in Ottawa this holiday season, as the 2025 World Juniors tournament is set to end 2024 and kick off the New Year. There are 10 teams competing for a gold medal in the international competition that showcases the future of the NHL.
There won’t be any superstar studs like Macklin Celebrini last year or Connor Bedard the year prior, but that doesn’t mean that there’s a lack of elite talent. This year’s showcase is still going to have a plethora of skill on the ice, including numerous first-round draft picks and highly touted prospects for 2025 and 2026.
For a majority of these teenagers, the World Juniors is the biggest stage in their young playing careers. It’s not often you get to represent your country on the international stage, but the tournament provides an opportunity for these potential NHL stars to take on the top talent in their age group while donning the colors of their home nation.
Here are the top 10 NHL prospects to watch at the 2025 World Juniors.
MORE: World Juniors standings, schedule, results
NHL Draft prospects in 2025 World Juniors
1. Ryan Leonard, F, USA
There is one word to describe Ryan Leonard — dog. He’s physical, he’s skilled, he’s in your face all game, and to cap it off, he will taunt the opponent’s crowd when he inevitably lights the lamp. Simply put, the Capitals draft pick is a winner, and he’s set to dazzle once again at the World Juniors stage.
Leonard was a key part of the USA’s gold medal in 2024, potting three goals and three assists at the tournament, including a goal in the championship game against Sweden. Currently a sophomore with Boston College, the No. 8 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft is tied for first in the nation in goals with 12, and his 19 points put him in the top 20 in college hockey. Leonard is my favorite to win tournament MVP this year, and he’s a big reason why the United States is viewed as a favorite to repeat.
2. Axel Sandin-Pellikka, D, Sweden
For the third year in a row, Axel Sandin Pellikka is set to headline the Swedish blue line. The Red Wings prospect helped Sweden reach the gold medal game last year, settling for silver after the loss to the United States. Sandin Pellikka was honored as the Best Defenseman of the 2024 tournament.
What makes Sandin Pellikka so effective offensively are his puck skills, vision, and ability to walk a blue line. His 20 points this year in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) rank first among defensemen and 10th among all skaters. Don’t be shocked to see the 2023 first-round pick named as the best blue liner again at the 2025 competition.
3. Gabe Perreault, F, USA
Gabe Perreault is another returner for the United States from the 2024 gold-medal winning squad, and if his 2025 performance is anything like his showing in 2024, the Americans are in good hands. The Boston College sophomore finished tied for fourth at last year’s World Juniors with 10 points in seven games.
A 2023 first-round pick of the Rangers, Perreault is starring on the college hockey stage, playing alongside Leonard and 2025 draft prospect James Hagens. The forward is tied for fourth in the NCAA in points with 23 in 16 games. His 16 assists also put him in a tie for second place in the nation. He’s an incredibly crafty playmaker who will undoubtedly be on the top line for the United States.
4. Zeev Buium, D, USA
If there is anyone who is going to give Sandin Pellikka a run for the honor of top defenseman at the 2025 World Juniors, it’s Zeev Buium. The Wild’s first-round pick from 2024 won a gold medal last year with the United States and is set to headline their blue line once again.
The Denver sophomore defenseman is up to 20 points in 18 games so far in the NCAA. He’s tied with USA teammate Sam Rinzel for the most in the nation among defensemen. Buium is a one-man breakout and can use his speed to jump up on the rush. The United States will look for Buium to generate offense from the back end.
5. Calum Ritchie, F, Canada
Canada does not have a Connor Bedard or a Macklin Celebrini this year, so it’s going to be a group effort to generate offense. The frontrunner, especially down the middle, to generate that scoring should come from Calum Ritchie. The Avalanche’s 2024 first-round pick is in line to see a top-six role as a center on Canada for the World Juniors.
The Oshawa Generals forward started the 2024-25 season in the NHL with Colorado, but after seven games, he was sent back down to the OHL. Since his return, he has 34 points in 18 games. His 1.44 assists per game lead the league, and his 1.89 points per game rank third. Ritchie is an excellent playmaker with high-end intelligence on the ice. Canada will be relying on his ability to create scoring chances.
MORE: When does Canada play next in World Juniors?
6. Trey Augustine, G, USA
Trey Augustine was the backbone of the United States at last year’s World Juniors. He went undefeated in his four starts, posting a 1.75 GAA and a .936 save percentage en route to a gold medal. You can argue that Augustine was snubbed of last year’s Best Goaltender award, which went to Sweden’s Hugo Havelid.
The Michigan State goaltender once again will be the man in the crease for the Americans. A second-round pick by the Red Wings in 2024, Augustine owns a dazzling 1.98 GAA and impressive .930 save percentage with the Spartans. His 11 wins are tied for the third-most in college hockey this season. If he performs like he did last year, Augustine should not be denied the Best Goaltender honor in 2025.
7. Gavin McKenna, F, Canada
If you didn’t know the name Gavin McKenna yet, get ready to be amazed. The 2025 World Juniors is undoubtedly the biggest stage for the Canadian forward, who already is touted to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
McKenna turned 17 just six days before the World Juniors began, yet he is in line to be a major weapon for Canada. A cousin of Canadian sensation Connor Bedard, the forward has been lighting it up in the WHL this season, leading the league in points with 60 in 30 games with the Medicine Hat Tigers. The speedy center is building a massive amount of hype around him, and McKenna has not disappointed so far.
MORE: World Juniors schedule 2025: Full dates, times, channel, results
8. James Hagens, F, USA
James Hagens is getting his first taste of World Juniors action this year. The potential 2025 No. 1 pick has been playing with Leonard and Perreault at Boston College, and he’s expected to play on a line with his Eagles teammates for David Carle’s USA team.
Hagens leads all freshmen in points (20) and assists (15) so far this season in the NCAA. The 18-year-old is also tied for 11th in points out of all skaters, and his 15 assists are tied for seventh. He’s a speedy center who sets the pace of play and makes everyone around him better with his exceptional vision and playmaking. Like McKenna, the World Juniors tournament is Hagens’ first chance to really shine in front of a massive audience.
9. Konsta Helenius, F, Finland
Finland doesn’t have many big names when it comes to NHL prospects, however, one to watch out for is Konsta Helenius. The 2024 first-round pick of the Sabres was one of the bright spots on a Finnish team that underwhelmed at last year’s tournament, losing in the bronze medal game to Czechia.
Helenius has 16 points in 26 games this season with the Rochester Americans, the AHL affiliate of Buffalo. He’s as complete of a player as you will find, with a high hockey IQ on offense coupled with a superb defensive ability. If Finland wants to play for a medal again, it’s going to be on the back of Helenius.
10. Otto Stenberg, F, Sweden
Otto Stenberg quietly was one of the best players at the World Juniors last year. While the focus of Sweden’s team was on tournament MVP Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Noah Ostlund, and Sandin Pellikka, Stenberg had nine points in seven games, finishing in a tie for ninth at the competition.
Stenberg’s SHL season has been a bit disappointing, with just six points in 2023 with Malmo. Consistency has been an issue with the crafty forward, but the 2023 first-round pick of the Blues has a history of stepping up his game at the international level. Sweden is lacking offensively with this year’s roster, and Stenberg should lead the offense for the Swedes.
Honorable mentions: Leon Muggli (Switzerland), Kasper Haltunnen (Finland), Jakub Stancl (Czechia), Eduard Sale (Czechia), Michael Hrabal (Czechia), Matthew Schaefer (Canada), Porter Martone (Canada)
