Four Players To Watch At World Juniors 

The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships have a lot of players to watch, but I wanted to focus on some that won’t get as much press as Gavin McKenna. 

Adam Jiricek – David’s brother proved that the younger brother is always the better athlete. It’s the same in my family. But seriously, the younger defenseman is healthy, skating great, and creating off the rush. He is a super dangerous player for Czechia. St. Louis Blues fans have to be excited about his development. 

Max Plante – He’s a Team USA wing and a Detroit Red Wings draft pick. I’ve interviewed him many times and he impresses me every time. His father, Derek, had a nice NHL career and his brother, Victor is a 2026 draft hopeful, and his other brother, Zam, is a Pittsburgh Penguins prospect. Plante is the leading scorer in NCAA hockey for Minnesota Duluth, and that has propelled him into this tournament again. His skilled passing, fearless cuts around the crease, and hockey I.Q sets him apart. 

Milton Gastrin – The Washington Capitals center is a player who needs to get more press. In the U18s, he had 10 points in seven games, and now he hopes to be a top player again for Sweden in the World Juniors. This pivot does it all. He plays tough minutes and is good and strong defensively. According to InStat, he’s getting 31% defensive zone starts, he plays in all situations, and 60% of his shots hit the net. 

Max Westergard – This Philadelphia Flyers draft pick continues to impress me. In a pre-tournament win over Germany, I found more than a few things that I liked. He is around the puck a lot and Philadelphia Flyers fans will like that. He’s good on the forecheck and his stick is active on defense.

He surprised me when he turned on the jets to get around a defenseman and score on a dunk on the far side of the net. He had a goal and an assist and his numbers on Frolunda HC’s U20 team are terrific with 21 points in 12 games. He draws penalties and 69% of his shots are on goal. He can add some extra offense to Finland’s offense. 

Canada has a ridiculously talented roster. Team USA is good but not great. I really like Sweden, and I think Czechia will give some teams trouble. I think Minnesota will host a great tournament and I can’t wait for it to get underway.