It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
The holidays are great too, but we’re talking about the World Juniors.
The 2022 World Juniors is the premier event of junior hockey and begins December 26th, 2021. In just a few short days, the best U20 players around the world will gather in Edmonton and Red Deer to take part in this multi-week spectacle.
The Sabres have four prospects confirmed to be playing in the tournament: Owen Power (🇨🇦), Isak Rosen (🇸🇪), Nikita Novikov (🇷🇺) and Jakub Konecny (🇨🇿).
A dominant effort by the USA in the Gold Medal game against Canada last year has left the latter yearning to retake the crown as World Junior Champions. Meanwhile, Sweden is looking to capture Gold for the first time since 2012 and has a very strong team capable of doing it.
Finland has won a few times over the past decade and are serious contenders while the Russians are arguably not fielding the most talented roster they could have. While the Czech Republic has a few names to make them dangerous, it’s the Slovaks who have the potential to be a Cinderella Story.
As always, there are several players who have already been drafted that will make up the majority of these teams, with a few 2022 Draft Eligible prospects also getting their first crack on this stage.
With each preview, the TCB Prospect Analysts Curtis and Austin will highlight some notable players, 2022 draft eligibles, expectations for each team, and talk about any Sabres prospects playing in the tournament. Curtis handled Group A and Austin covered Group B, with both analysts providing some predictions for how the tournament will go.
In parenthesis next to each team is their odds to win the Gold Medal per Draftkings sportsbook. One of the greatest parts of the hockey season is about to begin, so enjoy the ride and high-intensity hockey that is about to come!
Group A
Canada (+140)
As with any other World Junior Tournament, Canada enters as the favorite to win the Gold Medal. With the standard of anything but Gold being unacceptable, Canada has put forth a roster that is worthy of winning it all. As they learned last year though, they’ll need to earn it every step of the way.
Forwards - Arguably possessing the strongest forward group of all teams in the tournament, Canada is headlined by recently drafted Cole Perfetti (2020), Kent Johnson (2021), Dylan Guenther (2021), and Mason McTavish (2021). Any one of them is capable of taking over the tournament as this group is extremely talented and has the potential to put up a significant number of goals. Logan Stankoven may be diminutive in size but he shined for Canada at the U18’s and forced his way onto this roster with his high-end compete level and offensive instincts.
Defensemen - Canada oddly left Brandt Clarke at home for this tournament, instead opting to bring a defensive corps entirely composed of left-shot defensemen. Still very talented, this group is headlined by Sabres prospect Owen Power, who figures to play 1st pair and be relied upon heavily, just as he was at the World Championships over the summer. The 1st overall pick in 2021 has been dominant for Michigan this season and will get to play with a younger group of players than he has in quite some time.
Expect Power to finish with more than a point per game and lead Canada in TOI. The smooth-skating and offensive-minded Olen Zellweger is slated to play alongside Power and may make it seem as if Canada has 5 forwards on the ice at times. Between these two, Canada is set with their top pair as a dynamic duo that can make teams pay with how well they control the game.
Goalie - It will be tough to live up to the performance by Devon Levi last year but Sebastian Cossa is likely to be afforded the chance to try. The towering goalie drafted by Detroit in the 1st round in 2021 has been very strong for Edmonton of the WHL this year and will just need to be a calming presence in net behind a team that plans to use offense as their best defense.
2022 Draft - Given how strong Canada’s roster is, they typically carry very few draft-eligible players but Shane Wright is the exception and figures to play a big role for the Canadians this year. Currently the consensus #1 prospect in 2022, Wright gets a huge opportunity to put his well-rounded game on display after putting up “underwhelming” numbers in the OHL the first half of the season. Wright’s shot is his best asset and something that should see him chip in several goals in the tournament.
Canada will also have the projected 2023 1st overall pick Connor Bedard on board as a 16-year-old. Don’t let his age fool you as the extremely talented Bedard was dominant for Canada at the Hlinka tournament for U18 players this past summer, arguably being their top player. Connor McDavid scored 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) in 7 games as a 16-year-old in the WJC and Bedard has the talent to best those point totals.
Finland (+650)
It’s only been a few years since Finland last won the WJC in 2019, relying on Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen heavily in their Gold Medal run that year. Consistently one of the better teams in the tournament, Finland is bringing a group of players that will give them a chance to bring back the Gold as they are likely to finish 2nd in Group A.
Forwards - While the 2022 draft eligibles may steal the show (down below), Finland has some underrated talent in their forward group with a significant amount of professional experience in their favor. While the loss of Aatu Raty hurts, Ville Koivunen along with Roby Jarventie and Roni Hirvonen bring a lot of skill to the forward group of Finland. Kasper Simontaival is another returning name from the 2021 WJC who is someone to keep an eye on.
Defensemen - Finland has a very strong group of defenders, none more prolific than Leafs prospect Topi Niemela. Niemela was excellent and productive for Finland in last year’s tournament and will use his offensive instincts to make an impact from the backend. Aleksi Heimosalmi is very similar to Niemela as far as his style goes, and is also a right shot D. While his year in Liiga hasn’t been the greatest, Heimosalmi has proven he can be very effective at rushing the puck at this level.
Goalie - It would be surprising if it’s anyone other than Joel Blomqvist in net for Finland this year. One of the more highly touted goalies from the 2020 draft, Blomqvist was taken in the 2nd round by Pittsburgh and is as technically sound as they come. While he has played just over a handful of games for Karpat in Liiga, Blomqvist has been stellar with a 0.964 SV % and 0.73 GAA in 8 games.
2022 Draft - Joakim Kemell and Brad Lambert are the key names to focus on for the 2022 Draft, with the former being one of the biggest risers in the first half of the season. The dynamic Kemell has been incredible for JYP, putting up historic numbers for DY players in Liiga. Lambert on the other hand has seen his draft stock fall but has a great skill set and skating ability to take over this tournament. This is a great opportunity for Lambert to reassert himself in the top portion of this draft class in a year that hasn’t started as most expected.
Czechia (+1000)
The Czechs certainly are not devoid of talent but they, unfortunately, lack a deep enough roster to challenge some of the big horses this year. Being in Group A, they should be able to capture two wins in round-robin play and hope to get lucky in the Quarterfinals.
Forwards - Jan Mysak is the big name for the Czechs as this will be his third and final World Junior Tournament before aging out. The 2020 2nd round pick for Montreal has been excellent for Hamilton of the OHL this year and use his natural ability to read the play to make an impact for the Czechs. Sabres prospect Jakub Konecny seemed like a lock to make this roster after his strong play in the top Czech league this year and prior international experience. His omission is a bit perplexing as his 2-way game would be very beneficial in this tournament. Pavel Novak is another talented forward who the Czechs will rely on for offense.
Defensemen - Stanislav Svozil represented the Czechs last year and has been very good at generating offense for Regina in the WHL this year. Solid at both ends of the ice, Svozil can have strong defensive impacts at times and will need to bring his A-game if the Czech's have any chance at making a run this year.
Goalie - Jan Bednar made this team last year but did not get in a single game. This year, however, it would seem that Bednar will get his chance to represent his country as the starting goalie. A 4th round draft pick for the Red Wings in 2020, Bednar has a lot of international experience for the Czechs dating back to the U17 level. His year in the QMJHL hasn’t been stellar but he challenges shooters well and is capable of stealing a game.
2022 Draft - David Jiricek is the more known name at this point in time, being part of a group of very strong right-shot defensemen. Jiricek has good vision with the puck and is mobile, with the ability to carry it through all three zones. Another name to keep an eye on is forward Jiri Kulich who has been impressive in Extraliga this season, producing 11 points (7 goals, 4 assists) in 30 games.
Germany (+4000)
After going through extreme tribulations at last year's tournament where they were short-handed for a few games due to COVID, the Germans return sans some of their biggest stars. JJ Peterka, Lukas Reichel, and Tim Stutzle will not be participating this year, which leaves a huge hole in top-end talent. A deep run seems highly unlikely but they are good enough to avoid relegation by virtue of playing in the same group as Austria.
Forwards - The most notable forward in this group is Florian Elias who was very productive in the tournament last year. Elias is slight of frame but has some speed and skill that Germany will need to lean on for offense.
Defensemen - It’s tough to paint a pretty picture for the Germans on defense as, like their forward group, they just lack high-end talent. Luca Munzenberger is a returnee from last year who was drafted by Edmonton in the 3rd round but he does not have the offensive skills to help drive play like the Germans will need.
Goalie - In net for the Germans is likely to be Nikita Quapp, a 6th round pick for Carolina in 2021 who is currently playing in the DEL for Krefeld Pinguine. With modest team expectations for Germany, Quapp can make a name for himself by holding his own against Canada and Finland. There are going to be goals scored against but the high shot volume will give Quapp a chance to show himself off more so than ever.
2022 Draft - Adrian Klein is an older first-time draft-eligible and physically mature enough to impose his will on some of the smaller forwards in this tournament. He doesn’t project as an offensive defenseman but will be put to the test against some of the best junior hockey players in the world.
Austria (+18000)
While they were fortunate to land in Group A, Austria lacks the depth needed to truly make a play for Quarterfinals play. Presumptively headed for the relegation round, Austria would need to steal a game against the Czechs or Germany and pray for a goal differential tiebreaker to go their way to avoid being the bottom team.
Forwards - Marco Kasper is the big name from this team but he is highlighted below. Lacking a lot of star power outside of Kasper, Austria has a mix of younger talent that is likely to lead the way. Vinzenz Rohrer (2022 eligible) has been fairly productive for Ottawa of the OHL this year though this is a significant step up in competition for him. He has struggled at times against stronger opponents and it is not going to get any easier in this tournament for him.
Defensemen - The most notable name from this group is David Reinbacher who isn’t eligible until 2023. The 16-year-old is going to get some great international experience after he’s been impressive for the Swiss Pro League for EHC Kloten, compiling 8 assists in 16 games thus far. The right-shot defender may not get a chance to shine much but it will be interesting to see how he handles the challenge.
Goalie - While a 0.892 Save Percentage in 3 games last year in this tournament may not sound good, Sebastian Wraneschitz gained quite the fandom on Twitter for gutting it out against an onslaught of shot attempts. He’s likely to get the nod for Austria and is going to get tested often. Wraneschitz’s play is going to be critical in the likely relegation round for Austria.
2022 Draft - Marco Kasper is the big name for Austria who looks like a 1st round talent playing in the SHL this season. If Austria is going to avoid relegation, it’s going to be on the shoulders of Kasper as he looks to help improve Austria’s 1 goal total in 4 games at last year’s tournament. Creative with the puck on his stick, it will be interesting to see how Kasper utilizes his skills against his peers after playing the majority of the year at the professional level.
Group B
Sweden (+650)
Sweden has been one of the most successful countries at this tournament in recent memory (if we’re strictly talking about the round-robin), but has not found a way to get over the hump and consistently contend for medals. This year *could* be the year for the Swedes, having a loaded roster from top to bottom.
Forwards - Outside of Canada, Sweden could be loaded with the most talented group of forwards in the entire tournament. Featuring a strong group of forwards from the 2021 NHL Draft. William Eklund (7th overall), Sabres 1st rounder Isak Rosen (14th overall), Fabian Lysell (21st overall) and Oskar Olausson (28th overall) headline the ‘21 group. The biggest factor for Sweden was the addition of Alexander Holtz from the AHL’s Utica, Holtz instantly becomes a favorite for the top performer in the tournament and puts Sweden over the top.
Defensemen - Every year it seems Sweden features a group of strong two-way defenders at the World Juniors. This year is no different. Headlined by 2021 sixth overall selection Simon Edvinsson, the Swede’s blue line will be a steadying presence for the team. The group also features Emil Andrae (2020 54th overall), Helge Grans (2020 35th overall), and Anton Olsson (2021 72nd overall). This group has experience and elite talent, and shouldn’t be overlooked as one of the strongest blue lines rivaling Canada.
Goalie - Sweden’s goalie situation all rides on one player, Jesper Wallstedt. The 2021 first-rounder is arguably the best goalie in the tournament and will be able to steal games for Sweden if they struggle out of the gate. Wallstedt looks like a surefire NHL starter and should have no issues in a U20 event, no matter the competition.
2022 Draft - There is little to nothing to talk about in terms of the 2022 NHL Draft and Sweden’s roster. If you count the 2021 draft-eligible Victor Sjoholm who went undrafted, then he’s a name to watch. Sweden, like most of the powers in this tournament don’t typically bring draft eligibles to this tournament, which is why names like Noah Ostlund, Liam Oghren and Elias Salomonsson are not present at this event.
USA (+330)
To be blunt, I have no idea what to expect from the USA at this year’s tournament. They have depth at all position groups but don’t really have that “superstar,” Matty Beniers would likely be their top forward and Jake Sanderson should be a dominant force from the blue line, but there are some big question marks with this group.
Forwards - As stated, Beniers should be an impact player, along with Sasha Pastujov (2021), Matthew Coronato (2021) and Mackie Samoskevich (2021) all have star potential. The theme for this group is depth. The US has players who can provide offensive firepower and play an effective two-way game. I’m not sure how they stack up against Canada or Sweden but this group will be hard to play against.
Defensemen - I’d say this is the USA’s biggest strength, a group full of stud blue liners who should be able to dominate against U20 competition. Jake Sanderson (2020), Luke Hughes (2021) and Scott Morrow (2021) are the three names I have on my radar. They can all move the puck and drive transition from the backend which will go a long way for this team.
Goalie - The achilles heel of Team USA’s roster in my opinion. USA’s three goalies Drew Commesso (2020), Kaiden Mbereko and Dylan Silverstein (2022) don’t have encouraging numbers with their club teams so I don’t know how they will fare against the best U20 competition the world has to offer.
2022 Draft - I don’t expect to see Silverstein get much action in net, so Logan Cooley will be the main attraction. I think he has immense potential this year for Team USA, Beniers stepped up in his draft year for the Americans (three points) and I fully expect Cooley to smash that production. He’s a top prospect for the 2022 draft and this tournament will be his chance to remind the world why.
Russia (+550)
The Russian team chose their roster in a peculiar way this year, only taking players who are currently playing in Russia and leaving North American talent off their team. It severely limited the strength of this team in my opinion, but nonetheless, expect the Russians to be a pain in the rear end like they always are.
Forwards - The forward group features some high-end skilled players that can make your jaw drop any time they touch the puck. Mara Khusnutdinov (2020), Alexander Pashin (2020) and Fyodor Svechkov (2021) should all have significant roles upfront for Team Russia.
From a Sabres perspective, I was a tad surprised to see Prokhor Poltapov left off the roster given his two-way play style and ability to suppress his opponents but I expect him to be there next year.
Defensemen - Shakir Mukhamadullin (2020) and Kirill Kirsanov (2021) are both returning players and should be the pillars of the Russian defense group.
Sabres fans will have a lot of interest in the Russian blue line because Nikita Novikov (2021 sixth round) is on the team and appears to be poised for a top-4 role. He has surpassed all expectations I’ve had for him in his D+1 season and making this team was a bit of a surprise, but watch for his great defensive impacts and ability to jumpstart the Russian transition attack.
Goalie - Yarolsav Askarov makes his third appearance for the Russians at the World Juniors and looks to finally put up a notable performance. He’s one of the best U20 goalies in the world but has been snakebitten at this tournament, if Russia wants to have any chance at the gold, it’ll depend on his ability to show up in the big moments.
2022 Draft - It’s all about Danila Yurov, especially after Ivan Miroshnichenko was cut. Yurov is one of the most electrifying prospects in the draft and he has destroyed U20 competition this year. In six MHL games, he has 12 points, and while it’s tough for 17-year-olds to play significant roles for Russia, Yurov should have no issue carving out a top-6 role on this team.
Russia is one of two Group B teams with an elite 2023 NHL Draft eligible, and by now you all know Matvei Michkov’s name. I expect him to dominate some of his matchups because that’s what Michkov does. Despite just turning 17, he’s one of the best U20 players in the world and will compete with Bedard for the 2023 1st overall pick.
Slovakia (+5000)
Probably the most interesting team to follow in this tournament, especially from a 2022 NHL Draft perspective. Slovakia could be a dark horse team for the quarter-finals and potentially a medal in this year’s tournament. Goaltending is a bit of a concern, but I like their blend of size and speed with skill in both the forward and defense groups.
Forwards - The Slovakian roster only features two forwards drafted by NHL teams, Martin Chromiak (2020) and Jakub Demek (2021). Chromiak will be the straw that stirs the drink for this forward group but expect contributions from 2022 draft eligibles and a 2023 draft eligible … (more on them later).
Defensemen - This is a group that will rely on every member of their unit to make an impact at this tournament. Only one NHL draft pick, Samuel Knazko (2020) will man the blue line for Slovakia, who will likely rely on a 2022 top prospect to log big minutes.
Goalie - All three goalies on the Slovakia roster currently play in the USA. Tomas Bolo plays for St. Cloud in the NAHL, while Rastislav Elias (Green Bay) and Simon Latkoczy (Madison) play in the USHL. I would expect a heavy dose of Bolo or Latkoczy given their 2002 birth years.
2022 Draft - Slovakia features three key prospects in the 2022 NHL Draft, and by now you’ve heard their names because they are so much fun every time they play in international events. Up front you have Filip Mesar and Juraj Slafkovsky who will both contend to be top-20 picks maybe even top-15. On the backend there’s Simon Nemec, the arguable best defenseman available in the entire draft and a potential top-4 selection.
The three players listed above will have massive impacts on the success of this team, but there’s one more name that you will want to add to your radar.
Slovakia is the third team with a top 2023 prospect on their roster, and his name is one you’ll want to remember. Dalibor Dvorsky has destroyed the J20 Nationell in Sweden as a 16-year-old with 27 points in 20 games and will be a player to watch over the course of the tournament and beyond.
Switzerland (+5000)
The likely favorite to finish last in Group B, the Swiss have a roster featuring only two NHL drafted prospect, a few players passed over in 2021 and a big name prospect for the 2022 NHL Draft. As a team that has shocked many before in the past, you can never count out Switzerland and I am very much looking forward to seeing how they fare in tough group.
Forwards - Look for Simon Knak (2021), Louis Robin and Attilio Biasca to standout in this forward group. There are other names to watch, but those three are the players that I think should have big roles in this event. Biasca was passed over in 2021, and plays a tough two-way game and plays in all situations.
Defensemen - While obviously not up to the level of Canada, Sweden, USA etc. the Swiss blue line features some really strong players and should be a strength for them at this event. Brian Zanetti (2021), Noah Meier and Lian Bichsel (2022) are three quality players who will eat up big minutes for Switzerland.
Goalie - Noah Patenaude has put up solid numbers for St. John’s in the QMJHL, 7-2-2 record and a .914 sv%. Kevin Pasche has been really good for Omaha in the USHL, with nine wins and a .916 sv%. The third Swiss goalie Loic Galley plays over in Switzerland and has spent most of his time playing in their U20 league.
I don’t know if any of these three will become the next Benjamin Conz, but never count out the Swiss and their goaltending.
2022 Draft - Lian Bichsel is the name I’m watching here. He’s one of the many two-way defensmen available in this class and has great two-way potential. He’s a teammate of Sabres prospect Isak Rosen in Leksands IF, and has been impactful at times this season. I expect Bichsel to log big minutes, using his size and skating ability to help get the Swiss transition game going.
Predictions
Curtis
Group A:
1. Canada
2. Finland
3. Czechia
4. Germany
5. Austria
Group B:
1. Sweden
2. USA
3. Slovakia
4. Russia
5. Switzerland
Quarterfinals:
Canada def. Russia
Finland def. Slovakia
Sweden def. Germany
USA def. Czechia
Semifinals:
Canada def. USA
Finland def. Sweden
Final:
🥇 Finland
🥈 Canada
🥉 Sweden
Austin
Group A:
1. Canada
2. Finland
3. Czechia
4. Germany
5. Austria
Group B:
1. Sweden
2. Slovakia
3. USA
4. Russia
5. Switzerland
Quarterfinals:
Canada def. Russia
USA def. Finland
Sweden def. Germany
Slovakia def. Czechia
Semifinals:
Canada def. USA
Sweden def. Slovakia
Final:
🥇 USA
🥈 Canada
🥉 Sweden