With the 2016 World Junior Championships set to kick off on Boxing Day, here is a preview on 20 players to watch throughout the 2016 Tournament.
Kristian Pospisil (C/RW) – Slovakia
The hulking 6’2, 180 pound forward comes into the World Junior Championships as the QMJHL’s Blainville-Boisbriand Armada’s leading goal scorer, racking up 15 goals in just 29 games. Pospisil combines a strong power game with impressive offensive traits and deceptively strong touch around the net. Pospisil isn’t afraid to throw his weight around and can be an agitating presence on the ice. With the Slovaks set to be fairly thin offensively, expect the native of Zvolen to play quality top six minutes and see time on both the Slovakian power play and penalty kill.
Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL) – 29 GP – 15 G – 9 A – 24 PTS – 47 PIM
Nico Hischier (C) – Switzerland
Hischier enters the 2016 World Junior Championships as one of just two sixteen year old skaters to crack their countries World Junior roster. While Hischier likely won’t see top six minutes, he does boast an intriguing skill set and is coming off a dominating performance at the 2015-2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. In four games at the Hlinka, Hischier picked up three goals and three assists, to lead the Swiss offensively, also finishing third overall in tournament scoring. Thus far this season the 5’11, 165 pound native of Naters, Switzerland has split time between Bern U20 and SC Bern of the Swiss Elite League. Nischier has dominated in his time with Bern U20, tallying 7 goals and 15 assists for 22 points in 15 games. Hischier should make his largest impact on the power play, however solid play through the early stages of the tournament should allow him to move up Switzerland’s depth chart.
Bern U20 (Elite Jr. A) – 15 GP – 7 G – 15 A – 22 PTS – 4 PIM
Mitch Marner (C/LW) – Canada
While the World Junior Championships is widely considered a tournament where nineteen year old’s succeed, Team Canada will rely on eighteen year Toronto Maple Leafs, first round draft pick Mitch Marner to be one of their offensive catalysts this year. Given Marner’s outrageous offensive productions over the past two and a half seasons with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, onlookers have every reason to expect Marner to produce. In 63 games with London last season the Thornhill, Ontario native tallied 44 goals and 82 assists to finish second in OHL league scoring. This season Marner has continued his relentless assault on OHL goaltenders, racking up 22 goals and 36 assists for 58 points in just 25 games, which places him third in OHL scoring, behind teammates Christian Dvorak and Mathew Tkachuk. Look for Marner to play an integral role in Team Canada’s top six and excel on the top power play unit.
London Knights (OHL) – 25 GP – 22 G – 36 A – 58 PTS – 34 PIM – +34
Kirill Kaprizov (LW/RW) – Russia
Often overlooked due to the amount of “star power” the Russia roster boasts, Kirill Kaprizov quite conceivably could emerge as Russia’s top forward at the 2016 World Junior Championships. A 2015 fifth round pick of the Minnesota Wild, Kaprizov is producing at a potent pace for an eighteen year old in the KHL. With 9 goals and 14 assists in 40 games with Metallurg Novokuznetsk, the eighteen year old sits third in team scoring behind only veteran Ryan Stoa and 22 year old Maxim Kazakov. A highly skilled, two-way forward, Kaprizov has dominated for Russia at previous international events, racking up 5 goals and 2 assists in just 4 games at the 2014-2015 Ivan Hlinka. A first overall pick in the 2014 KHL draft, expect a strong World Junior tournament from Kaprizov, as the eighteen year old boasts tremendous speed, agility and offensive ability.
Metallurg Novokuznetsk (KHL) – 40 GP – 9 G – 14 A – 23 PTS – 6 PIM – +2
Julius Nattinen (C/LW) – Finland
A player who is rarely mentioned when talking about the host Finns, Julius Nattinen has quietly pieced together an impressive international career and is currently thriving with the Ontario Hockey Leagues, Barrie Colts. A 6’2, 190 pound centre, Nattinen was selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round of the 2015 NHL draft following an impressive season with JYP-Akatemia of the Mestis (Finnish 2nd Division). Nattinen boasts strong two-way capabilities along with excellent hockey sense and strong playmaking skills. Nattinen is equally as good away from the puck as he is with the puck as he shows strong on ice awareness, while playing a strong positional game. Nattinen is one of the more complete players in this tournament and should find himself skating in the Finns top six forward group. With 10 goals and 22 assists and a +14 rating in 24 games with the Barrie Colts, Nattinen currently sits third in Colts team scoring and in the top 30 in OHL league wide scoring.
Barrie Colts (OHL) – 24 GP – 10 G – 22 A – 32 PTS – 10 PIM – +14
Zach Werenski (D) – USA
Recently named Captain of the 2016 version of Team USA, the University of Michigan stud defensemen will be relied upon to play to pairing minutes for the Americans throughout the tournament. Werenski is a smooth skating, two-way defenseman with the capability to effect the game in all three zones. A capable puck moving defenseman, Werenski is at his best in possession as he has the ability to gain the offensive zone with relative ease, while showing an ability to create offense from the back end. Highly intelligent and strong positionally, Werenski currently sits seventh in team Michigan team scoring with 4 goals and 8 assists in 15 games. The native of Grosse Pointe, Michigan was a first round pick (8th overall) of the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2015 NHL draft and will be looking to a second gold medal to his trophy case as Werenski previously led Team USA to a Gold at the 2013-2014 Under 17 Challenge.
University of Michigan (NCAA) – 15 GP – 4 G – 8 A – 12 PTS – 4 PIM – +1
Pavel Zacha (C/LW) – Czech Republic
Zacha comes into the 2016 World Junior Championships boasting a ton of international experience. The eighteen year old Brno, Czech Republic native has represented his country on seven occasions, including three appearances at the Under Championships despite just this year turning eighteen. The 2016 tournament will be Zacha’s third World Junior Championships, having cracked the Czech roster in 2014 as a sixteen year old. Standing 6’3 and weighing in just under 210 pounds, Zacha combines his intriguing physical attributes with strong skating abilities and and elite offensive skill set. An explosive skater, Zacha can be near impossible to contain off the rush when combining his size along with his quick hands, strong puck control and impressive puck protection skills. With all the tools to take over a game offensively, Zacha’s third World Junior Championship will likely be a breakout out for the Sarnia Sting star. In 23 games with the Sting this season, the New Jersey Devils 2015 first round pick has tallied 17 goals and 13 assists for 30 points, along with 46 penalty minutes and a +6 rating.
Sarnia Sting (OHL) – 23 GP – 17 G – 13 A – 30 PTS – 46 PIM – +6
William Nylander (C) – Sweden
It comes as know surprise that William Nylander cracks this list as the nineteen year old Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick has been absolutely dominate in the American Hockey League thus far this season. Nylander currently holds the AHL scoring lead with 14 goals and 20 assists in just 27 games. The smooth skating, highly skilled pivot has every where he’s skated throughout his career, dominating international events since the age of sixteen, Nylander has also produced at over a point per game pace during his last three seasons of pro hockey, split between the Toronto Marlies of the AHL and Sodertalje of the Swedish Elite League. Nylander was the Swedes top forward at last years tournament racking up 3 goals and 7 assists in just 7 games and with another year of experience and development under his belt, Nylander has all the ability to emerge as the tournaments top forward.
Toronto Marlies (AHL) – 27 GP – 14 G – 20 A – 34 PTS – 6 PIM – +7
Jonas Rondbjerg (RW) – Denmark
Rondbjerg is the only other sixteen year old skater to crack his countries World Junior roster this season. An for good reason as the 6’0, 180 winger has been a consistent force in the Danish Pro League, producing 8 goals and 4 assists for 12 points, along with 4 penalty minutes and a +7 rating. Rondbjerg to be blunt simply was to good to play against competition of his own age back in his native Denmark as the sixteen year old racked up an astonishing 16 goals and 19 assists for 35 points in just six games with Rungsted U17 last season. Rondbjerg also went on to compete with Denmark’s U-18 national team at the U-18 Division 1A championships last season, where the young Danish winger racked up a goal and an assist in five games. While Rondbjerg won’t be expected to light up the score sheet for the Danes, he will be an intriguing prospect to follow throughout the 2016 World Junior Championship.
Rungsted (Denmark) – 25 GP – 8 G – 4 A – 12 PTS – 4 PIM – +7
Stepan Falkovsky (D) – Belarus
The Belorussians will be in tough throughout the 2016 World Junior Championships as they boast little in the way of offense or overall team depth. With that being said the countries back end should be the strong point of their squad, with Ottawa 67’s towering defenseman Stepan Falkovsky leading the way. Falkovsky is a 6’7, 225 pound, physical two-way defenseman with deceptively good mobility and powerful point shot. While the nineteen year old could improve in some areas of his game, he is the most complete player skating for the Belorussians at the 2016 World Juniors and his experience in the Ontario Hockey League will be an invaluable asset to Belarus. In 32 games with the 67’s, Falkovsky has tallied 7 goals and 10 assists, along with 12 penalty minutes and a +10 rating. Furthering Falkovsky’s appeal is the fact he often skates on the 67’s top defensive pairing during OHL play, and routinely goes up against opposing teams top players, yet still boasts a plus rating. While one defenseman won’t lead the Belorussians to a string of upsets, as an individual Falkovsky will be fun to watch.
Ottawa 67’s (OHL) – 32 GP – 7 G – 10 A – 17 PTS – 12 PIM – +10
Erik Cernak (D) – Slovakia
The Slovak’s where the Cinderella story of the 2015 World Junior Championships and Erik Cernak at just seventeen years of age was an integral part of their success. Returning for his second consecutive World Junior Championships the 6’3, 205 pound two-way defenseman looks to play an even bigger role in the 2016 version of the Slovakian World Junior Squad. Following the 2015 season, Cernak was selected in the second round of the 2015 NHL draft, 43rd overall by the Los Angeles Kings. Boasting intriguing physical attributes and strong mobility for a player of his stature Cernak shows impressive hockey sense and above average puck skills along with a booming point shot. Following a very brief stay with the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League, the Los Angeles Kings assigned Cernak to the OHL’s Erie Otters, who had selected the hulking defenseman 54th overall in the 2015 CHL Import Draft. In 18 games with the Otters, Cernak has racked up 3 goals and 5 assists, along with 8 penalty minutes and a +8 rating.
Erie Otters (OHL) – 18 GP – 3 G – 5 A – 8 PTS – 8 PIM – +5
Mikko Rantanen (RW) – Finland
The Finns come into the 2016 World Junior Championships boasting one of the deepest and most potent offensive units of any country skating in the tournament. Leading that potent offensive charge will be Colorado Avalanche first round pick Mikko Rantanen, who joins the Finnish national team from the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League. After a brief six game stay with the Colorado Avalanche, where the eighteen year old was held pointless, Rantanen was assigned to the AHL, where he thrived almost instantaneously. In 22 games with the Rampage, Rantanen has racked up 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points, along with 12 penalty minutes and a +17 rating. The towering, playmaking winger boasts tremendous hockey sense, elite skill and strong skating attributes which allow him to thrive in nearly every situation. A “veteran” of international play, Rantanen was arguably Finland’s top skater at the 2015 tournament in Toronto/Montreal, despite Finland struggling. With four goals in five games, Rantanen led Finland offensively, something that’s been a trend with Rantanen at international events, as the Nousiainen native has dominated the U-17’s, U-18’s and Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in previous years.
San Antonio Rampage (AHL) – 22 GP – 10 G – 16 A – 26 PTS – 12 PIM – +17
Ilya Samsonov (G) – Russia
Russia comes into the 2016 World Junior Championships off of a Silver Medal performance at the 2015 Championships in Toronto/Montreal. If Russia hopes to improve on their silver medal performance from 2015 they will need Washington Capitals first round draft pick Ilya Samsonov to steal the show in goal. Something that the eighteen year old is quiet capable of doing I might add, as the Magnitogorsk, Russia native has not only dominated at previous International events, but throughout the 2015-2016 regular season with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL. Sporting a jaw dropping 1.87 goals against average and a sparkling 0.929 save percentage through 14 appearances in the KHL this season, Samsonov has earned the designation as the top goaltending prospect outside of the NHL. An athletic, 6’3, 201 pound netminder, Samsonov was named the top goaltender at the 2014-2015 World Under 18 Championships despite Russia failing to medal. Expect the Capitals prospect to steal a game on more than one occasion at this years World Junior Championship as he will likely be the difference in the Russians claiming a medal.
Metallurg Magnitogrosk (KHL) – 14 GP – (5-2-1-0) – 1.87 GAA – .929 Save %
Brayden Point (C) – Canada
Recently named Captain of Team Canada’s World Junior squad, the diminutive Brayden Point is one of just four Canadian’s returning from their 2015 World Junior Championship Gold Medal winning squad. Point will be expected to centre Canada’s top line with Brendan Perlini and Jake Virtanen flanking his wings, while also playing an integral role on the countries first power play unit. What Point lacks in size he more than makes up for in heart and compete level, standing 5’9 and weight in just over 175 pounds if Point was 6’1, 190 he would have been a sure fire top 10 pick in his draft year. Racking up 279 points in 223 games over his three and a half year Western Hockey League career, Point has always shown a nose for the net, something that has only been amplified the past two seasons. Thus far this season with the Moose Jaw Warriors, Point has racked up 18 goals and 25 assists in just 19 games. Despite missing a large chunk of the first half of the WHL season, Point still sits in the top 10 in WHL scoring and is will still be on pace to top his 2013-2014 career high of 91 points when he returns to Moose Jaw following the World Junior Championships. A 200 foot player loaded with grit, determination and high end skill, Point will be large factor in determining the success Team Canada has in Finland.
Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) – 19 GP – 18 G – 25 A – 43 PTS – 8 PIM – +9
Timo Meier (C/W) – Switzerland
Undoubtedly the most intriguing name to line Switzerland’s entry to the 2016 World Junior Championships, Timo Meier will be expected to produce and produce potently if Switzerland hopes to claim a medal in Helsinki. A 2015 first round draft pick of the San Jose Sharks, 9th overall, the 6’1, 212 pound Halifax Mooseheads star has done nothing but produce offensively over his two and a half years with the Mooseheads. A versatile winger who can play anywhere in the Swiss lineup, Meier can be effective as a crash and bang power forward type, as a playmaking winger or as a pure goal scorer. Boasting strong skating abilities, elite vision and an elite shot, Meier knows how to use his size to his advantage, excelling off the cycle, below the goal line and off the half boards. While Switzerland won’t rely on Meier alone to provide offense, if he is held of the score sheet entirely the Swiss will have a hard time competing against hockey powerhouses like Canada, Sweden and the USA who will be their competitors in round robin play. In 23 games with the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads, Meier has tallied 11 goals and 25 assists, along with a +7 rating and 22 penalty minutes.
Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) – 22 GP – 11 G – 25 A – 36 PTS – 12 PIM – +7
Dominik Masin (D) – Czech Republic
While high end offensive players have been a common appearance on this list, Dominik Masin’s impact on both sides of the puck will go a long way in determining just how good the Czech Republic will be in 2016. The hulking 6’2, 190 pound Peterborough Petes defenseman was recently named Captain of the Czech National Junior Team and for good reason, as Masin is a “veteran” of international play. A former Captain of the Czech U-18 and World Junior A Challenge team in 20132-2014 Masin earned a Silver Medal with the Under 18 Team in 2013-2014, picking up 3 assists, 6 penalty minutes and a +3 rating over the course of the tournament. A physical two-way defenseman who boasts impressive mobility and is just miserable to play against, Masin brings one of the most complete games of any defender in the tournament. Masin is highly effective in his own zone, engaging physically, blocking shots and forcing turnovers. But he’s equally effective offensively, showing a tremendous amount of intelligence, strong puck skills, deceptive vision and a booming slap shot. With 3 goals and 10 assists, along with 26 penalty minutes and a +20 rating in 29 games with the Peterborough Petes this season, Masin is arguably one of the top defenders in the Ontario Hockey League and will be largely impactful for the Czech’s throughout the 2016 World Junior Championships.
Peterborough Petes (OHL) – 29 GP – 3 G – 10 A – 13 PTS – 26 PIM – +20
Colin White (C/RW) – USA
Often overlooked when you think of the offensive talent lining Team USA’s roster for the 2016 World Junior Championships, it won’t be long until many take note of Hanover, Massachusetts’s Colin White. The 6’0, 183 pound 2015 first round pick of the Ottawa Senators has been on an absolute terror with Boston College in the NCAA this season. In 16 games thus far this season the two-way forward has tallied 8 goals and 15 assists, along with 24 penalty minutes and a +17 rating. White boasts tremendous hockey sense, an effectiveness in all three zones and an ability to be effective with or without the puck, something not all elite point producing forwards are capable of doing at such a young age. White shows above average skating abilities, strong decision making and awareness along with high end vision and an elite shot. A winner of Under 17 Gold in 2013-2014 and Under 18 Gold in 2014-2015, this Ottawa Senators prospect looks to add World Junior Gold to his Trophy case in 2015-2016.
Boston College Eagles (NCAA) – 16 GP – 8 G – 15 A – 23 PTS – 24 PIM – +17
Dmytro Timashov (LW/RW) – Sweden
The third Toronto Maple Leafs prospect to crack the list, Dmytro Timashov has been on an absolute terror in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League thus far this season. With 18 goals and 35 assists for 53 points in just 29 games, Timashov leads the Quebec Remparts in scoring and sits seventh overall in league scoring, despite playing nearly a dozen less games than his competition. Timashov has always shown high end offensive skills, having tallied over a point per game with MODO J20 of the SuperElit in Sweden. However last year upon joining the Quebec Remparts an tallying 90 points in 66, many more eyes where drawn to the 5’10, 192 pound Swede. An explosive skater with bring you out of your seat speed and skill, Timashov is absolutely lethal in possession, showing an ability to create offensive out of nothing at times. Boasting elite vision and playmaking skills, Timashov is arguably at his best in possession, however he does have a knack for finding open space in the offensive zone and a nose for the net. Look for the Toronto Maple Leafs fifth round pick in the 2015 to use the 2016 World Junior Championships as his coming out party.
Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) – 29 GP – 18 G – 35 A – 53 PTS – 51 PIM – +9
Vladislav Kamenev (C/LW) – Russia
Named Captain of Team Russia, Vladislav Kamenev is a highly intriguing prospect with excellent two-way capabilities and strong leadership qualities. A 2014 second round pick of the Nashville Predators, Kamenev has been toiling with the Predators AHL affiliate in Milwaukee thus far this season. In 24 games thus far this season, the 6’2, 185 pound forward has racked up an impressive 6 goals and 8 assists for 14 points, along with 18 penalty minutes. A player who boasts a lengthy international resume, Kamenev has represented Russia at several international events which include the 2012-2013 Under 17 Challenge and last years World Junior Championship where Kamenev claimed a silver medal on both occasions. A strong two-way forward that shows a willingness to engage physically, Kamenev uses his size to his advantage, excels off the cycle and below the goal line while remaining lethal in the scoring areas. Defensively sound, Kamenev shows strong hockey sense and good general awareness. Expect the Orsk, Russia native to play in every situation for Valeri Bragin and Team Russia as the country looks to capture Gold for the first time since 2011.
Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) – 24 GP – 6 G – 8 A – 14 PTS – 18 PIM – -7
Dylan Strome (C/LW) – Canada
Strome comes into the 2016 World Junior Championships as one of Canada’s most important forwards. Expected to contribute on a consistent bases as an eighteen year old, Strome’s play and production will be integral to just how good Canada will be at the 2016 tournament. An OHL scoring champion as a seventeen year old, Strome has shown an uncanny ability to thrive on Hockey’s biggest stages. Strome picked up 129 points on 45 goals and 84 assists last season with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League and has only continued his torrid pace this season. In 25 games thus far this season, Strome has tallied 16 goals and 37 assists, along with a +15 rating for the Canadian Hockey League leading Erie Otters. Strome has excelled on the international stage on the two previous occasions he’s dawned the Canadian Maple Leaf. His first experience on the international stage came during the 2013-2014 World Under 17 Challenge where he finished the tournament with 6 goals and 5 assists for 11 points in just 5 games. Prior to the 2014-2015 OHL season Strome got his second taste of international experience, leading Canada to a Gold Medal at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament, where he tallied 5 goals and 1 assists in 5 games. A highly decorated player, Strome is one of those players who simply eats, sleeps and breathes hockey. A player with tremendous vision, hockey sense and playmaking skills, all three traits make up for his average skating ability which seems to be the only knock on him at this point in time. Look for Strome to be one of Canada’s top forwards throughout the 2016 World Junior Championships.
Erie Otters (OHL) – 25 GP – 16 G – 37 A – 53 PTS – 12 PIM – +15
Outside of these Top 20 players to watch, also be sure to keep a keen eye on Travis Konecny (CAN), Christian Dvorak (USA), Kasperi Kapanen (FIN), Adrian Kemp (SWE), Denis Malgin (SWI), Christian Jaros (SVK), Christian Mieritz (DEN), Michael Spacek (CZK), Ivan Provorov (RUS) and Danila Karaban (BEL).
*This list does not include 2016 NHL draft Eligible Skaters. If you’d like to take a look at the Top 2016 NHL Draft Eligible Skaters at the 2016 World Junior Championships feel free to check out this link – https://prospectshockey.wordpress.com/2015/12/20/draft-eligible-players-to-watch-at-the-2016-world-junior-champions/
Written by: Mike Mackley (@Macker61)
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