Top 25 NHL Prospects to Watch at 2026 IIHF World Juniors
The 2026 IIHF World Juniors is set to showcase some of the top NHL prospects. As excitement builds for the tournament, here are the top 25 players to watch based on combined rankings by analysts Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler.
Top NHL Prospects for 2026 IIHF World Juniors
These players represent some of the most promising talents in hockey, projected to make significant impacts in the tournament. Below is the list of the top prospects, along with their respective teams and rankings from both analysts:
1. Michael Misa, C, Canada (San Jose Sharks)
Ranked No. 1 by both analysts, Misa is favored to be the MVP. His skating ability and improvisation skills make him a top-line center for Canada.
2. Ivar Stenberg, RW, Sweden (2026 NHL Draft)
Stenberg, ranked second overall, is an electric player known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills. He is expected to play a crucial role in Sweden’s offense.
T3. Porter Martone, RW, Canada (Philadelphia Flyers)
Martone is a heavy winger noted for his physical play and scoring acumen. He ranks third in Pronman’s list and fourth in Wheeler’s.
T3. Keaton Verhoeff, RHD, Canada (2026 NHL Draft)
At just 17, Verhoeff combines size with skill to influence games. He is anticipated to make a solid impact on Canada’s blue line.
5. Gavin McKenna, LW, Canada (2026 NHL Draft)
McKenna’s exceptional vision and puck skills position him as a leading playmaker for Canada and a dynamic force in the tournament.
6. Alberts Smits, LHD, Latvia (2026 NHL Draft)
A complete defenseman, Smits excels in mobility and offensive play, making him a key player for Latvia’s squad.
T7. James Hagens, C, USA (Boston Bruins)
Hagens stands out for his speed and offensive drive, and is expected to be a mainstay at the top line for Team USA.
T7. Chase Reid, RHD, USA (2026 NHL Draft)
Reid’s speed and vision help him generate offense as a forward from the defense position, making him a valuable asset for Team USA.
T9. Zayne Parekh, RHD, Canada (Calgary Flames)
Known for creating scoring opportunities, Parekh will be vital as he runs Canada’s power play.
T9. Carson Carels, LHD, Canada (2026 NHL Draft)
Carels is a reliable two-way player expected to make contributions both defensively and offensively for Canada.
11. Anton Frondell, C, Sweden (Chicago Blackhawks)
Frondell’s versatile offensive game makes him a projected top-six center. He offers a strong physical presence on the ice.
12. Cole Hutson, LHD, USA (Washington Capitals)
Hutson’s agility and vision on the blue line are expected to make him one of the top scorers among defensemen in the tournament.
13. Caleb Desnoyers, C, Canada (Utah Mammoth)
A prototypical two-way center, Desnoyers combines size and speed, making him adaptable in various situations on the ice.
14. Kashawn Aitcheson, LHD, Canada (New York Islanders)
Aitcheson is tough to play against and is expected to shut down top opposing forwards while contributing offensively.
15. Tij Iginla, C/LW, Canada (Utah Mammoth)
Iginla is known for his scoring ability and quick hands, positioning him as a key offensive player for his team.
16. Brady Martin, C, Canada (Nashville Predators)
Martin combines skill with a strong physical presence, projecting to be a crucial part of Canada’s offensive strategy.
17. Michael Hage, C, Canada (Montreal Canadiens)
A dynamic skater, Hage is expected to help bolster Canada’s power play with his speed and playmaking skills.
18. Oliver Suvanto, C, Finland (2026 NHL Draft)
Suvanto’s combination of size and skill makes him a promising player for Finland in the upcoming tournament.
T19. Will Horcoff, LW, USA (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Horcoff, a breakout performer, is anticipated to be key for USA’s offense with his combination of size and skill.
T19. Ryker Lee, RW, USA (Nashville Predators)
Lee is noted for his puck handling and competitive spirit, positioning him as a rising star for Team USA.
21. Braeden Cootes, C, Canada (Vancouver Canucks)
Cootes is recognized for his hard work and competitive nature, making him a fitting candidate for a middle-six role.
T22. Adam Jiricek, RHD, Czechia (St. Louis Blues)
A veteran presence for Czechia, Jiricek is anticipated to excel as one of the top defensemen in the tournament.
T22. Cole Eiserman, LW, USA (New York Islanders)
Eiserman is a sniper known for his powerful shot and scoring ability, making him a marked player for Team USA.
T24. Cole Reschny, C, Canada (Calgary Flames)
Reschny’s intelligence and adaptability make him a versatile player for Canada, projected to contribute in various roles.
T24. Carter Bear, LW, Canada (Detroit Red Wings)
Bear may start as a healthy scratch but offers significant versatility and scoring potential for Canada.
Honorable Mentions
- Radim Mrtka, RHD, Czechia (Buffalo Sabres)
- Victor Eklund, RW, Sweden (New York Islanders)
- Cameron Reid, LHD, Canada (Nashville Predators)
This year’s tournament promises to be filled with thrilling performances from these young athletes, as they vie for recognition and success on the world stage.
