2016 World Juniors Preview: Rosters and Predictions
Coming off one of the strongest draft classes of recent NHL history in 2015, combined with a group of high-end 2016 Draft Eligible prospects, this year’s 2016 World Juniors promises to be more exciting than usual. Being held in Helsinki, Finland, European skaters have a distinct advantage when the tournament crosses the pond.
The Canadians will look to repeat in 2016, and once again walk into the World Juniors as the favorite. Among other contenders for the gold are USA, Sweden, Russia, Finland, and Czech Republic. The tournament begins on December 26th, and fans in North America are being treated to an electric opener between Team Canada and Team USA.
Roster and Schedule information gathered from IIHF’s offical World Junior Championship website
TEAM (COACH:) – PROJECTED RANKING (PROJECTED MEDAL)
LC – Indicates player was part of final roster cuts
GROUP A
Team Canada (Coach: Dave Lowry) – 1st Group A (Gold Medal)
Goaltenders:
Mackenzie Blackwood, Barrie (OHL) – New Jersey Devils
Mason McDonald, Charlottetown (QMJHL) – Calgary Flames
Samuel Montembeault, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL) – Florida Panthers
Defensemen:
Thomas Chabot, Saint John (QMJHL) – Ottawa Senators
Travis Dermott, Erie (OHL) – Toronto Maple Leafs
Haydn Fleury, Red Deer (WHL) – Carolina Hurricanes
Joe Hicketts, Victoria (WHL) – Detroit Red Wings
Brandon Hickey, Boston University (HE) – Calgary Flames
Roland McKeown, Kingston (OHL) – Carolina Hurricanes
Forwards:
Mathew Barzal, Seattle (WHL) – New York Islanders
Anthony Beauvillier, Shawinigan (QMJHL) – New York Islanders
Rourke Chartier, Kelowna (WHL) – San Jose Sharks
Lawson Crouse, Kingston (OHL) – Florida Panthers
Julien Gauthier, Val-d’Or (QMJHL) – 2016 Draft Eligible
Travis Konecny, Ottawa (OHL) – Philadelphia Flyers
Mitchell Marner, London (OHL) – Toronto Maple Leafs
Brendan Perlini, Niagara (OHL) – Arizona Coyotes
Brayden Point, Moose Jaw (WHL) – Tampa Bay Lightning
John Quenneville, Brandon (WHL) – New Jersey Devils
Mitchell Stephens, Saginaw (OHL) – Tampa Bay Lightning
Dylan Strome, Erie (OHL) – Arizona Coyotes
Jake Virtanen, Vancouver (NHL)
Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood will miss the first two games of the tournament due to his OHL suspension. Canada initially planned on carrying two goalies (Mason Mcdonald and Mackenzie Blackwood). Instead, Samuel Montembeault will backup Mason McDonald the first two games. Blackwood should see time in net immediately upon return, and could be the starter in the medal rounds.
2016 Draft Eligible prospect Jakob Chychrun is an interesting late cut earlier this month, thought by some to be a lock as a top five pick at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. The entire Canadian squad plays in the CHL with the exception of one defender, Brandon Hickey, playing for Boston University. Offensive defenders include Trevor Dermott and Roland McKeown, while Haydn Fleury fits the mold of a two-way defender.
A pair of surprising cuts started earlier this month with Islanders prospect Michael Dal Colle, followed by Panthers prospect Jayce Hawryluk (near the top of WHL in scoring). Canada was fortunate that Vancouver loaned Jake Virtanen for the tournament, joining Brayden Point and Lawson Crouse as the trio of returnees up-front. A team loaded with former first round talent, Canada has several players that could step up and contribute. The Canadians should be considered the favorite to win walking into the tournament.