Team Canada’s roster at the upcoming 2023 World Juniors is looking really strong, with a one-two punch down the middle that could scare opposing teams.
The roster is headlined with 2023 NHL draft prospects in Adam Fantilli and Connor Bedard, the top two potential picks in the draft. Additionally, Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken will be getting a really big opportunity with Canada at the World Juniors.
The complete roster for Team Canada at the 2023 World Juniors
Forward:
Caedan Bankier (Minnesota Wild)
Connor Bedard (2023 Draft Eligible)
Colton Dach (Chicago Blackhawks)
Zach Dean (Vegas Golden Knights)
Adam Fantilli (2023 Draft Eligible)
Nathan Gaucher (Anaheim Ducks)
Dylan Guenther (Arizona Coyotes)
Zack Ostapchuk (Ottawa Senators)
Brennan Othmann (New York Rangers)
Joshua Roy (Montreal Canadiens)
Reid Schaefer (Edmonton Oilers)
Logan Stankoven (Dallas Stars)
Shane Wright (Seattle Kraken)
Defensemen:
Nolan Allen (Chicago Blackhawks)
Brandt Clarke (LA Kings)
Ethan Del Masto (Chicago Blackhawks)
Tyson Hinds (Anaheim Ducks)
Kevin Korchinski (Chicago Blackhawks)
Jack Matier (Nashville Predators)
Olen Zellweger (Anaheim Ducks)
Goalies:
Benjamin Gaudreau (San Jose Sharks)
Thomas Milic (2023 Draft Eligible)
Of the players on the 2023 World Juniors roster for Team Canada, only three have played in the NHL; they are Shane Wright, Brandt Clarke and Dylan Guenther of the Seattle Kraken, Los Angeles Kings and Arizona Coyotes.
This is a welcomed opportunity for Wright, who has not gotten a lot of opportunities this season with the Kraken. As for Guenther, he has played in 21 games this season for the Coyotes scoring three goals and putting up 11 assists. That is not bad for the former ninth-overall pick of 2021, but this opportunity at the World Juniors should only make Guenther better.
The tournament kicks off on Dec. 26 and will run through Jan. 5. Canada will be defending their 2022 title, which they won at the 2022 WJC in August. This will be a great opportunity for fans to see Connor Bedard, the presumed first-overall pick in 2023. During the last WJC, Bedard put up eight points at the age of 16 and is expected to lead the team again.