The World Junior Classic is about to begin next week. This is one of the biggest events on the hockey colander as people get to see all of the best young prospects compete for gold in the name of their home country.
A large portion of the players playing in this tournament are already drafted. There is a lot of hype around them as their teams’ fanbases are excited for what they might bring in the future.
However, there are always a few undrafted players who get a ton of hype at the World Juniors as well. Last year, you may remember, was all about Connor Bedard.
Youngsters like Leo Carlsson and Adam Fantilli were exciting too but nobody drove the hype train like Bedard. Of course, he ended up being the first overall pick by the Chicago Blackhawks over the summer.
Macklin Celebrini is the guy that NHL fans should be watching at the WJC.
This year, that leader is Macklin Celebrini. He will represent Team Canada. Celebrini plays college hockey for Boston University and he is having a marvelous year. He will be the number one pick in 2024 and some NHL team will be getting a superstar.
So far this season with B.U., Celebrini has 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points in 15 games played. The Hobey Baker is calling his name and he has a great chance to win it.
Boston University also has a great chance to win in the Frozen Four later in the spring and Celebrini is going to be a big part of it all. A quick stop at the World Juniors is going to be great for him.
Celebrini will be one of the younger players on Team Canada but he will be relied on as much as anyone. Creating on the power play is a major strength of his and the team will be dangerous in that avenue as a result.
Canada isn't the favorite this year as they are in a lot of years but with a player like Celebrini leading the way, anything is possible. He is one of many good players on this team that all believe that they can get it done.