The most exciting thing about the annual World Junior tournament is watching all the young talent for the future of the sport. Most fans who tune into the World Junior tournament are NHL fans; fans of all teams watch the tournament, and it truly doesn’t matter who you support. Getting to see the big names for next year’s draft on the big stage should excite even the most casual hockey fans! Team Canada will have not one but two names at this year’s tournament that should be very high picks come June! Let’s take a deeper look at the names already being mock-drafted as top-tier prospects!
1. Forward, Regina Pats, Connor Bedard
First up, from the Regina Pats, Connor Bedard! Connor Bedard has been talked about for years now, an up-and-coming “generational” prospect that’s taken the hockey world by storm! The 17-year-old forward has 64 points in 28 games so far in the WHL. According to EliteProspects.com, Connor Bedard is projected to finish with an outstanding 142 points! Bedard is an electrifying prospect who isn’t afraid to beat defenders in multiple ways! With exceptional skill and skating ability, Connor can knife through the opposition, similar to another Connor NHL fans might be more familiar with. One thing I’ve noticed in watching Bedard is how well his puck-handling skills are and how well he can read plays offensively! Bedard is mocked on pretty much all NHL entry draft sites to go number one overall next June! Bedard doesn’t lack any ability in terms of shooting, his accuracy is strong, and surely as he grows into his body, the power will come even more. Bedard is a dual-threat prospect that can change the future of any franchise long-term. As much as I love the upcoming draft class, you can’t pass up on the Victoria, B.C. native! Connor will be relied upon heavily for Team Canada at this year’s tournament.
2. Forward, Michigan Wolverines, Adam Fantilli
The second name to watch for on Team Canada’s roster is Michigan’s Adam Fantilli! The 18-year-old has been described as hockey’s next great power forward! Fantilli has scored 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points in 16 games this season with the Wolverines! Fantilli has good size and is projected to be a top-six winger at the NHL level. The Nobleton, Ontario native has received tremendous praise this season in the NCAA, and some are even making a case for him to be the number 1 overall selection at the NHL entry draft in June! Fantilli is fun to watch and surely should make an impact for Team Canada at this year’s tournament! When watching Fantilli as a prospect, it’s clear Adam strives off his physical attributes but doesn’t lack that top level skill and has the ability to play a fast game. His quickness, matched with his frame, is a really encouraging sign for what’s to come at the pro level for Fantilli. As we get closer to the draft, this World Junior tournament will be important for Fantilli to showcase his ability in an attempt to go first overall.
Team Canada certainly isn’t lacking any talent at this year’s tournament. Certainly, having the top two projected picks at next year’s NHL entry draft is a luxury, especially once you add all the drafted talent like Shane Wright and Brandt Clarke. This roster might be the most dynamic we have seen in a really long time for Team Canada. Every year Canada is a top tier team at the World Juniors, but given the speed, skill, and size, I can’t recall a team I was more excited to watch!
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