World Junior Hockey Championship | Ten drafted prospects to follow

Gabriel Perreault

Winger, 23^e rank in 2023, NY Rangers (United States)

Many recruiters noted his lack of speed, despite an innate flair for scoring, a bit like his father Yanic, a former NHL and Canadian hockey player. This is probably why it was still available on 23^e rank. Perreault, born in Sherbrooke but a naturalized American, has 23 points in 16 games in his second season at Boston College, a drop from his production of 60 points in 36 games the previous season.

Ryan Leonard

Winger, 8^e rank in 2023, Washington (United States)

With center Will Smith and Gabriel Perreault, Ryan Leonard completed the formidable trio of the American development program in 2022-2023. He was the fiery winger. All three took the same route, to Boston College, but Smith made it to the NHL this season. Leonard's production also declined, likely due to Smith's departure. He has 19 points in 16 games so far.

Cole Hutson

Defender, 43^e rang (2^e tower) in 2024, Washington (United States)

Cole Hutson has a profile similar to that of his brother Lane, although slightly heavier. He has 14 points in 16 games so far at Boston University. It's far from the offensive performance of his brother, who had 48 points in 39 games in his first year, but some prefer the younger brother because of a more complete game.

Konsta Helenius

Centre, 14^e Rang en 2024, Buffalo (Finland)

A 5-foot-11 right-handed center who entered the American League directly at age 18. The Sabers prospect has 16 points in 26 games so far in Rochester. The Sabers are struggling, but we would do well to let him mature quietly in the American League this winter when he returns from the tournament…

Axel Sandin Pellika

Defender, 17^e rank in 2023, Detroit (Sweden)

The Red Wings surprised almost two years ago by trading one of their best defensemen, Filip Hronek, to the Canucks for first and second round picks, but we were able to draft Sandin Pellika at 17^e rank in 2023 with the first pick. This young man was named the Swedish Elite League (SHL) Most Outstanding Defenseman last year and he continues his dominance this winter with 22 points in 25 games at Skelleftea.

Dalibor Dvorsky

Centre, 10^e rank in 2023, St. Louis (Slovakia)

One of the Blues' best prospects, Dvorsky, compatriot of Juraj Slafkovsky, has almost a point per game in his first season in the American League. He dominated the junior ranks in Sudbury last year with 88 points, including 45 goals, in 52 games. He will be in his… fourth World Junior Championship!

Brayden Yager

Centre, 14^e rank en 2023, Pittsburgh/Winnipeg (Canada)

An interesting prospect to follow, as he was at the heart of a major trade this offseason. The Penguins sacrificed him by sending him to Winnipeg to get a slightly older prospect, Rutger McGroarty, also a first round pick. Yager, 19, has 34 points in 22 games in the Western Junior League. McGroarty, 20, was traded to the American League after his third game with the Penguins. He is finally starting to produce with eight points in his last twelve games, after obtaining only one in his first eight.

Sam Dickinson

Defender, 11^e rang in 2024, San Jose (Canada)

Dickinson was drafted eleventh, but he could also have been second because he was the envy of certain recruiters. San Jose was able to get him with the pick acquired from the Penguins for Erik Karlsson. Dickinson, one of the youngest players of his vintage, outrageously dominates in the Ontario Junior League, in London, with 46 points in 26 games. Some clubs in the top 10 might regret their choice…

Ethan Gauthier

Winger, 37^e rang (2^e tour) in 2023, Tampa (Canada)

There are only two Quebecers on the Canadian team. Ethan Gauthier, son of former NHL defenseman turned analyst Denis Gauthier, was drafted by Tampa with one of the picks offered by the Canadian for Alex Newhook (transferred from the Avalanche for Ross Colton). Gauthier has 35 points in 24 games in Drummondville this season.

Mathieu Cataford

Centre, 77^e rang (3^e tour) en 2023, Vegas (Canada)

The other Quebecer, Mathieu Cataford, does not have a great offensive ceiling, but could eventually find his niche in the NHL because of his work ethic, his aggressiveness and his excellence in defense. He has 38 points in 27 games in Rimouski.