The 2024 world juniors are eagerly awaited, with the countdown continuing until the tournament kicks off on Dec. 26. This year, Gothenburg, Sweden is hosting the annual U-20 men’s tournament from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5, 2024. It’s a highly anticipated international hockey event, offering fans the chance to watch some of the top prospects of their favorite NHL teams. Unfortunately, the Colorado Avalanche and the Edmonton Oilers won’t have any representatives at the world juniors, making them the only two NHL teams without a prospect in the tournament.
Moving on to the NHL’s Western Conference, let’s focus on one player to watch for each team at the World Junior Championship. The Anaheim Ducks’ Simon Edvinsson is a promising 2022 second-rounder whose offensive game has flourished in recent years. He has become a key player for the Canadian squad, thanks to his puckhandling and passing ability, despite his clunky skating. However, it remains to be seen whether he will return to the QMJHL or stay with the Ducks after the tournament.
For the Arizona Coyotes, Conor Geekie is a 6-foot-4 center who plays a high-skill game with a big shot and soft hands. The former 11th overall pick is expected to be a handful for opposing teams and could be a future pillar of the Coyotes squad. Meanwhile, Samuel Honzek of Slovakia is the only prospect for the Calgary Flames. A 16th overall pick in 2023, Honzek is a big forward who protects the puck at an elite level and plays a dual-threat game. Although he suffered an injury in training camp, the world juniors will be an important part of getting him ready for the second half of the WHL season.
Nazar is a standout player at the world juniors, known for his electrifying performances when at his best. Despite missing most of last year with a hip injury, he has been a point-per-game player this season at the University of Michigan. The 2022 first-rounder has yet to hit his peak, but the World Junior Championship could be the place where he shines and helps the Americans improve from their bronze medal in 2023.
Dallas Stars’ fourth-rounder Aram Minnetian is the team’s sole prospect at the tournament. The former top defender of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program has had a solid freshman year at Boston College and will provide depth for the Americans on the back end. Minnetian excels in transition and as a facilitator for his teammates and occasionally flashes offensive skill.
Otto Salin is the only Los Angeles Kings prospect at the tournament and will be an impact player for Finland. As one of the team’s only players with experience at the world juniors, the 2022 fifth-round pick will likely play in all situations for the Finns and play an aggressive game at both ends of the ice.
Liam Ohgren is the Swedish captain and one of three Minnesota Wild prospects at the world juniors. The 19th overall pick in 2022 should play top-six minutes, star on the power play and penalty kill, and bring his high-motor game to the tournament. Ohgren’s physicality and goal-scoring abilities make him a fan favorite, and he should help lead the team to a potential gold medal.
