Key Players to Watch at the 2025 World Junior Championships

With the 2025 World Junior Championship set to start on Boxing Day, now is the time to look at some top talent. Like every tournament, individual names will receive more spotlight than others. In previous years, hockey fans have gotten to watch Connor Bedard, Logan Cooley, Lane Hutson, etc. This year provides top junior talent from multiple nations that are must-watch TV. Here are three top players to watch at the 2025 World Junior Championship.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Sweden

The first must-watch player includes Swedish defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka. He was drafted 17th overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings. This will be Axel Sandin-Pellikka’s third World Junior Championship representing his country. Last year, he won a silver medal with Sweden and was named the top defenseman of the tournament, where he recorded six points in seven games.

It was announced in early December that Sandin-Pellikka would be the captain of Team Sweden in this year’s tournament. He is arguably the top defenseman in the whole tournament, with Team USA’s Zeev Buium as a close second. Team Sweden is coming off a heartbreaking tournament last year that saw them lose in the gold medal game on home ice. Axel Sandin-Pellikka will look to lead Sweden to its first gold medal in over ten years. Team Sweden takes on Slovakia in the first game of the tournament.

Gavin McKenna, Canada

All eyes will be on Canadian forward Gavin McKenna at this year’s World Junior Championship. The 17-year-old, who just celebrated his birthday in December, is making his tournament debut. McKenna is widely projected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft and has been outstanding in the WHL this season, tallying 60 points in 30 games.

He showcased his talent in Team Canada’s final pre-tournament game, earning Player of the Game honors after scoring two goals. Known for his elite puck handling and exceptional passing, McKenna has already proven he can excel at this level. Fans can expect to see more of his skills displayed when Canada faces Finland in the late game on Boxing Day.

GAVIN MCKENNA SCORES LATE IN THE 3RD FOR CANADA! pic.twitter.com/3udNhF1ClB

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 24, 2024

Trey Augustine, USA

Goaltender Trey Augustine enters his third World Junior Championship as the backbone of Team USA’s defense. He played a pivotal role in leading the Americans to gold in last year’s tournament, finishing with a flawless 4-0 record and an impressive .936 save percentage.

Drafted 41st overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Augustine has continued to shine this season at Michigan State University. He boasts a stellar .930 save percentage and a 1.98 goals-against average, making him one of the top netminders to watch.

While Team USA has lost key contributors from last year—Cutter Gauthier, Lane Hutson, Will Smith, Isaac Howard, and Rutger McGroarty—Augustine will be counted on to deliver another strong performance. With high expectations and plenty of eyes on him, he’s poised to be a difference-maker once again.

Who are you most excited to watch at the 2025 World Junior Championship?

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