The Athletic has released a combined ranking of the top 25 NHL prospects set to compete at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships in Minnesota. Experts Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler averaged their individual lists to highlight players based on NHL projections. Canada features prominently with several top-ranked forwards and defensemen.
The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships will take place from December 26 to January 5 in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, at venues including the Grand Casino Arena and 3M Arena at Mariucci. This annual under-20 tournament showcases emerging hockey talent, with rankings focusing on future NHL impact rather than immediate tournament performance.
Pronman and Wheeler's shared top prospect is Michael Misa, a center for Canada and the San Jose Sharks, noted for his high-end skating and improvisation skills that position him as a top-line center and MVP favorite. Ranked second is Ivar Stenberg, a right winger for Sweden eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, praised as an electric offensive weapon with elite puck handling and scoring touch.
Tied for third are Porter Martone, a heavy right winger for Canada and the Philadelphia Flyers, who uses his elite hands and frame to dominate below the hash marks, and Keaton Verhoeff, a right-handed defenseman for Canada eligible for the 2026 draft, combining size, hockey sense, and a heavy point shot. Gavin McKenna, a left winger for Canada also draft-eligible in 2026, rounds out the top five with off-the-charts vision and puck skills to quarterback the power play.
Other notable Canadians include Zayne Parekh and Carson Carels tied for ninth on defense, while the U.S. features James Hagens and Chase Reid tied for seventh. Sweden's Anton Frondell ranks 11th, and Latvia's Alberts Smits is sixth. The rankings continue with players like Cole Hutson of the U.S. at 12th and several more Canadians in the top 15, emphasizing the depth of talent from North America.
Honorable mentions include Radim Mrtka of Czechia and Victor Eklund of Sweden. This preview underscores the tournament's role in spotlighting future NHL stars amid competitive international play.
