The World Junior Championship is one of the biggest events on the hockey calendar for many reasons, but one of the big ones is that it is an annual showcase of the next wave of talent coming to the NHL very soon. Many of the game’s biggest stars shined first on the World Junior stage before embarking on their accomplished NHL careers.

This year should be no different with dozens of high-end prospects, many first-round picks and soon-to-be draft picks. 

In order to help NHL fans get better prepared to watch the tournament, I put together this little NHL fan’s guide to the World Junior Championship, which will air on NHL Network in the U.S. and TSN in Canada. Find out which of your favorite team’s prospects will be playing in the tournament and a little bit extra on what their role might be with their respective national teams.

If you ever wanted a glimpse of the NHL stars of tomorrow, it really doesn't get better than the World Juniors.

Anaheim Ducks

Prospects: Olen Zellweger, D, Canada; Tyson Hinds, D, Canada; Nathan Gaucher, C, Canada

The Ducks will be well represented on Team Canada with a pair of returning gold medalists in Olen Zellweger and Nathan Gaucher. Tyson Hinds will be a newcomer this year and one of the pleasant surprises of Canada's roster. Zellweger should be one of Canada's most utilized defensemen and a key for their power play. He is a good source of offense from the back end. Gaucher, meanwhile, looks to center Canada's third line that can make an impact at both ends of the ice. Hinds may not get big minutes, but being part of a loaded blue line for Team Canada is quite an accomplishment in itself.

On defense for Canada.

Number 3. Olen Zellweger.#WorldJuniors x @AnaheimDucks pic.twitter.com/rvOanioMte

— Everett Silvertips (@WHLsilvertips) December 13, 2022

Arizona Coyotes

Prospects: Logan Cooley, C, USA: Dylan Guenther, RW, Canada; Julian Lutz, LW, Germany; Adam Zlnka, LW, Slovakia; Sam Lipkin, LW, USA

Two of the biggest pieces of the Coyotes' future will be part of this tournament with Logan Cooley centering Team USA's first line and Dylan Guenther in a top-six scoring role for Canada. Both will play prominent roles in their respective teams' offensive attacks and should have pretty good numbers. Meanwhile, Julian Lutz should be a critical player for a German side that doesn't have a ton of depth. Adam Zlnka and Sam Lipkin will likely play in depth roles for Slovakia and USA, respectively.

Boston Bruins

Prospects: Fabian Lysell, RW, Sweden; Dans Locmelis, C, Latvia

Bruins fans have been getting a glimpse of Fabian Lysell in the AHL this season and he's shown some good flashes at the pro level. At the World Juniors, he should play a prominent offensive role for Sweden and will have to play with tremendous pace and skill as he's wont to do. For Team Latvia, Dans Locmelis should be a significant piece of their offense and will have to play well if they're to advance outside of the preliminary round.

Buffalo Sabres

Prospects: Jiri Kulich, C, Czechia; Isak Rosen, RW, Sweden; Noah Ostlund, C, Sweden

Three of Buffalo's more recent first-rounders will all be at the tournament with Kulich looking like he could play the most prominent role for his team. A gifted goal scorer who has already gotten the job done at the AHL level this year, Czechia desperately needs Kulich to have his goal-scoring touch on full display as he's one of their best pure offensive players. 

Meanwhile, both Rosen and Ostlund will play significant roles for Sweden. Rosen had a so-so summer World Juniors, but could be poised for a bigger role this time around. Meanwhile, Ostlund will likely drive Sweden's line with him, Liam Ohgren and Jonathan Lekkerimakki if Sweden decides to keep that trio together.

The @BuffaloSabres have reassigned forwards Jiri Kulich (Czech Republic) and Isak Rosen (Sweden) to their respective national junior teams. pic.twitter.com/UnQGCwOQup

— Amerks PR (@AmerksPR) December 19, 2022

Calgary Flames

Prospects: William Stromgren, LW, Sweden; Topi Ronni, C, Finland

The Flames could see their two prospects playing in mid- to low-lineup roles for their respective national teams. Stromgren is a big, strong winger who has spent the year almost exclusively in Sweden's top pro division. He can be a tough guy to contain due to his size, but he also has subtle offensive touch. Meanwhile, Topi Ronni has looked good in international games this season and even has seen 10 games of action in Finland's top pro league. They might not be the most prominent players for their teams, but they'll be noticeable.

Carolina Hurricanes

Prospects: Nikita Quapp, G, Germany; Jackson Blake, RW, USA; Aleksi Heimosalmi, D, Finland; Ville Koivunen, C, Finland

You can almost guarantee at this point that Carolina will have at least one Finn playing in the tournament. Ville Koivunen and Aleksi Heimosalmi appear poised to play substantial roles for Finland in this tournament. Heimosalmi is an important puck-moving defenseman who should be in their top-four, while Koivunen is set to play a top-six role and can impact any game he plays in, in a variety of ways. 

Elsewhere, Jackson Blake is currently slated to be a top-six scorer for Team USA as he's on the wing on the second line and on the second power-play unit. Lastly, Nikita Quapp has the ability to steal a game or two for Germany. It's a tall order, but he's been sharp in international play in the past.

Chicago Blackhawks

Prospects: Nolan Allen, D, Canada; Ethan Del Mastro, D, Canada; Kevin Korchinski, D, Canada; Colton Dach, C, Canada; Victor Stjernborg, C/W, Sweden

The Blackhawks basically own the entire left side of Canada's blue line with Ethan Del Mastro likely playing a top-pairing role, Nolan Allen playing as a physical, shut-down defenseman and Kevin Korchinski bringing his high-end skill and puck-moving ability to the third pairing. All three are going to be critical players as Canada's blue line is among the many strengths of their team. The Canadians will also have big Colton Dach in a depth role, potentially on their fourth line. Lastly, Victor Stjernborg will be in a leadership role for Sweden and is a valuable two-way forward with some jam.

And let's be honest, the real reason a lot of Blackhawks fans are going to be watching is because they've got a great shot at the No. 1 or No. 2 pick this year based on how things are going. With Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli on Canada, it won't just be the left side of the blue line Blackhawks fans' eyes will be glued to.

Congrats to our prospects Ethan Del Mastro, Nolan Allan, Kevin Korchinski and Colton Dach on being named to Team Canada's 2023 World Juniors roster 🇨🇦

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 12, 2022

Colorado Avalanche

Prospects: Sean Behrens, D, USA

Avs fans can catch Behrens whenever they want while he's at the University of Denver, but for Team USA, his experience and surehandedness will be important. He will be an alternate captain for the Americans and will have to show his two-way value as the American blue line lacks some size and need their offensive-minded guys to step up and play solid defense.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Prospects: David Jiricek, D, Czechia; Stanislav Svozil, D, Czechia; Martin Rysavy, RW, Czechia 

Czechia may as well be the official adopted team of Columbus in this tournament. One of the club's most important prospects will also be Czechia's most important player. David Jiricek has been tearing it up at the AHL level and now will get a chance to take what he's learned as a North American pro and apply it to the WJC. He could end up playing close to 30 minutes a game with how much he means to this Czech team. 

Additionally, Stanislav Svozil will surely be in a top-four role and seeing time on the power play after the success he's had in the WHL this year. Lastly, Martin Rysavy is a big-bodied, versatile forward who should be able to make his presence felt in Czechia's bottom six.

The #WorldJuniors are almost here!!@FloHockey's @chrismpeters joins @DylanTyrer for a closer look at the Blue Jackets prospects heading to Halifax & Moncton ➡️ https://t.co/xpxqRXgAPf@RuoffMortgage | #CBJ pic.twitter.com/eecV96cjtj

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) December 21, 2022

Dallas Stars

Prospects: Logan Stankoven, C, Canada; Lian Bichsel, D, Switzerland

After winning CHL player of the year last year and winning gold with Canada later last summer, Stankoven's stock just keeps shooting up. He is slated to center Canada's second line and should be looked to as a consistent source of production. For Switzerland, Lian Bichsel is by far their best player and should be playing a ton of minutes for them. His size, skating and physicality are all going to be key for Switzerland to hang in games and try to stay up in the top division.

Detroit Red Wings

Prospect: Red Savage, C, USA

It's been a little while since the Wings had so few prospects in this tournament, but it will allow the Hockeytown faithful to focus a little bit and maybe maintain some allegiance to Team USA. Red Savage is currently slated to play on USA's third line as its center. He'll also be an essential penalty killer and was recently named an alternate captain for the team.

Edmonton Oilers

Prospects: Reid Schaefer, LW, Canada

A late-rising prospect last draft season, Edmonton nabbed Schaefer with the last pick in the first round. He has size and he can score. Those are going to be valuable traits in Canada's bottom six where Schaefer will have to get comfortable playing down their lineup and finding ways to impact the game that may not be scoring.

Florida Panthers

Prospects: Marek Alscher, D, Czechia; Jakub Kos, LW, Czechia; Ludvig Jansson, D, Sweden; Sandis Vilmanis, LW, Latvia

The Panthers have a pretty robust group playing in the WJC. Marek Alscher and Jakub Kos will be mid-lineup players who can make fairly big contributions to Czechia's legitimate hopes to hit the podium in this tournament. 

Meanwhile, Ludvig Jansson will have to help a shallow Swedish blue line move pucks well and take care of their own zone as they're missing a few key players. Lastly, Sandis Vilmanis could be one of Latvia's most important players as every time he shows up to international events, he looks like he can hang with top players from other teams.

Los Angeles Kings

Prospects: Brandt Clarke, D, Canada; Kenny Connors, C/W, USA; Otto Salin, D, Finland

After missing the cut at the last WJC, Kings fans have to feel great about one of their most important prospects getting his shot at Team Canada. Brandt Clarke should be a top-four defenseman and an integral puck-mover on the Canadian blue line. Then Los Angeles will have to decide what the next step will be for Clarke's development, but the World Juniors buys them time and gives them more data to evaluate. 

Kenny Connors appears destined for Team USA's fourth line, but his value is in his versatility as he can fit into just about any role the U.S. needs him to play. Lastly, Otto Salin should get reasonably strong minutes for a Finnish team that doesn't seem to have the depth they're used to enjoying at this tournament.

We've loaned defenseman Brandt Clarke to Canada’s National Junior Team for the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship.

— LA Kings (@LAKings) December 7, 2022

Minnesota Wild

Prospects: David Spacek, D, Czechia; Caedan Bankier, C, Canada; Liam Ohgren, LW, Sweden; Servac Petrovsky, C, Slovakia; Jack Peart, D, USA 

It's another World Junior and another year where the Wild have some significant prospects participating. Liam Ohgren is their most recent first-rounder and should be looked to for points while playing for Team Sweden. Caedan Bankier has been a revelation this season and earned his way onto Team Canada with his mix of size and scoring ability. He'll play down Canada's lineup, but should still be able to positively impact games. 

Jack Peart is a returnee for Team USA and should be a top-four rearguard who can move pucks and escape the defensive zone well. Look for David Spacek to play a significant role on Czechia's blue line, particularly as more of a shutdown guy. Lastly, Servac Petrovsky has been over a point per game in the OHL this season and will be looked to as a source of offense for Slovakia.

Montreal Canadiens

Prospects: Joshua Roy, RW, Canada; Vinzenz Rohrer, C, Austria; Adam Engstrom, D, Sweden; Filip Mesar, RW, Slovakia; Lane Hutson, D, USA; Oliver Kapanen, C, Finland

The Habs have a really exciting group of prospects going to this tournament. Joshua Roy will be on Canada's third line and should be able to score just as easily as he seems to in the QMJHL. Meanwhile, Oliver Kapanen will be Finland's captain and an important two-way player. USA's Lane Hutson should play on USA's second or third pairing and will be heavily involved in the offensive attack from the blue line.

Montreal's most recent first-rounder not named Slafkovsky is Filip Mesar and he'll get a chance to play a leading offensive role for his homeland in this tournament. For Austria, Vinzenz Rohrer is a critical piece of Austria's team. His familiarity with North American junior hockey could go a long way. Meanwhile, Adam Engstrom should be a top-four blueliner for Sweden.

Nashville Predators

Prospects: Jack Matier, D, Canada; Ryan Ufko, D, USA; Joakim Kemell, RW, Finland

It's been a tough season on the NHL side of things, but the World Juniors offer plenty for Preds fans to check out. Joakim Kemell will be an especially important player for Finland as he is their most gifted offensive player and will need to score to give that team a chance. He should play a lot of high-leverage minutes in the tournament. 

Elsewhere, a pair of defensemen will get to be part of two of the top contending teams as both Jack Matier and Ryan Ufko appear poised to play on the third pairing for Canada and USA, respectively. Ufko has been part of USA's second power-play unit and should be a source of offense from the back end, while Matier will be viewed as a shutdown defenseman who probably gets some significant time on the penalty kill.

New Jersey Devils

Prospects: Luke Hughes, D, USA; Seamus Casey, D, USA: Simon Nemec, D, Slovakia; Petr Hauser, RW, Czechia; Topias Vilen, D, Finland

The future of New Jersey's blue line is on full display in this tournament as their top two prospects -- Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec -- are going to be the No. 1 defensemen for their teams. Hughes is arguably Team USA's most important player and you can probably say the same about Nemec and Slovakia. Those two are going to get a mountain of ice time and should be significant producers for their teams offensively as well.

We're still awaiting the final 23 players to be registered for Team USA, but Seamus Casey is on the bubble and may end up a little further down the lineup if he's on the team. The same is likely true of Petr Hauser with Czechia, which has a pretty deep team this year. Meanwhile, Topias Vilen should see some good ice time with Finland as their blue line is a little shallow compared to previous years.

Programming note: @usahockey’s final pre-tournament matchup vs. Sweden airs live on @NHLNetwork today at 2:30 pm!

Team USA captain Luke Hughes spoke with me about what the World Juniors mean to him — and his family. @umichhockey @jhugh86 @NJDevils @USAHockeyNTDP pic.twitter.com/sk3ZPzaw3Y

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 21, 2022

New York Islanders

Prospects: Calle Odelius, D, Sweden; Aleksi Malinen, D, Finland

The Isles may not have an especially deep prospect pool and that is somewhat reflected in their few prospects at this tournament, but both Odelius and Malinen are going to play and probably play a good amount for their respective teams. Odelius is one of the younger blueliners on Sweden's team, but his mature two-way game should allow him to make an impact. Malinen, meanwhile, should benefit from being back in his own age group after playing most of this season in the pro ranks. He moves pucks well and defends adequately, which should allow him to get reasonably good minutes with Finland.

New York Rangers

Prospects: Jaroslav Chmelar, LW, Czechia; Brennan Othmann, LW, Canada; Adam Sykora, C, Slovakia; Noah Laba, C, USA; Kalle Vaisanen, LW, Finland

Rangers fans will be able to see one of the team's more promising prospects get a prominent role with Team Canada as Brennan Othmann is slated to be a top-line winger with Shane Wright and Connor Bedard. That's a great spot with high-expectations for the gifted OHL scorer. He'll be the star attraction.

Additionally, Adam Sykora should be playing in a significant role up the lineup for Slovakia and be one of that team's most important forwards. Noah Laba will be depth for Team USA, but his progression has been especially encouraging as he's clearly taken a positive step as a freshman at Colorado College. Kalle Vaisanen will be a mid-lineup player for Finland and be looked to for solid two-way play, while Jaroslav Chmelar should see good ice time with a Czech team that has legitimate medal aspirations.

Ottawa Senators

Prospects: Tomas Hamara, D, Czechia; Zack Ostapchuk, LW, Canada; Oskar Pettersson, RW, Sweden; Tyler Boucher, RW, USA

Zack Ostapchuk and Tyler Boucher are likely going to be in similar roles for Canada and the U.S., respectively. They'll play down the lineup, but are important players for their team, providing a physical edge to go along with some offensive pop. Boucher is on USA's top power play unit, so he should have chances to score. 

Tomas Hamara will likely be a top-four defenseman for Czechia on a blue line that is actually one of the tournament's best on paper. One of the more intriguing players to watch, however, will be Oskar Pettersson, who has performed exceptionally well at the U20 level this season and could provide good scoring depth and size for Sweden.

Philadelphia Flyers

Prospects: Cutter Gauthier, LW, USA: Brian Zanetti, D, Switzerland

Flyers fans can step aside from the difficulty of this season and bask in the glow of the team's top prospect as Cutter Gauthier will be a top-line player for Team USA. Though his long-term projection is at center, he will be a wing in this tournament because he has such great chemistry with Logan Cooley and Jimmy Snuggerud. USA needs Gauthier to score and he should.

Brian Zanetti is one of only two drafted prospects on Switzerland's roster, but he should be in a top-four role, playing significant minutes. If the Swiss have any success at this event, he's going to be a big part of it.

Cutter Gauthier has arrived in Canada

📸: @usahockey pic.twitter.com/ZAmnmPyRaH

— FlyersNittyGritty (@FlyersKnitty) December 19, 2022

Pittsburgh Penguins

Prospects: None.

This is not uncommon for the Penguins. They have one of the shallowest prospect pools in the NHL, so it's not a surprise to see no Pens in this event. That said, if you are a Penguins fan, there's still plenty of reason to watch. This is actually a tremendous year to watch draft-eligible players and, for now, the Penguins still have their first-round pick. 

If the season ended today, the Penguins would be picking in the 25-30 range and there are definitely some players that could be available in that range playing in this tournament. A couple to keep a particularly close eye on are Gavin Brindley of Team USA, Samuel Honzek of Team Slovakia and Axel Sandin Pellikka of Sweden. You can learn more about those players on our list of top NHL Draft Eligible players competing at the World Juniors.

San Jose Sharks

Prospects: Ben Gaudreau, G, Canada; Filip Bystedt, C, Sweden

Ben Gaudreau has a chance to start for Team Canada and Filip Bystedt could be a key forward for Sweden in this tournament, so there's a lot for Sharks fans to watch in this particular event. They also probably should be keeping an eye on top draft-eligibles as well as it looks like San Jose is destined for a high lottery pick.

Bystedt is the guy to really watch, though. The big, fast center is going to need to be a key player for a Swedish side that doesn't quite have the depth top-to-bottom that put them in the best position to contend for gold. They do have a pretty loaded forward group though and it's even better when guys like Bystedt are going.

Seattle Kraken

Prospects: Shane Wright, C, Canada; Niklas Kokko, G, Finland

Shane Wright will get to live out every Canadian kid's dream of wearing the C at the World Juniors. Sending him to Team Canada was the right call by the Kraken because it will give their most important prospect a chance to build confidence, play major minutes and have a chance to play in some huge games on a big stage. Wright will center Canada's top line, which has all the makings of being a dominant line in this tournament. Whatever Seattle does with Wright after the tournament, giving him this experience at this stage of his career can only help.

Also, we'll see how much playing time Niklas Kokko gets as Finland's goaltending situation is a little bit in flux. He should see some time, though.

🇨🇦🇨🇦 Shane Wright. Captain Canada. 🇨🇦🇨🇦#FrontsHockey | @HockeyCanada | @OHLHockey | @CHLHockey pic.twitter.com/NQnqqQTmN1

— Kingston Frontenacs (@KingstonFronts) December 18, 2022

St. Louis Blues

Prospects: Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, USA; Simon Robertsson, RW, Sweden; Aleksanteri Kaskimaki, C, Finland

The way Jimmy Snuggerud has played this season has to have Blues fans excited. He's been one of the best players in college hockey this year and now he'll be a top-line player for Team USA. A gifted goal-scorer with a big shot, Snuggerud can make an impact in all areas of the ice. Meanwhile, Simon Robertsson will likely be in a depth scoring role for Sweden and Aleksanteri Kaskimaki should have a chance to play a solid role in the middle of Finland's forward lineup. The star attraction is Snuggerud, but the other two should make their presence known at various stages of the tournament.

Tampa Bay Lighting

Prospects: Klavs Vienbergs, C/W, Latvia; Dylan Duke, LW, USA; Niko Huuhtanen, RW, Finland

The Lightning's prospect depth is depleted but as you can see, they still are placing players on WJC rosters. Dylan Duke is poised to play on USA's third line, which will be expected to score, and he's part of their second power-play unit. Niko Huuhtanen is a big-body presence and should play significant minutes in a prominent offensive role for Finland. Klavs Vienbergs is one of three drafted players on Latvia's roster and should be viewed as a versatile all-around forward who can help Latvia push to return to the quarterfinals this year.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Prospects: None.

The Leafs will not be sending any prospects to the tournament, which means Toronto fans can sit back, relax and just cheer for Team Canada. They can also watch for NHL draft-eligible players and undrafted free agents, which will be plentiful in this tournament. When it comes to the draft, the Leafs most likely won't pick until way late in the first round, which means they should probably keep an eye on Gavin Brindley from the U.S. and Axel Sandin-Pellikka from Sweden. You can read more about draft-eligibles at the WJC here.

Vancouver Canucks

Prospects: Elias Pettersson, D, Sweden; Jonathan Lekkerimaki, RW, Sweden; Aku Koskenvuo, G, Finland

Don't adjust your eyes, there is another Elias Pettersson that the Canucks have rights to, he will play for Team Sweden, but he will be on their blue line and probably playing pretty decent minutes as well. But most Canucks fans will be watching Jonathan Lekkerimaki with great interest as he is one of the franchise's most important prospects. The highly-skilled winger will be part of the same line he's played on for club and country before with Liam Ohgren and Noah Ostlund. They'll need to score for the Swedes to have a chance in the tournament. Meanwhile, Aku Koskenvuo could end up as Finland's starter in this event. He's not played a ton at Harvard this year, so we'll have to see if he ultimately gets the net for FInland.

Vegas Golden Knights

Prospects: Jakub Brabenec, LW, Czechia; Matyas Sapovaliv, C, Czechia; Zach Dean, C/W, Canada; Carl Lindbom, G, Sweden

Zach Dean will probably be the main attraction for Knights fans as he should be part of Canada's third line which should be able to score a lot more than your average third line in this tournament. Dean has come a long way in the last few years and can be an impact player. He won't be the only one to watch though as Carl Lindbom is expected to be Sweden's No. 1 goalie in this event, Matyas Sapovaliv will be a top-of-the-lineup center for Czechia and Jakub Brabanec will be a jack of all trades for the Czechs.

Washington Capitals

Prospects: Ryan Chesley, D, USA; Hakon Hanelt, C/W, Germany

Ryan Chesley was a great value pick for the Caps in the second round and appears poised to play a top-four role for Team USA at this tournament. He will be a key piece of their penalty kill and likely see a lot of tough defensive matchups, while being expected to move pucks effectively. Hakon Hanelt, meanwhile, is one of just three drafted players on Germany's roster, and will likely have a lot asked of him in this tournament as a returning player.

Winnipeg Jets

Some sweet skills from Brad Lambert in the shootout 👀 pic.twitter.com/5EnlGMukMX

— Manitoba Moose (@ManitobaMoose) November 20, 2022

Prospects: Brad Lambert, C, Canada; Chaz Lucius, C, USA; Rutger McGroarty, LW, USA; Fabian Wagner, C/W, Sweden

Each of the last three first-round picks of the Jets will be playing in this tournament and each will have significant roles. Chaz Lucius and Rutger McGroarty will actually be playing together on USA's second line and will need to help USA score in this tournament. They're going to get a lot of run. McGroarty is on Team USA's first power play and Lucius is on their second unit. 

Meanwhile, Brad Lambert will play a critical scoring role for Finland that they desperately need him to succeed in. The Finns do not have good scoring depth, so the pressure is on Lambert to make a significant impact. Lastly, Fabian Wagner will likely play a depth role for Sweden.