How the top draft-eligible players fared at the 2025 World Juniors

OTTAWA, ONT. – The World Junior Championships is a 19-year-old tournament. We’ve been brow-beaten with that statement every year from coaches, managers, and the media. 

They say it so often, because it’s true. This is an event that is designed for the more physically and emotionally mature 19-year-olds to shine brightest.

That mantra sticks in the minds of decision-makers when assembling their country’s squad. Some nations like Latvia – who brought six under-18 skaters to the 2025 event, don’t have the luxury of picking and choosing. Where Canada, USA, and even Sweden are more particular about the amount of youngsters that come.

But every year there are notable performances by draft-year players that help boost their stock in the eyes of the NHL clubs. This year was no different. While we los