Top-5 Prospects to Watch at 2026 World Junior Hockey Championships

The 2026 World Junior Hockey Championships begins on boxing day from Minnesota, and it's stacking up to be a tournament filled with future NHL talent.

It's the 50th anniversary of the tournament and brings together all the best U-20 hockey talent from across the world into a high octane couple of weeks of hockey. While some players come out of nowhere and make a name for themselves, there's a number of players who have a target on their back going in as some of the best prospects in hockey.

Here's the top five prospects to follow at the 2026 WJHC, outside of Canada's Gavin McKenna, who is the likely #1 overall pick at the 2026 NHL Draft:

James Hagens, USA - Boston Bruins

Hagens is a towering presence who can skate like the wind and is going to be an integral piece of Team USA's success on home soil. He's going to play in all situations, he's going to be a difference maker for the Americans, and it's going to give Hagens a chance to bounce back after what's been a so-so college season.

Michael Misa, Canada - San Jose Sharks

The Sharks loaned Misa and he'll immediately jump onto Canada's top line, and play a massive part in the team's success. Canada is coming off an embarrassing tournament on home soil, and look for Misa to be the playmaker the team desperately needs. He won CHL MVP last season and has star potential for the Sharks, who are loaded with young talent.

Porter Martone, Canada - Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers wouldn't include Martone in their Quinn Hughes offer, that's how highly they think of the right winger. He's going to play top minutes for Canada and has taken huge strides in his game at the college level this season, developing quicker feet, and a stronger stride. Martone leads Michigan State with 20 points in 16 games, and should be one of Canada's leading scorers.

Anton Frondell, Sweden - Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks can't wait to get Frondell in their lineup, and they'll be able to get a first-hand look at what exactly he brings to the table in this tournament. Frondell will play heavy minutes for the Swedes and be called upon in all situations. A super smart pivot who possesses a deadly shot, Frondell has a chance to put Sweden on his back to the gold-medal game.

Will Horcoff, USA - Pittsburgh Penguins

Perhaps no other prospect in hockey has propelled up the depth charts like Horcoff has this season. He's a beast at 6-foot-5 and over 200 pounds and the Penguins are very excited to see what he can do next season in Pittsburgh. For now, he'll be a huge piece for the Americans and is having a stellar season with Michigan. There's a good chance Horcoff wins the Hobey Baker award as the best NCAA hockey player, but for now, he's got his sites set on winning tournament MVP and a gold medal.