2026 World Junior Championship: Projecting Canada’s Roster
Canada is preparing to contend for gold at the 2026 World Junior Championship in Minnesota, though several roster choices remain unresolved. Thirteen under-20 players have appeared in at least one NHL game — all Canadian except for Russia’s Matvei Gridin.
Some prospects have already been loaned back to junior teams, including Nashville’s Brady Martin, Philadelphia’s Jett Luchanko, and Vancouver’s Braeden Cootes. Nine others continue to play in the NHL: Anaheim’s Beckett Sennecke, Calgary’s Zayne Parekh, the New York Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer, Pittsburgh’s Ben Kindel and Harrison Brunicke, along with San Jose’s Sam Dickinson, Michael Misa, and Macklin Celebrini. Celebrini, in particular, was never expected to be loaned back.
Most of these players appear secure in their NHL positions, with only Parekh, Catton, Kindel, and Brunicke possibly returning to join the national team. Schaefer stands out as one of the league’s most productive young defenders and is unlikely to be reassigned.
“After two quarterfinal losses, Canada won’t accept anything less than gold at the 2026 World Junior Championship in Minnesota.”
Instead of its usual selection camp, Hockey Canada will run a 10‑day training camp in Niagara with the official roster, featuring exhibition games in Kitchener and London.
Author’s Summary
Canada faces tough roster decisions as it prepares a loaded team of NHL talent for the 2026 World Juniors, aiming for redemption and nothing short of a gold medal.
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