2026 World Junior Championship: Projecting Canada’s Roster
Canada is positioned to compete strongly for gold at the 2026 World Junior Championship in Minnesota, though several important roster decisions are still pending. The team includes 13 U-20 NHL players, all Canadian except for Russia's Matvei Gridin.
Some players have already been loaned back to juniors, such as Brady Martin (Nashville), Jett Luchanko (Philadelphia), and Braeden Cootes (Vancouver). However, nine players remain active in the NHL:
- Beckett Sennecke (Anaheim)
- Zayne Parekh (Calgary)
- Matthew Schaefer (New York Islanders)
- Ben Kindel (Pittsburgh)
- Harrison Brunicke (Pittsburgh)
- Sam Dickinson (San Jose)
- Michael Misa (San Jose)
- Macklin Celebrini (San Jose), who is not being loaned back under any circumstance
Most of these players have a strong chance to remain in the NHL. Schaefer is notably one of the most effective defensemen, making it unlikely he will be sent back.
Players considered for a loan back to juniors include Zayne Parekh and Catton, with potential moves for Kindel and Brunicke. The others are expected to stay in the NHL, which aligns with Canada's goal of winning gold after two consecutive quarterfinal defeats.
Instead of a traditional selection camp, Hockey Canada will conduct a 10-day training camp with the full roster in Niagara. This will be followed by two exhibition games in Kitchener and London.
Canada won't accept anything less than gold at the 2026 World Junior Championship in Minnesota.
Author's summary: Canada’s deep pool of U-20 NHL talent and strategic roster moves fuel high hopes for gold at the 2026 World Junior Championship in Minnesota.