As we head into the playoff rounds of the 2026 World Junior Championships, we take a look at some of the players that stood out in group play.
The 2026 World Junior Championship Group Round Top Performers
Here’s a look at seven players who have impressed in the group round of this year’s tournament. Some have been drafted by NHL teams already. Also, some will be eligible for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. So, lots to keep our eyes on heading into the playoff rounds!
Adam Jiricek – DEF – Czechia – St. Louis Blues
Jiricek has been the most dominant player in this year’s tournament and by far the best defenceman. His through-the-legs overtime winning goal against Finland went viral but what you don’t see in that clip is his commitment to the defensive side of the game. He’s been a shot blocking machine all week and been key for the Czechs in all three zones. He’s tallied three goals and one assists for four total points and will look to help push the Czechs into medal contention this weekend.
Stop what you're doing and watch this OT winner from Adam Jiricek‼️@czehockey #WorldJuniors #IIHF pic.twitter.com/KOsolNsnBh
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) December 30, 2025
Zayne Parekh – DEF – Canada – Calgary Flames
Parekh has been a driving force for Team Canada both on and off the ice this tournament. His lead by example attitude has led to some amazing plays from him throughout the week, recording points in all four of Canadas group stage games. He finished the group round tied for first on the team and tournament in points, racking up four goals and four assists for eight total points. His teammates Gavin McKenna and Michael Hage also have eight points each, putting all three Canadians tied at the top of the tournament points leaderboard. Parekh seems to have a knack for coming up clutch in big time moments, so keep an eye on him to make some noise in the playoff rounds.
Zayne Parekh continues to dominate the World Juniors 🇨🇦
That’s his 4th goal of the tournament! pic.twitter.com/fkl3f69uWD
— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) January 1, 2026
Alberts Smits – DEF – Latvia – 2026 Draft Eligible
There has been a ton of buzz around Smits since the tournament got underway and rightfully so. The 6-foot-3, 205 pound defender is a 2026 draft eligible prospect and has four points in four games for the Latvians. He’s also been their biggest ‘minute-eater’, averaging almost 25 minutes of ice time per game. He’s a no nonsense type of player and will be a scouts dream headed into this draft cycle. Look for hear his name a lot more often in the coming weeks and months ahead.
NHL Draft prospect Alberts Šmits has his eyes on an Olympic roster spot for Latvia at 18 👀#WorldJuniors #WJC #IIHF #Olympics #TeamLatvia #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/iousIJjw83
— FloHockey (@FloHockey) December 31, 2025
Gavin McKenna – FWD – Canada – 2026 Draft Eligible
All eyes were on Gavin McKenna as the tournament go underway. He’s been the presumed number-one pick in the 2026 NHL Draft for over a year now. He decided to leave the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL to join Penn State University of the NCAA for his final season before he’s draft eligible. There’s been a lot of chatter around that move and what the true motives were. Was this truly a better development opportunity for him with a focus on physical development and getting to play with older competition? Or was this just an opportunity to make NIL money and grow his brand before heading to the pros?
If this tournament has shown us anything, it’s that he made the correct move in heading to Penn State. He might not be dominating in the way Team Canada fans want to see, but he’s quietly putting up a great World Juniors. You can see his improved commitment to playing a 200-foot game. His increased effort in forechecking, back checking, and along the walls has been noticeable, even if there’s still room to improve. He’s also tied for the tournament lead in points with three goals and five assists, totaling eight points. His play this tournament has done nothing to drop him out of that project number-one spot in the 2026 NHL Draft, unless something dramatic happens in the remainder of this tournament and his NCAA season.
DISGUSTING hands as Gavin McKenna gets the hatty! #WorldJuniors
pic.twitter.com/nyHLP4xK82— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) December 30, 2025
Will Zellers – FWD – USA – Boston Bruins
Zellers wasn’t even supposed to be on Team USA for this tournament. He was left off the original training camp roster. In fact, he was only added later on due to injuries to other selected players. Zellers stood out in pre-tournament action and earned himself some minutes heading into group play. In Team USA’s first three games, he scored the game winning goal in each. He’s put up five goals and two assists for seven total points, putting him second on the points leaderboard for the tournament so far. Zellers has been key to an injury-ridden US team who has been without star defenseman and Washington Capitals prospect, Cole Hutson, and Detroit Red Wings prospect, forward Max Plante, who have been two of the key offensive drivers for the Americans.
Third goal for Bruins prospect Will Zellers at the World Juniors. He is putting on a show with a lethal shot on the biggest stage for kids his age. What a huge pickup in the Charlie Coyle deadline deal pic.twitter.com/ryCWHUKJLr
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) December 28, 2025
Anton Frondell – FWD – Sweden – Chicago Blackhawks
The 18 year-old Chicago Blackhawks prospect has flashed for Sweden in the group stage. He’s netted three goals and added two assists to give him five points total through their first four games. His combination of skill, physicality, and vision has made him one of the most exciting players to watch anytime the puck is on his stick this tournament. His 6-foot-1, 205 pound frame allows him to play hard on the puck alining the wall and in front of the net, but also has the scoring touch of a high-end offensive player. He’ll have to be a driving force for the Swedes in their quest for a Gold Medal this year after finishing first in Group A after going 4-0 in the group round games.
Chicago Blackhawks prospect Anton Frondell is going to be a problem in the NHL #Blackhawks #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/MS9cGet34G
— Hockey Barn Review (@hockeybarn_) December 29, 2025
Michael Hage – FWD – Canada – Montreal Canadiens
University of Michigan superstar and Montreal Canadiens prospect, Michael Hage has been tearing it up since pre-tournament play. He’s tied for the tournament lead in points. That is after tallying three goals and five assists, for eight total points in the group round. He’s been extremely versatile for the Canadians, making plays with his high hockey IQ and vision. He can produce in a number of ways and was critical to their success in their group games. He’s a really strong skater and plays with a nice balance of speed and finesse, while having the hands to finish and feed on the move. Hage could be a front runner for tournament MVP if he continues to produce in the playoff rounds.
MICHAEL HAGE WITH THE OVERTIME WINNER! 🚨
LE BUT DE LA VICTOIRE EN PROLONGATION DE MICHAEL HAGE! 🚨#WorldJuniors | #MondialJuniorpic.twitter.com/ka9NDeUVbX
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) December 28, 2025
Main Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
