Scout’s Analysis: Breaking down Canada’s world junior roster

As the city of Ottawa prepares to host the 2025 world junior hockey championship from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5, Team Canada announced its roster of 25 players after making their final cuts on Friday evening.

The tournament is generally looked at as a “U20” event and an opportunity for previously drafted prospects to shine on the world stage and further advance their career trajectory.

This version of Team Canada is unique. Included on the roster is dynamic forward Gavin McKenna from the Medicine Hat Tigers. McKenna isn’t eligible for the NHL draft until 2026. Also making the team are 2025 draft-eligible prospects Porter Martone (forward, Brampton Steelheads), Matthew Schaefer (defenceman, Erie Otters) and Jack Ivankovic (goaltender, Brampton Steelheads).

Here are the names that will represent Team Canada, followed by potential line combinations and starting netminder. 

Gavin McKenna, shoots left, six feet, 183 pounds, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) — 2026 draft eligible 

McKenna is the youngest — but potentially the most dynamic — forward on Canada’s roster. The soon-to-be 18-year-old is the leading scorer in the WHL with 19 goals and 41 assists. McKenna craves having the puck on his stick. He’s capable of driving play off the rush and is always in motion in the offensive zone. He’s crafty and very hard to check.

Bradly Nadeau, shoots right, five-foot-10, 161 pounds, Chicago Wolves (AHL) — Carolina Hurricanes, first round, 30th overall, in 2023

Nadeau is an undersized, quick-strike forward who has the ability to find quiet ice in the offensive zone and punish opponents with his offence. When Nadeau sets up on the weak side flank, he is especially assertive one-timing pucks into the back of the net.

Brayden Yager, shoots right, six feet, 170 pounds, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL) – Pittsburgh Penguins, first round, 14th overall, in 2023 

The Winnipeg Jets acquired Yager from the Pittsburgh Penguins this past summer in exchange for prospect Rutger McGroarty. Yager fits the mold of a Winnipeg Jet. His combination of playmaking and quick release makes him an unpredictable opponent to check.

Jett Luchanko, shoots right, five-foot-11, 187 pounds, Guelph Storm (OHL) — Philadelphia Flyers, first round, 13th overall, in 2024

Luchanko provides a “Swiss-army knife” kind of forward in the middle of the ice for Team Canada. What he lacks in pure dynamic offence he makes up for with reliable three-zone compete and hockey sense to be deployed in a variety of roles.

Luca Pinelli, shoots left, five-foot-nine, 169 pounds, Ottawa 67’s (OHL) — Columbus Blue Jackets, fourth round, 114th overall, in 2023

Pinelli provides the group with a power-play option. He finishes very well around the net and from high-danger areas in the offensive zone. Pinelli has evolved as he matures. He sees the ice and distributes more than he has in the past. Team Canada head coach Dave Cameron is Pinelli’s coach in Ottawa. He knows what Pinelli can provide and the best fit for him on the roster.  

Berkly Catton, shoots left, five-foot10, 170 pounds, Spokane Chiefs (WHL) — Seattle Kraken, first round, eighth overall, in 2024

Catton uses the entire width, and length, of the ice to drive offence. He’s deployed in all situations at the junior level. It would be a bonus for Team Canada if he played with the kind of defensive detail required at high-leverage events like the WJC. If he does, his offence will have a chance to shine. He’s another high-end scorer on the roster. Catton has produced 14 goals and 33 assists in the WHL so far this season.

Carson Rehkopf, shoots left, six-foot-one, 195 pounds, Brampton Steelheads (OHL) — Seattle Kraken, second round, 50th overall, in 2023

Rehkopf has the skill to take over shifts offensively. He’s blessed with fantastic puck touch and a long enough reach to shield pucks from opponents off the rush when he drives to the net. In his last 10-game segment at the OHL level, Rehkopf produced 11 goals and seven assists. He’s the kind of player who needs to play an elevated role in the lineup. Expect Rehkopf to land in a top-six role for Team Canada and be counted on to play to his identity offensively.

Ethan Gauthier, shoots right, five-foot-11, 186 pounds, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) — Tampa Bay Lightning, second round, 37th overall, in 2023

Gauthier brings a mix of skill and will to the group. He doesn’t cut corners and can be deployed in a variety of roles. Team Canada has a ton of skill up front. I’m looking for Gauthier to provide some bottom-six energy and kill penalties.

Calum Ritchie, shoots right, six-foot-two, 179 pounds, Oshawa Generals (OHL) — Colorado Avalanche, first round, 27th overall, in 2023

Ritchie’s combination of length and skill provides Team Canada a top-six, at worst middle-six, option at centre. He’s creative executing set plays off faceoffs and willing to work off the wall to the middle of the ice to produce offence. Ritchie has produced eight goals and 26 assists in only 18 OHL games this season.

Porter Martone, shoots right, six-foot-three, 208 pounds, Brampton Steelheads (OHL) — 2025 draft eligible 

Martone is in the mix for the top draft slot in next June’s entry draft. His size and skill are attractive assets. Martone has a knack for finding open ice in the offensive zone. He has a lethal release. Pucks are on and off his stick in a flash. Martone has produced 21 goals and 33 assists in 26 games for Brampton this year.

Tanner Howe, shoots left, five-foot-11, 182 pounds, Calgary Hitmen (WHL) — Pittsburgh Penguins, second round, 46th overall, in 2024

Howe can be deployed in a variety of roles, but I project the bulk of his ice time to come at even strength. He provides the team with better than secondary scoring and another option for one of the power-play units. Like most scorers, he thrives working from the weak side flank with the extra attacker. Howe is also better than average defensively, which gives the coaches several roles to work him into on this roster.

Cole Beaudoin, shoots left, six-foot-two, 206 pounds, Barrie Colts (OHL) — Utah Hockey Club, first round, 24th overall, in 2024

Beaudoin brings a combination of power and understated skill. Once up to speed, he is exceptionally difficult to defend off the rush. His ability to extend plays in the trenches will be valuable for Team Canada. Beaudoin is a power forward who can wear down opponents.

Easton Cowan, shoots left, five-foot-11, 177 pounds, London Knights (OHL) — Toronto Maple Leafs, first round, 28th overall, in 2023

Cowan sat out training camp recovering from an injury he sustained in an OHL game against the Oshawa Generals. He’s riding a 56-game point streak and is the defending OHL MVP. He’s a returning player from last year’s roster and will likely be counted on to produce offence in a top-six role. Cowan is at his best when he plays with maximum tenacity in all three zones. His work on and off the puck will lead to chances to score for his group.

Mathieu Cataford, shoots right, five-foot-11, 189 pounds, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL) — Vegas Golden Knights, third round, 77th overall, in 2023

Cataford has been one of the top scorers in the QMJHL since he entered the league in 2021-22 (249 points in 222 games). When he sniffs out a chance to pounce on a puck in the offensive zone it usually leads to positive results. I’m interested in seeing how Cataford is deployed for Team Canada. He definitely has the ability to slot into one of the power-play units.

Andrew Gibson, shoots right, six-foot-four, 206 pounds, Soo Greyhounds (OHL) — Detroit Red Wings, second round, 42nd overall, in 2023 

Expect Gibson to play a shutdown role for Team Canada. He doesn’t produce much offensively, but he plays a heavy style in the trenches. Gibson was originally drafted by the Red Wings, but his rights were traded to the Nashville Predators at last year’s draft in Vegas.

Sam Dickinson, shoots left, six-foot-three, 195 pounds, London Knights (OHL) — San Jose Sharks, first round, 11th overall, in 2024 

Dickinson is a workhorse. He’s deployed in all situations at the junior level and his offence has gone to another level this season (15 goals and 31 assists). Dickinson has the puck touch and vision to quarterback the power play. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t look like he is moving quickly, but his effortless stride jumps up to surprise opponents when he transitions pucks.

Caden Price, shoots left, six-foot-one, 180 pounds, Kelowna Rockets (WHL) — Seattle Kraken, third round, 84th overall, in 2023

Price is a two-way defenceman who chips in better than secondary offence. Team Canada might be looking for Price to slot into a shutdown role for this team, and he’s more than capable. I appreciate his quickness and willingness to engage in battle areas.

Oliver Bonk, shoots right, six-foot-two, 179 pounds, London Knights (OHL) — Philadelphia Flyers, first round, 22nd overall, in 2023

Bonk is another returnee for Team Canada. He’s a “glue guy” and has the skill to be deployed in all situations. His offence doesn’t jump off the charts (six goals and 15 assists), but he has a sneaky release from the middle of the offensive zone. Bonk competes and plays a mature style.

Tanner Molendyk, shoots left, six feet, 181 pounds, Saskatoon Blades (WHL) — Nashville Predators, first round, 24th overall in 2023 

Molendyk moves very well and has the skill set to quarterback one of Team Canada’s power-play units. He leans toward distributor more than shooter. In the defensive zone. he’s an “area” defender who takes away time and space with his smarts and active stick.

Sawyer Mynio, shoots left, six-foot-one, 180 pounds, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) — Vancouver Canucks, third round, 89th overall, in 2023

Mynio’s entire game is on the rise. He’s deserving of his spot on this roster. At the WHL level, Mynio is used in all situations and provides secondary offence. His defensive detail and willingness to make life difficult on opponents should land him on a shutdown pairing for Team Canada.

Beau Akey, shoots right, six feet, 183 pounds, Barrie Colts (OHL) — Edmonton Oilers, second round, 56th overall, in 2023 

Akey is a two-way/transitional defenceman who has the escape ability to flush off checks and lead defensive zone exits with his legs. In the offensive zone, he leans distributor more than shooter. Akey has the potential to quarterback a power-play unit for Team Canada.

Matthew Schaefer, left shot, six-foot-one, 183 pounds, Erie Otters (OHL) — 2025 draft eligible

Schaefer is my personal No. 1 rated draft prospect for 2025. He’s a complete player, but he also hasn’t been tested like he will be at this event. Schaefer averages over 28:00 ice time at the junior level. He’s deployed in all situations. He bodies up physically and has the speed, skill and creativity to lead the rush and produce offence.

Carter George, catches left, six-foot-one, 188 pounds, Owen Sound Attack (OHL) — Los Angeles Kings, second round, 57th overall, in 2024

It’s George’s net to lose for Team Canada. He’s very athletic and competitive. George has fantastic feet and low net coverage with his pads. He isn’t the biggest goalie, but his quickness makes up for his size. He’s the kind of goalie who can steal a game when needed.

Carson Bjarnason, catches left, six-foot-three, 190 pounds, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) — Philadelphia Flyers, second round, 51st overall, in 2023 

Bjarnason gives opponents a different look between the posts. He’s much bigger than George and plenty athletic. Bjarnason plays a butterfly style, and his length comes in handy in desperate save scenarios around his crease.

Jack Ivankovic, catches left, five-foot-11, 178 pounds, Brampton Steelheads (OHL) — 2025 draft eligible

Ivankovic was outstanding for Team Canada at the U18 Hlinka/Gretzky tournament in the summer. He led the Canadians to a gold medal while posting a 0.75 goals-against average and a .967 save percentage. Ivankovic makes up for his stature with athleticism and outstanding lateral movement. He tracks pucks very well and fronts shooters to make himself as big as possible in the net.

I don’t have a crystal ball, but here’s my best shot at what Team Canada’s line combinations could look like: 

McKenna—Yager—Nadeau
Rehkopf—Luchanko—Cowan
Beaudoin—Ritchie—Martone
Howe—Catton—Gauthier

Dickinson—Schaefer
Molendyk—Bonk
Price—Mynio
Akey—Gibson