Pool A just the right temperature for Canada

A look at the 10 nations competing at the 2019 world junior championship

GROUP A: CANADA

Best finish: 17-time gold medallists. Last year: Beat Sweden for gold. Player to watch: Forward Alexis Lafreniere — He will become the first 17-year-old to play for Canada at the tournament since Connor McDavid after being selected by head coach Tim Hunter because “he doesn’t play like a young player.” He’s already being talked about as a potential No. 1 pick for the 2020 NHL draft.

The Skinny: After an injury to forward Alex Formenton in selection camp, the Canadian squad is left with just one player (Max Comtois) returning from last year’s gold-medal winning squad. Canada’s roster is heavy in Canadian Hockey League talent, with just forward Shane Bowers (Boston University) and defenceman Ian Mitchell (Denver University) playing elsewhere.

Prognosis: Contender to repeat.

CZECH REPUBLIC

Best finish: Two-time gold medallists.

Last year: Lost in bronze-medal game against the United States.

Player to watch: Forward Martin Necas — The 19-year-old is a veteran at the event as he gets set to participate for the third time. Last year he tied for the tournament lead in scoring with 11 points in seven games, and has transitioned his game this year to North America. The 12th pick from the 2017 draft started with Carolina and is currently with its AHL affiliate in Charlotte.

The Skinny: The Czechs were a young team last year and have up to nine players returning with world junior experience under their belts. It’s been 13 tournaments without any type of hardware as the Czechs haven’t reached the podium since a bronze medal in 2005.

Prognosis: Could surprise in the semifinals for the second straight tournament.

RUSSIA

Best finish: Four-time gold medallists.

Last year: Finished fifth. Player to watch: Forward Klim Kostin — The 19-year-old St. Louis Blues prospect produced five goals and eight points in five games at last year’s tournament, but went home disappointed. He’s averaged a point per game at every international level he’s played at and is currently being developed in the AHL.

The Skinny: The Russians waited until the last minute to confirm their roster and were expected to be heavy in their own talent with most coming from the KHL. Kostin could be the only returning player on a team with high turnover. Last year was the first tournament since 2010 Russia went home without a medal.

Prognosis: Medal contender.