WORLD JUNIOR TO WATCH
EASTERN CONFERENCE
CHARLIE MCAVOY added fuel to the USA-Canada fire when he destroyed Lawson Crouse of Canada with a clean hit in the world junior summer showcase. But he doesn’t just hit. He’s been a point-per-game player at Boston University as a sophomore defenseman. He won bronze at last year’s tournament.
On loan from his Swedish team to the Mississauga Steelheads, ALEX NYLANDER was eligible to go to the AHL this season. He was spectacular for Sweden at the 2016 world juniors, with leading the team with nine points in seven games. The slick-skating and skilled Nylander is the brother of Toronto’s William.
We’ve rightly spilled a lot of ink on Jake Bean lately. For some variety, let’s show some love for JULIEN GAUTHIER. The strong sniper was Canada’s youngest player at the 2016 WJC and will be counted on for offense this time around. Based on the goal he scored at the QMJHL-Russia opener, he’s up to the challenge.
PIERRE-LUC DUBOIS was close to making Canada’s WJC squad in 2016, admitting he should have stuck to his game at camp. Dubois has shown what he can do now. Despite a slow start, the two-way center has a nasty combination of skill and physicality. With big-name teens in the NHL, he can make an impact for Canada.
JOREN VAN POTTELBERGHE returned home to tend net in the Swiss League with HC Davos. He’ll be integral for a Swiss team that always has difficulty scoring and relies heavily on its goalies. Adjusting to pro hockey has been a learning experience for Van Pottelberghe, who hopes for a better result in his second WJC.
HENRIK BORGSTROM went the route less travelled, opting to play at the University of Denver, where he has shown he is a point-per-game player. He was not a part of the Finnish team in 2016, but with 55 points in Finland’s junior league last season, he will be key to creating offense for the defending champs.
MIKHAIL SERGACHEV will be a vital component on the Russian blueline. A good two-way defenseman with a high compete level, Sergachev has the size and skating ability to be a difference maker. Most didn’t expect Sergachev to be in the Habs opening night lineup, but his play in the pre-season earned him a spot.
With Pavel Zacha working a regular gig in the NHL, Devils fans can turn their attention to MIKEY MCLEOD. The 18-year-old can certainly help offensively – he’s a point-per-game player with OHL Mississauga – but his skating, faceoff skills and competitive nature could also make him effective in a shutdown role.