WORLD JUNIOR TO WATCH

WESTERN CONFERENCE

KALE CLAGUE is developing into a speedy, smooth-skating offensive defenseman who plays bigger in the defensive zone than his six-foot, 177-pound frame would suggest. He came into his own in the WHL last season, his third with Brandon, and his crisp passing skills will help Canada’s transition game at the WJC.

What a rollercoaster. JOEL ERIKSSON EK burst onto the scene with two goals and five points in his first four NHL games. Weeks later, he was toiling on Minnesota’s fourth line. The Wild pondered returning him to Sweden where he might develop better. Part of the plan should be playing a huge role for Sweden at the WJC.

DANTE FABBRO is Canada’s man with a plan on defense. Known for his heady two-way play and ability to quarterback an offense with his smooth puck moving, he’ll help Canada’s power play and should play highleverage defensive minutes. Now in the NCAA, he’ll further stack Nashville’s Dcorps down the line.

After helping Latvia’s under-20 team qualify for the WJC, RUDOLFS BALCERS returned to his Norwegian club, the Stavanger Oilers, and helped them become league champions. WHL Kamloops hopes his winning ways continue, as the left winger joined the Blazers and lit up the scoresheet to start the season.

The Blues hope they have a deep sleeper in NIKOLAJ KRAG CHRISTENSEN, chosen 209th in 2016 as a rare eligible 17-year-old. He’s 6-foot-3, has shown nice scoring touch and made the Danish WJC team at 17 last year. He plays in the Swedish League, bouncing between Rogle’s top team and its under-20 squad.

In right winger BROCK BOESER’S first year with the University of North Dakota, he tallied 60 points in 42 games, setting the school record for goals by a freshman with 27, supplanting Zach Parise’s mark of 26. Fresh off an NCAA championship, Boeser is back in Grand Forks another year. He hasn’t turned pro yet.

Don’t expect Team USA to cut JACK ROSLOVIC this time around. After he quietly flourished in his first college season last year, Roslovic headed to AHL Manitoba for 2016-17 and didn’t look remotely overmatched. He should play top-six minutes on a deep and dangerous U.S. forward group at the world juniors.