2025 World Junior Summer Showcase: 10 NHL prospects to watch
For all those saying they miss hockey, now’s your chance to get back into it.
The World Junior Summer Showcase is set to get underway in Minnesota on Sunday, with USA, Canada, Finland and Sweden taking part in the week-long event. This is one of the top hockey events of the summer, giving fans a chance to watch their top prospects – new and returning – represent their country in hopes of making their respective squad for the 2026 World Junior Championship, which will also be in Minnesota.
The United States will start with two teams – USA White and USA Blue – for two games each before coming together for a single unit on July 30. Canada will also have a dual effort on July 29 before finishing the last three games as a single team. There isn’t a gold medal on the line, as all four programs focus on preparing for the main event in a few months.
Here’s a look at 10 NHL prospects to keep an eye on as the tournament runs from July 27 – August 2 at Riddler Arena in Minnesota:
Michael Misa, C, Canada (San Jose Sharks)
Canada desperately needed goals last year, and Misa was the top scorer in the CHL. So, naturally, he wasn’t invited to selection camp in December. Assuming Misa isn’t in the NHL, he will be on Canada’s World Junior team in December – and expect a scoring rampage. Misa is an outstanding skater who’ll beat you both in short bursts and with his pure straight-line speed. He’s as good a play-driver as you’ll find from any forward outside of the NHL. It feels like there’s a good chance he’ll be in San Jose’s opening night lineup, but it’s good to see him part of this event, at least.
Zayne Parekh, RHD, Canada (Calgary Flames)
Parekh is one of the top prospects who could end up playing in the NHL full-time this season. But after getting cut from Canada’s roster back in December, you have to think Parekh wouldn’t mind getting a crack at chasing gold. Parekh is very unique in the way that he can dominate in so many elements of the game. There’s no reason for him to return to the OHL on a full-time basis – he has nothing left to prove. But having signed his ELC already, it’s either Calgary or Saginaw. Regardless, Canada would love to have him in Minnesota in December – and perhaps make up for the mistake they made leaving him off a few months back.
Matthew Schaefer, LHD, Canada (New York Islanders)
Schaefer’s 2024-25 season ended during Canada’s second game last December, and there’s a good chance he’ll be in the NHL this fall. But for a tournament like this, it’s nice to have him part of it. Schaefer is as good of a puck distributor as you’ll find, too, and it’s only a matter of time until he pops off in the NHL. That’s partly because he thinks the game at such an advanced level for his age, often luring opponents in before pulling off a deceptive deke and getting the puck where it needs to be. If Schaefer is part of Canada’s roster come December, he’s going to unleash a world of damage. I’m just interested to see where his game is after missing so much time.
Emil Hemming, RW, Finland (Dallas Stars)
Hemming left Finland for the first time to play in the OHL last year, putting up 18 goals and 48 points with the Colts. Inconsistency seemed to be an issue – again – but it’s hard not to love the pro-level skills. He has put those skills on display at the World Juniors the past two years, showing promise as a hard-working, 200-foot player. He has a good 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame, and he loves to battle hard in front of the net. Scouts have also liked how much energy he seems to have late in games – he’s built for endurance. I like his wrist shot, and I think he plays with a bit more skill than he gets credit for. With no Konsta Helenius, all eyes will be on Hemming to play a big role in Minnesota.
Petteri Rimpinen, G, Finland (Los Angeles Kings)
It’s not overly common to see an 18-year-old win top goalie honors at the World Juniors, but that’s what the previously undrafted Rimpinen did in Ottawa. The only goalie with a better save percentage than Rimpinen (.933) with at least three starts was Canada’s Carter George at .936. The best news? This wasn’t a flash-in-the-pan example of a goaltender coming out of nowhere. Rimpinen was good against men in the second-tier Mestis last year and was one of the Finnish Liiga’s top goalies in 2024-25 – a rare achievement for an 18-year-old. He’s set to be Finland’s starter again in December, and he’ll look to carry the team this summer, too.
Melvin Fernström, RW, Sweden (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Fernström had an excellent season with Örebro’s U-20 team in the Swedish league and he was the most productive U-19 player in the top Swedish league, as well. At 6-foot-2, Fernström has solid size and I like that he can shoot from everywhere. There’s still work to be done to improve his foot speed and overall pace, but he has always been productive at the international level with Sweden. We’ll see if he can have a big impact over the next week.
Leo Sahlin Wallenius, LHD, Sweden (San Jose Sharks)
With Tom Willander and Axel Sandin-Pellikka aging out, it’s LSW time now. Sahlin Wallnius is a mid-sized defender, but he plays with a ton of skill and isn’t afraid to get physical for his size. His mobility is impressive and he can definitely run a power play. Sahlin Wallenius bounced around a few different levels last year, but he always gave a full effort and seemed to play better against tougher competition. I’m excited to see how big a role he takes as a 19-year-old on this team.
Cole Eiserman, LW, USA (New York Islanders)
Eiserman was a menace in Ottawa, registering seven points in seven games while landing some big hits along the way. The competitive winger had a massive year with Boston University, and we know he’s always involved in the offense when he dons his nation’s colors. The former USNTDP star has an incredible shot, and he’d be a perfect candidate to reunite with James Hagens on USA’s top line. Eiserman will spend the next year in college, but don’t be surprised to see him challenging for a top-six role with the Islanders come 2026-27.
James Hagens, C, USA (Boston Bruins)
Hagens is back to serve as USA’s top center for the second straight year. Hagens has built a reputation for being so deceptive, both with and without the puck, making it difficult for defenders to figure out his next move. He’s always looking up, and his teammates just know to get themselves into a scoring position whenever they can. Hagens has all the makings of a No. 1 center in the next few years for the Bruins, and USA Hockey will hope to see him hit another level as a true difference-maker on home ice in a few months. That all starts now.
Cole Hutson, LHD, USA (Washington Capitals)
Hutson became the first defenseman to lead the World Juniors in scoring after tallying 11 points a year ago. He showed so much swagger and confidence with the puck, and his play reminded some of his brother, Lane Hutson. Cole is the USNTDP’s all-time defensive scoring leader and has led every single IIHF tournament he has participated in in points. He’s a medal magnet, too, with his worst international tournament showing being his silver at the U-18s. Hutson is easily one of the most skilled defenders set to take part in both the WJSS and the main WJC, and it won’t be long until he’s pushing for an NHL roster spot.
Other notables: Sam Dickinson, LHD, Canada (San Jose Sharks); Porter Martone, RW, Canada (Philadelphia Flyers); Trevor Connelly, LW, USA (Vegas Golden Knights); Cullen Potter, C, USA (Calgary Flames)
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