With the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship just weeks away, the Los Angeles Kings’ pipeline is starting to show up on the international radar in a big way. The tournament, which kicks off later this month in Duluth, Minnesota, is widely regarded as one of the premier stages for showcasing elite under-20 talent-and this year, a few of the Kings’ top prospects are making early noise.
Team USA recently unveiled its preliminary roster, and two names from the Kings’ system are headed to training camp: defenseman Henry Brzustewicz and winger Brendan McMorrow. While this isn’t the final roster just yet, it’s a strong indication that both players are firmly in the mix for a spot on one of the most competitive junior squads in the world.
Brzustewicz: A Young Blue Line Standout with Upside
Let’s start with Henry Brzustewicz. The Kings’ first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft has been turning heads all fall with the London Knights in the OHL.
He’s been logging big minutes, showing poise beyond his years, and making smart, composed decisions with the puck. What stands out about Brzustewicz is his ability to control the pace of play from the back end-he’s not just reacting, he’s dictating.
At just 18, he’s one of the youngest defensemen invited to Team USA’s camp, but don’t let the age fool you. His play this season has been mature, steady, and at times, dominant.
He’s not the flashiest player on the ice, but he’s the kind of defenseman who quietly makes everything around him better. If he can carry that same presence into camp at AMSOIL Arena, he could make a serious push for a roster spot.
There’s always a dark horse or two who forces their way into the final lineup, and Brzustewicz has all the tools to be that guy this year. He’ll need to show he can handle the speed and physicality of international play, but based on what he’s shown in the OHL, he’s got a real shot.
McMorrow: Speed and Skill Looking to Break Through
Then there’s Brendan McMorrow, a dynamic left winger who brings speed, puck control, and a bit of flair to the offensive zone. While he might not have the same draft pedigree as Brzustewicz, McMorrow has been on the radar of Team USA’s coaching staff thanks to his ability to create space and make plays in transition.
He’s still raw in some areas, but the upside is clear. McMorrow thrives in open ice-his skating is a legitimate weapon-and he’s shown flashes of creativity that can change the momentum of a game in a heartbeat.
For him, the challenge at camp will be proving he can keep up with the pace and intensity of top-tier international competition. If he can find chemistry with other high-skill forwards and show he can contribute in all three zones, he’ll be in the conversation.
Both Brzustewicz and McMorrow are first-time invitees to the U.S. World Juniors camp, and while nothing is guaranteed, just getting the call is a significant step in their development. The Kings have invested in building a deep, versatile prospect pool, and these two are early examples of that strategy starting to pay off.
More Kings Prospects Could Be on the Way
And this is likely just the beginning. Over the next week or so, expect more Kings prospects to pop up on preliminary rosters for other national teams.
Forward Liam Greentree and goaltender Carter George are two names to watch closely. Both have been trending upward in their respective leagues and could be key pieces for Canada if selected.
The World Juniors always offer a glimpse into the future of the NHL, and for Kings fans, this year’s tournament could be a particularly exciting one. The organization’s fingerprints are starting to show up on the international stage-and that’s a sign of a healthy, thriving pipeline.
We’ll keep a close eye as rosters continue to take shape, but for now, Brzustewicz and McMorrow are in the mix, and that alone is worth watching.