The World Junior Championship is more than just a must-watch event on the hockey calendar - it’s a proving ground for the NHL’s next wave of talent. For teams like the Montreal Canadiens, it’s a golden opportunity to see how their top prospects perform under the spotlight, in high-stakes games against the best of their peer group. And this year, several Habs prospects are making serious noise as the tournament approaches, each with a real shot to represent their country on one of the sport’s biggest junior stages.
Let’s break down who’s in the mix and what they bring to the table.
Team Canada: Hage Making His Case, Protz in the Mix
Cracking Team Canada’s World Junior roster is never easy. The depth is elite, the expectations are sky-high, and every spot is earned - not given. But Michael Hage is doing everything he can to make himself impossible to ignore.
The Michigan Wolverines forward is off to a blistering start in the NCAA, putting up 10 goals and 16 assists through 18 games. Those numbers don’t just pop - they speak to a player who’s dictating play every time he’s on the ice.
Hage has shown elite puck poise, high-end offensive instincts, and the kind of consistency that coaches love. He’s not just producing - he’s driving play, making smart decisions, and showing the maturity of a player well beyond his age group.
In a tournament where pace and skill are at a premium, Hage looks like a tailor-made fit for Canada’s top six.
On the back end, Owen Protz is more of a long shot, but don’t count him out. Canada typically leans toward mobile, puck-moving defensemen - and that’s not exactly Protz’s calling card.
But what he does bring is size, physicality, and a shutdown style that can be crucial in a short tournament where one goal can swing a game. He’s the kind of stay-at-home presence that can stabilize a pairing, especially late in games or on the penalty kill.
If Canada decides it needs a bit more edge and defensive reliability on the blue line, Protz could find himself in the mix. He’s got work to do at camp, but he’s not out of the conversation.
Team USA: Mooney’s Speed Turning Heads
For the U.S., the Canadiens’ top hopeful is LJ Mooney, who’s quietly putting together a strong freshman campaign at the University of Minnesota. With four goals and nine assists in 17 games, Mooney is showing more than just stats - he’s showing growth. His playmaking has taken a step forward, and he’s battling harder for pucks in the offensive zone, which hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Mooney’s bread and butter is his ability to generate chances off the rush. He attacks wide with speed, forces defenders to turn, and creates space for his teammates.
That kind of tempo fits perfectly with USA Hockey’s identity - fast, aggressive, and relentless. He’s not a lock, but he’s firmly in the conversation.
A strong showing at camp could punch his ticket to the tournament.
Team Finland: Koivu Ready for a Breakout
Among all the Canadiens’ international prospects, Aatos Koivu might be the one flying most under the radar - but not for long. After a standout performance at the Summer Showcase, where he tallied six goals and an assist in five games, Koivu is trending toward a major role with Team Finland.
His game is built on intelligence and reliability. He reads plays early, supports defensively, and makes smart, high-percentage decisions.
That’s exactly the kind of player Finland tends to trust in big moments. Koivu isn’t just effective - he’s efficient, calm under pressure, and capable of playing in all situations.
Assuming he stays healthy and continues his current trajectory, he’s a strong candidate to not only make the team but log meaningful minutes in a two-way role.
Zharovsky: A Talent Sidelined by Circumstance
Then there’s Alexander Zharovsky, who unfortunately won’t be competing this year - not because of ability, but because of the ongoing ban on Russian participation in IIHF tournaments. Under normal circumstances, Zharovsky likely would’ve been a key part of Russia’s lineup. With his combination of size, skill, and smart puck movement, he’s the kind of player who can anchor a line and make plays in tight spaces.
His development continues overseas, and while he won’t get the World Junior spotlight this year, he remains a name to watch within the Canadiens’ system. It’s a missed opportunity for fans who would’ve loved to see how he stacks up against the world’s best at his age level.
As the tournament nears, the Canadiens have a lot to watch for - and a lot to be excited about. Hage looks ready to shine as one of Canada’s offensive catalysts.
Mooney is pushing hard to earn a spot with a high-octane American squad. Koivu is poised to play a vital role for a disciplined, structured Finnish team.
And even though Zharovsky won’t be in the mix this time, his upside remains very real.
For Montreal, the World Juniors aren’t just about national pride - they’re a window into the franchise’s future. And based on how these young players are developing, that future is starting to look pretty promising.