Canada’s World Junior Hopes: Who’s Missing, Who Might Return, and Why the NHL Pipeline Cuts Both Ways
Canada’s World Junior Championship roster is always under the microscope - and after back-to-back quarterfinal exits, the pressure is mounting. For a nation with 20 gold medals in the tournament’s history, expectations are sky-high every year. But here’s the thing: no other country loses more elite talent to the NHL than Canada.
Right now, 13 players under the age of 20 have played in the NHL this season - 12 of them are Canadian. That’s a staggering number, and it paints a clear picture: while other countries are mostly navigating around injuries, Canada is watching its best junior-aged players log NHL minutes instead of suiting up in red and white.
So, who’s already in the NHL? Who might still be loaned out?
And what would this team look like if the NHL didn’t get in the way? Let’s dig into the names that matter as Canada prepares to open the 2026 World Juniors against Czechia on December 26 in Minnesota.
Beckett Sennecke, RW (Anaheim Ducks)
Sennecke has been one of the most impressive rookies in the NHL this season, thriving on Anaheim’s top line alongside Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier. His combination of size, skill, and growing confidence has made him a standout - and a legitimate Calder Trophy contender.
It’s wild to think that just last year, he was a late addition to Canada’s camp and didn’t even make the final cut. Now?
He’s a top-line NHL forward. While fans might wish they could see him on the international stage, Sennecke’s not looking back - he’s arrived, and he’s not going anywhere.
Zayne Parekh, D (Calgary Flames)
Parekh’s situation is one to watch. He’s currently sidelined with an upper-body injury, but the expectation is that he’ll be loaned to Team Canada once he’s healthy. The Flames haven’t given him much of a leash this season - just one assist in 11 games and limited minutes - but his confidence hasn’t wavered.
This could be a perfect reset. Parekh didn’t get the call last year, but with his offensive instincts and smooth skating, he could be a game-changer on Canada’s blue line if he’s cleared in time.
Matthew Schaefer, D (New York Islanders)
Here’s the shocker: Schaefer won’t be at the World Juniors. The Islanders are keeping the No. 1 overall pick, and it’s hard to blame them.
He’s already racked up 15 points in 23 games and is leading the Calder Trophy conversation. Schaefer’s been a force - and he’s already worn the Canadian jersey twice this year, winning gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and making his World Junior debut last December.
The next time we see him in international play? Don’t be surprised if it’s at the Olympics. He’s that good.
Benjamin Kindel, RW (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Kindel has been a pleasant surprise in Pittsburgh. He’s tracking toward a 20-goal rookie season, and while his production dipped in November, he’s still been a key part of the Penguins’ forward group. There’s some chatter that if his scoring slump continues, he could be loaned to Canada - but that’s far from certain.
Either way, Kindel has already exceeded expectations. From fringe Team Canada hopeful to NHL contributor, his rise has been one of the more underrated stories of the season.
Harrison Brunicke, D (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Brunicke made the Penguins out of camp after an impressive preseason, but the transition to regular NHL minutes hasn’t been smooth. He’s played just nine games and was recently sent to the AHL on a conditioning stint. His ice time has been limited, and his play has been uneven.
Still, the tools are there. He’s confident, smart, and has shown flashes of the player who dominated in Kamloops. A trip to the World Juniors could be exactly what he needs - a chance to play big minutes and get his rhythm back.
Macklin Celebrini, C (San Jose Sharks)
Let’s not overthink this - Celebrini isn’t going to Minnesota. He’s locked in for the 2026 Winter Olympics, and there’s no way Canada lets him risk injury at the World Juniors. He’s been everything the Sharks hoped for and more, and his trajectory is pointing straight toward international superstardom.
Sam Dickinson, D (San Jose Sharks)
Dickinson’s role with the Sharks has been a bit of a rollercoaster. His ice time has dipped, and his offensive numbers haven’t popped, but he’s still learning the ropes in a tough situation. The Sharks made it clear early on they weren’t sending him back to junior, but the World Juniors could offer a different kind of development opportunity.
If he’s loaned out, Dickinson could play a major role for Canada - potentially doubling his current ice time and getting the reps he needs. But he might prefer to stay in San Jose, where he’s already adjusting to the pro game.
Michael Misa, C (San Jose Sharks)
Misa’s season has been interrupted by a lower-body injury, limiting him to just seven games. The Sharks were easing him in even before the injury, but now the World Juniors might be the perfect place for him to ramp up.
He wasn’t invited to camp last year - despite winning CHL MVP honors - but made the Sharks out of training camp this fall. If he’s healthy, Canada could be getting a dynamic offensive weapon at just the right time.
Berkly Catton, C (Seattle Kraken)
Catton has stuck with the Kraken all season, but he’s been buried on the third line and averaging under 12 minutes a night. The production hasn’t been there, but his play has been steady.
Here’s the case for sending him to the World Juniors: let him be the guy. Catton has always thrived against his peers, and leading Canada’s top line could do wonders for his confidence and long-term development. Seattle could bring him back after the tournament - but giving him the keys in Minnesota might be the smarter move in the short term.
The Bigger Picture
This is the reality for Canada: their best junior-aged players are often too good for the tournament. That’s both a blessing and a curse. While other nations get to build around their top U-20 talent, Canada is left hoping NHL teams are willing to loan them back - or that the next wave is ready to step in.
If even a few of these players get loaned out, Canada’s roster could look a whole lot different come December 26. But if not, it’s another reminder of just how deep the Canadian pipeline runs - and how much the NHL already leans on it.