What could Canada’s team look like for the 2026 World Juniors?

Today, we’re looking at what Canada’s roster could look like. There’s a realistic chance we could see both Jett Luchanko and Matthew Schaefer in the NHL next year, and there’s an argument for a few others. Remember, the World Juniors are a small sample size – scouts watch these kids closely for years. Having a bad WJC doesn’t mean they’re not going to be a good player at the next level.

Also, don’t expect Dave Cameron back. Gardiner MacDougall, though… now that would be wild. Go check out his accomplishments on his Elite Prospects page.

This is all about picking the 25 best players to give Canada a shot at winning gold. Is it a better group than 2025’s offering? You be the judge. Here’s what the team could look like in Minnesota next winter:

Forwards

Gavin McKenna (2026) – Caleb Desnoyers (2025) – Porter Martone (2025)
Michael Misa (2025) – Berkly Catton (SEA) – Beckett Sennecke (ANA)
Michael Hage (MTL) – Jett Luchanko (PHI) – Liam Greentree (LAK)
Cayden Lindstrom (CBJ) – Cole Beaudoin (UTA) – Tij Iginla (UTA)
Roger McQueen (2025) – Carter Bear (2025)

Also considered: Kieron Walton, Terik Parascak, Benjamin Kindel, Sasha Boisvert, Justin Carbonneau, Jake O’Brien

Up front, the idea of keeping Canada’s top line from the U-18 World Championship intact makes sense. McKenna and Martone should have been together from the get-go at the 2025 tournament but never once saw the ice together. Together, they sit first and second in single-tournament scoring at the U-18 World Championship for Canada after combining for 15 goals and 37 points over seven games. Desnoyers started the tournament as an extra forward but eventually put up a point per game, and his ability to perform in all situations – and especially on the power play – will make him a perfect fit up front.

Canada definitely needed goals this year, so there’s no reason to not bring Misa this time around. He’s the best goal-scorer in the CHL, and he paired up so nicely with Catton when Canada won gold at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Try and get that magic together again – and pair them with the smash-and-skill stylings of Sennecke, who had the best selection camp of anyone that was cut this year.

In the bottom six, how about Hage’s overall package, Luchanko’s speed and penalty kill stylings, and Greentree’s absolute cannon of a shot? Hage is the only player who has never played for Hockey Canada up until this point, but he should have. His play in the NCAA has been tremendous – and he also happens to be a great friend of Martone’s. Maybe they can connect at some point if Hage ends up at center? Luchanko has a realistic shot at being an NHLer next year, but if he’s not, it’ll be interesting to see what he can do as a returnee – and one of the few that didn’t struggle in Ottawa. Greentree, meanwhile, is a big, strong power forward on pace for over 120 points this year. There will be absolutely no reason not to bring him to Minnesota.

Beaudoin had his moments – good and bad – in Ottawa, but I really like what he brings to the table. He’s tough to play against, he hits hard and his work ethic never lacks. Lindstrom’s overwhelming presence – and with his innate scoring ability – will be extra lethal. Iginla is the complete package deeper down the lineup: he’s as energetic as it gets, is difficult to play against and is a proven point producer, too.

Defensemen

Matthew Schaefer (2025) – Zayne Parekh (CGY)
Sam Dickinson (SJS) – Jackson Smith (2025)
Landon DuPont (2027) – Harrison Brunicke (PIT)
Henry Mews (CGY) – Kashawn Aitcheson (2025)

Also considered: Keaton Verhoeff, Ben Danford, Cameron Reid, Charlie Elick, Tarin Smith

Defensively, there’s loads more skill compared to the 2025 squad. If Schaefer isn’t in the NHL (many scouts think he will be), he’ll be back to get vengeance for his injury early in the tournament. Speaking of vengeance, do you think Parekh might have something to prove after being a high-profile omission this year? Those two combined would make one of the scariest offensive blueline units Canada has ever had at this tournament.

Dickinson had been having an outstanding year in the OHL before heading to Ottawa, where he made a lot more mistakes than we’re used to seeing. Still, he’s a talented two-way threat with size, and he might still put up 100 points in the OHL despite missing time over the holidays. Smith, meanwhile, is a 6-foot-3 defender who moves the puck well, but excels in being a compliment to someone who can be more aggressive with the rubber disk. I like that as a second-pair option.

The rest of the blueline core gives them a great mix of options. Need offense? Mews can do it. Need to put someone through the glass? Aitcheson’s your guy. Need a steady mix at both ends? Try out Brunicke, who was originally named to Canada’s camp roster this year but missed out due to injury.

And then there’s DuPont. The top prospect for the 2027 NHL Draft is special. He’s absolutely dominating the WHL, playing at a 20-goal, 80-pace as a 15-year-old. Seriously – he’s that young. He’d be 16 for this tournament next year so there’s a chance he’s passed over just solely for his young age, but he’s easily one of the most skilled defenders at Canada’s disposal.

Goalies

Carter George (LAK)
Jack Ivankovic (2025)
Evan Gardner (CBJ)

Also considered: Joshua Ravensbergen, Ryerson Leenders, Lucas Beckman

Is this the best Canadian goaltending depth they’ve ever had? George will be back for a second go-around after a solid effort in Ottawa. Ivankovic is going to be one of the first goaltenders taken in 2025, and could very well be Canada’s starter in his third tournament in 2027 when the event heads back to Canada. The team had little issue in net this year

Those two returning picks are easy – unless there’s a total collapse, both should share the net next year. But then there’s Gardner, a Columbus Blue Jackets prospect who probably should have earned a camp invite this year. He has been fantastic with the Saskatoon Blades over the past two years and would have a legitimate chance at being a starter most other years. Don’t be surprised if Gardner actually became Canada’s No. 1.

That’s who I’d pick – but Hockey Canada also likes Ravensbergen, who they brought to the World Junior Summer Showcase back in August. There’s a legitimate chance he goes in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft, and he’s eligible to return for the 2027 tournament, as well. For me, it’s a toss-up who the third goalie ends up being – and it’s good that all four of those goaltenders have a real case to make the team.

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