Keep an eye on these 2026 NHL Draft eligibles at the U18 Worlds

Though there’ll be plenty of attention on those that’ll have their day two months from now, the 2025 IIHF World Under-18 Championship will serve as an excellent introduction to those looking to familiarize themselves with the 2026 NHL Draft class.

No, there’ll be no Gavin McKenna — he’s busy with Medicine Hat in the Western Hockey League — but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of talent when it comes to the top-end of the 2026 draft class.

So, with the tournament, running from April 23 to May 3 in Frisco and Allen, Texas, set to get underway, here’s a look at some players to keep your peepers on when it comes to next year’s crop of talent.

Viggo Bjorck | C | Sweden

Viggo Bjorck is small right-shot pivot with massive offensive upside. The 17-year-old, who won’t turn 18 until next March, set a J20 Nationell production record by a player in his draft-minus-1 season with 74 points (27 goals, 47 assists) in just 42 games with Djurgårdens IF.

“Bjorck is an impressive offensive forward, who despite being undersized should not be taken lightly. He can it all offensively, serving as a facilitator or a finisher. He has a deceptively powerful shot and can get it off in traffic making him a dangerous player whenever his team crosses the opposing blue line. I would expect Bjorck to be a strong contributor for Sweden.” — Austin Broad

Alessandro Di Iorio | C | Canada

Alessandro Di Iorio had himself a productive rookie season with Sarnia in the Ontario Hockey League, netting 38 points (11 goals, 27 assists) in 58 games. He’s used to high draft expectations after being the no. 2 pick in the OHL Priority Selection in 2024 after a standout year with the Vaughan Kings U16 AAA program.

“Di Iorio is a playmaking center who uses his puck handling skills and passing ability to get the puck to his teammates and set them up for success. He is patient with the puck and can use his size and footwork to keep himself between the puck and his opponent. I think he has great potential as a facilitator, but room to grow as a scoring threat. Given Di Iorio’s skillset he should be used in a top-9 role by Canada and should have a role on their power play.”

Olivers Murnieks | C | Latvia

Olivers Murnieks is the top Latvian prospect to hit the NHL Draft in over a decade. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound middleman, who doesn’t turn 17 until late July, had 35 points (15 goals, 20 assists) in 52 games with Sioux City in the United States Hockey League — his first North American campaign.

“Murnieks is one of the smartest forwards in the 2026 class. He’s incredibly responsible, drives the play well, wins a lot of draws, and is just simply a reliable option as a center in any situation. His hockey IQ makes him one of the best Latvians to ever enter the draft. I expect him to be the best player in the Latvian jersey at the U18 Worlds and whatever he does, their success would rely on that.” — Samuel Tirpak

Casey Mutryn | C | Team USA

Casey Mutryn is already physically imposing at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, and that maturity has shown in his game. The 17-year-old has played with the US National Team Development Program at both the U17 and U18 levels this year after spending the 2023-24 season with St. Sebastian’s School.

“Mutryn isn’t going to wow anyone really, but he plays such a smart game and knows how to use his size to win battles for and away from the puck. He brings a steady presence that won’t get highlights, but could be important for Team USA in the minutes he provides.” — Kyle Pereira

Adam Nemec | LW | Slovakia

Adam Nemec, who turned 17 in October, already has a plethora of pro experience. The winger made his debut in Slovakia’s top men’s circuit last season, and had seven points (three goals, four assists) in 20 games as a more frequent regular with HK Nitra. With their U20 program, Nemec added 51 points (28 goals, 23 assists) in 32 games.

“Nemec is a smart offensive player who blends his IQ and skillset extremely well for a player his age. He has an effective all-around game, with above average skating that allows him to get open in the offensive zone and pose as a scoring threat. His versatility will be key, and he may be relied on to play a wide variety of roles throughout this tournament.” — Broad

Adam Novotny | LW | Czechia

Adam Novotny was a full-time pro on Czechia’s top league this season, albeit in a limited role. Novotny, a 6-foot-1, 198-pound winger, had just three points (one goal, two assists) in 41 games, but flexed his offensive muscle with five points (two goals, three assists) for Czechia at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last August.

“Novotny is a highly skilled offensive player who uses his skating to create space for himself. He has strong playmaking instincts, displaying good vision and passing ability to set his teammates up in prime scoring areas. Novotny should be leaned on as one of the premier pieces on Slovakia and I would expect him to be one of their best players at the event.” — Broad

Ryan Roobroeck | C | Canada

Ryan Roobroeck, the no. 2 pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, torched the league with 87 points (41 goals, 46 assists) in 64 games with Niagara — the second-most by a draft-minus-1 player in the Canadian Hockey League behind McKenna and the highest total by an OHLer in a decade.

“Roobroeck has the physical traits and offensive upside to be an elite scoring forward. He can impact the game in a variety of ways, attacking with power or skill. His shot is one of his best assets, capable of beating goalies from anywhere in the offensive zone. With his size and skillset Canada should be able to use him in a variety of ways, and I would expect him to be one of their better offensive threats at this tournament.” — Broad

Ivar Stenberg | RW | Sweden

Ivar Stenberg, a 17-year-old, dominated J20 Nationell with Frolunda to the tune of 53 points (26 goals, 27 assists) in 27 games this season. It earned him a permanent recall to the Swedish Hockey League in February, and he finished with three points (one goal, two assists) in 25 games in a limited role. Stenberg, as a kickoff to his season, had 11 points (seven goals, four assists) in five games for Sweden at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last August.

“Stenberg is an incredibly intelligent playmaking forward who also has plenty of competitiveness in his game. He’s equal parts playmaker and finisher, and is able to drive play himself instead of relying on older, more mature talent to help push his game along. His awareness, skating ability and shot are all top notch. He stands to be a significant part of Sweden’s squad at the U18 Worlds.” — Aaron Vickers