Canada
Tanner Howe
Forward
2024, 2nd Round (46th Overall)
Maybe a bit of a surprise, Tanner Howe made the final cut for Canada after posting nine goals and 19 points in 16 games between the Regina Pats and Calgary Hitmen in the WHL. Howe brings a different element to the lineup, combining physicality with the ability to score and boasts over a point per game average in four WHL seasons–pretty good for a second round pick. Expect Howe to fill out the bottom six for Canada and potentially play a big role in the tournament.
Finland
Kalle Kangas
Defense
2023, 7th Round (Overall)
Kalle Kangas carries only five assists through 23 Liiga games in the 2024-25 season, Kalle Kangas, a 6’4”, 198 lbs. blueliner projects as a shutdown defender and potentially forms a tandem with Pittsburgh Penguins 2023 third round pick Emil Pieniniemi. Kangas played in seven games in the World Junior Championship last season and went without a point but finished with a +2 plus/minus rating.
Emil Pieniniemi
Defense
2023, 3rd Round (91st Overall)
Expect Emil Pieniniemi to play a big role in all situations for Finland. The 2023 third round draft pick opted to play in the OHL in 2024-25 after posting six points in 38 Liiga games last season and leads the Kingston Frontenacs–and ranks fifth among all blueliners in the OHL–with 34 points in 32 games. Pieniniemi went without a point in seven games at the the World Junior Championship last year.
Snubs
Harrison Brunicke
Defense
2024, 2nd Round (44th Overall)
Injury and another year of eligibility likely kept Harrison Brunicke off the roster for Canada. Somewhat lacking on the right side of the blueline, With 12 points through 15 games with the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL, Brunicke earned a spot at selection camp for Canada but failed take a spot from a trio of 2005 birth years and make the final cut.
Mikhail Ilyin
Forward
2023, 5th Round (Overall)
With sanctions still prohibiting Russia from competing in IIHF competition, Pittsburgh Penguins fans again miss out on the opportunity to see a prspect on the world stage. Mikhail Ilyin ranks fifth on the Severstal Cherepovets in the KHL with 15 points in 32 games and likely figured to be one of the top forwards for Russia.