10 Exciting Young Talents to Watch at the 2015 IIHF World Championship
Youth is being served at the 2015 Ice Hockey World Championship. Along with some of the established world-class players, several teams are giving their fans a glimpse into the future with impact prospects deemed worthy to step into the international limelight.
What makes this year special? Traditional powerhouse teams like the USA and Russia have youngsters in feature roles. That's a reflection of the exceptional calibre of these players.
A quick note on the ranking: This list is based on ice time and deployment by each corresponding national team in important games in this tournament. This ranking does not reflect the players in terms of pure talent or projected future. Some exceptional men are playing lesser minutes on very strong teams in this tournament, which is to be expected.
Here are 10 exciting talents who will be on display at the 2015 tournament.
10. Juuse Saros, G, Finland
Where Is He From? Juuse Saros is an outstanding goaltending prospect from Finland. He was drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2013.
What Is His Role at the Tournament? He is the third goalie on the Finnish squad and may not see much game action during the championship.
Where Does He Go from Here? Saros posted a .929 save percentage in the SM-Liiga, Finland's top pro league, in 2014-15. He is a quality prospect and will probably make his way to North America in the next few seasons. The Predators have another terrific goalie on the way.
9. Aaron Ekblad, D, Canada
Where Is He From? Aaron Ekblad is an exceptional young defenseman who just completed his rookie NHL season with the Florida Panthers. His freshman performance was so strong that there's an excellent chance he'll win the Calder Trophy.
What Is His Role at the Tournament? He has one goal and one assist so far in the tournament and is playing a supporting role behind experienced defenders. He played over 11 minutes (11:31) during the game against Latvia.
Where Does He Go from Here? Ekblad is at the beginning of what will probably be a terrific career. His complete skill set means he can play heavy minutes in all disciplines, and the experience at this championship will expedite his maturation.
8. Nathan MacKinnon, RW, Canada
Where Is He From? Nathan MacKinnon is only 19 years old but is a quality NHL player with the Colorado Avalanche. His rookie season in the NHL was one of the best in many years.
What Is His Role at the Tournament? He has four points in three games and is playing a role on one of Canada's top lines. He played over 12 minutes (12:47) in the game against the Czech Republic.
Where Does He Go from Here? MacKinnon has a bright future with the Avalanche and is one of their key pieces for the future. He should have a rebound season offensively in 2015-16.
7. Elias Lindholm, C-W, Sweden
Where Is He From? Elias Lindholm is one of the finest young two-way talents in the game today and is a big part of the Carolina Hurricanes' future. His season-over-season progress has been very impressive.
What Is His Role at the Tournament? He has three points in three games at the tournament and is providing a complete game for Sweden. He played 14 minutes in the game against the Czech Republic.
Where Does He Go from Here? Lindholm's improvement from his rookie year to 2014-15 was substantial, and Carolina has a gem in him. Even if he doesn't improve from this moment on, he'll be a valuable player for years to come. If he does improve, the Hurricanes may be looking at an impact player.
6. Dylan Larkin, C, USA
Where Is He From? Dylan Larkin is one of the best young prospects outside the NHL and a star player for the University of Michigan Wolverines.
What Is His Role at the Tournament? He is playing a significant role for Team USA, reflected in his playing almost 15 minutes (14:55) in the game against Russia.
Where Does He Go from Here? Larkin is a very strong option for the Detroit Red Wings, and they may attempt to sign him this summer. His resume suggests he may be able to step right into an NHL job—a rare feat for a Red Wings prospect.
5. Kevin Fiala, W, Switzerland
Where Is He From? Kevin Fiala is a fine young prospect in the Nashville Predators system. He flourished in the Swedish Hockey League and the AHL this season, and he played one NHL game in the regular season and another in the playoffs.
What Is His Role at the Tournament? He is one of Switzerland's main offensive threats and has two assists so far in the tournament. He played almost 15 minutes (14:39) in the game against France.
Where Does He Go from Here? Fiala has a solid future and a good chance to be an NHL player in short order. The ordinarily conservative Predators fast-tracked Fiala because of his exceptional skills, and Nashville fans may see him as early as this fall.
4. Oscar Klefbom, D, Sweden
Where Is He From? Oscar Klefbom is a young, developing defender for the Edmonton Oilers. He emerged as one of the few reliable options on Edmonton's blue line in 2014-15.
What Is His Role at the Tournament? He has one goal in the tournament for Sweden and has played significant minutes. Klefbom played 15 minutes in the game against the Czech Republic.
Where Does He Go from Here? Klefbom looks ready to settle in for a long, successful run as one of Edmonton's top defenders for the rest of the decade and beyond. His range of skills and exceptional skating make him a strong option for the Oilers' young team.
3. Filip Forsberg, W, Sweden
Where Is He From? Filip Forsberg established himself as one of the finest young offensive forwards in the NHL this season. His performance for the Nashville Predators was a key reason for their success in 2014-15.
What Is His Role at the Tournament? He is playing a feature role for the strong Swedish squad. He is one of the stars of the tournament, with four goals in early action, and he played almost 17 minutes (16:43) in the game against the Czech Republic.
Where Does He Go from Here? Forsberg has a bright future with the Nashville Predators, and his sensational scoring in this tournament only affirms his status as an emerging star.
2. Jack Eichel, C, USA
Where Is He From? Jack Eichel is one of the most heralded prospects in many years. He was splendid for the Boston University Terriers in 2014-15 and was awarded the Hobey Baker Memorial Award for his efforts. He's only the second freshman to win in the award's 35-year history.
What Is His Role at the Tournament? Eichel is playing a major role on the veteran U.S. squad and has one assist so far in the competition. He played almost 19 minutes (18:47) in the game against Russia.
Where Does He Go from Here? He is eligible for the 2015 NHL draft and is a lock to be chosen in the top two overall. He will play in the NHL next season and should be considered a strong early candidate for the Calder Trophy as the rookie of the year.
1. Seth Jones, D, USA
Where Is He From? Seth Jones is a brilliant young defenseman for the Nashville Predators. His quick adjustment to the NHL has fans wondering just how good he'll be when he matures as a player.
What Is His Role at the Tournament? Jones has two points in the tournament, but that only tells part of the story. A better example of his importance: Jones played 25 minutes in the game against Russia.
Where Does He Go from Here? Jones is emerging as an impact player at a vital position. In the next two seasons, if he continues on this track, the Nashville Predators may have one of the very best defensemen in the game.