- - Top NHL draft eligibles at the world juniors: Gavin McKenna stands out

Tony Ferrari, The Hockey NewsDecember 31, 2025 at 4:03 AM

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Every year, the hockey world shifts its focus to the future as fans root for their national team at the IIHF World Junior Championship. It's an excellent display of the best players at the under-20 level.

It's particularly impressive when NHL draft-eligible players stand out among the best junior players in the world. Most of these players are 17 or have just turned 18. When they are putting up consistently solid efforts against players a year or two older than them, it's a sign they have some special qualities.

This year's world juniors have had no shortage of impressive performances from the draft-eligible contingent.

1 / 7Hockey's best young stars face off at world junior championshipsDec. 29: USA forward Ryker Lee (RW) (17) shoots the puck as Slovakia forward Tobias Pitka (28) defends during the first period.10 NHL draft-eligible standouts at the world juniorsPenn State (NCAA) left wing Gavin McKenna

McKenna is undoubtedly one of the most skilled players on the ice every time he steps over the boards. His ability to stickhandle around the zone, create space and make lesser players look silly is second to none. He showed that against Denmark when he notched a hat trick. His seven points lead the tournament, which is exactly what he hoped to accomplish.

Frolunda (Sweden) left wing Ivar Stenberg

Stenberg has looked well at this tournament, but his biggest challenge will come against the Americans on New Year's Eve. The impressive part of Stenberg's game is that, although he has just three points through three games, his defensive play and impact as an off-puck attacker have been fantastic. Even when his A-game isn't available, he has the B-game to be an effective player, unlike so many other players.

Nitra (Slovakia) center Tomas Chrenko

The tournament's leading goal-scorer, Chrenko, has been a man on a mission for a feisty Slovak team. They've been in every game, pushing the Americans and Swedes to the brink before losing one-goal games to two of the tournament favorites. Chrenko was particularly strong against the U.S., where he had two goals and an assist. Chrenko is always around the net and finds the puck on his stick in an excellent position to score.

Djurgarden (Sweden) center/winger Viggo Bjorck

Bjorck's play has been improving as the tournament has gone on, becoming a more effective scoring threat with each game. The undersized forward has used his wicked shot to get on the board three times in the last two games. Bjorck is a lethal offensive threat, and as he's becoming more comfortable at the U-20 level, his confidence is coming out.

Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) defenseman Chase Reid

Coming into the tournament with no guarantee of being a regular for this American team, Reid has played nearly 20 minutes in each game so far. He looked very good against the Germans in the opening game, using his skating and mobility to get involved in the offense. The Americans have needed puck movers on the back end, and Reid has stepped up in a big way, boosting his draft stock in the eyes of many.

Jukurit (Finland) defenseman Alberts Smits

Despite not finding the scoresheet in his first two games, Smits has done everything the Latvians could have wanted from him. His game against Canada was impressive, as he played hard defensive hockey against some of Canada's top skill players. Smits was quick to pucks and made excellent decisions. He helped Latvia hold Canada to just one goal in regulation and was on the ice when Latvia forced overtime. Smits has been a defensive force for Latvia.

Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL) right wing Lars Steiner

Switzerland won't push the top contenders because they lack the depth of high-end skill, but Lars Steiner has been doing everything in his power to help the Swiss stay in games and compete each night. He's found the scoresheet in each game for Switzerland, bringing a level of skill and offensive prowess that isn't prominent throughout the roster.

North Dakota (NCAA) defenseman Keaton Verhoeff

It's been an interesting tournament for Verhoeff. He didn't play the first two games, with fellow draft eligible Carson Carels getting the call instead, but in the lone match that Verhoeff has played, he looked quite well and played more than either of the first two games Carels got into. Verhoeff is a 200-foot defender who can play a steady game at both ends of the ice. He showcased that against Denmark, and he will be looking to stick in the lineup moving forward.

Prince George (WHL) defenseman Carson Carels

Despite getting into the first two games for Canada, Carels has averaged about 10 minutes of ice time and hasn't had the chance to make an impact. His game has been steady and tactical, but we haven't seen him attack play up ice or skate the way he has in the WHL. The pace has been good at the world juniors, and Carels has looked comfortable. There's plenty of talk about his stock being on the rise despite his lack of ice time.

Vancouver (WHL) center/wing Tobias Tomik

Although Tomik has averaged about 14 minutes through three games, his speed and flashes of skill have been much-needed layers added to the Slovak offense. The team has needed some of its young players to be impact depth players, and Tomik has impressed with solid two-way play and some intriguing offensive shifts. He's been a bit of a handful for opposing defenders despite some bad luck when it comes to his finishing.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NHL Draft: Gavin McKenna, Tomas Chrenko excel at world juniors

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