5 newcomers to watch in Ottawa

The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship promises to be an exciting one, as this year’s crop of rookies – by most accounts – does not feature surefire future superstars like a Peter Forsberg, a Sidney Crosby or an Auston Matthews. The doors are wide open for more newcomers to strut their stuff in Ottawa, impressing scouts and fans alike heading into the medal games.

Some of the most talented hockey players who will hit the ice at the Canadian Tire Center and TD Place Arena are top prospects for this year’s NHL Draft. Meanwhile, others are beating the odds by playing at the World Juniors before ever reaching the IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship, or are eager to prove the doubters wrong after going undrafted in 2024.

Let’s take a look at five exciting World Junior rookies of varying distinction.