Meet the Team: Canada's roster for the 2025 World Juniors

In the last decade, Canada has only failed to secure Gold in back-to-back years once, all the way back in 2016 and 2017. 

After suffering a crushing quarterfinals defeat in the dying seconds of the third period, the expectation is Gold. 

But it won't be easy. Canada only returns a few players, defending champs USA will return most of their stars from last year's tournament, and other countries are closing the gap. 

Just like last year, Canada's path to victory against big programs comes through its versatility, team defence, and identity, rather than its high-powered offence.

The Roster

Here are the most recent lines via TSN’s Mark Masters: 

If there's a single player to build an identity around on this deep roster, it's likely No. 1  centre Calum Ritchie. He's a strong pivot with unmatched attention to detail, and he can make any combination of linemates better. Returnee Easton Cowan seems like a perfect match for Ritchie, bringing pace, physicality, and inside-drivenness. From there, it's either sharp-shooter Bradly Nadeau or top 2026 Draft prospect and elite playmaker Gavin McKenna. Nadeau's edge will age and his triggerman skills; McKenna's will be best-of-team playmaking and dynamism. 

Keeping top 2025 Draft prospect Porter Martone and returnee Carson Rehkopf makes sense – they've torched the OHL together. Either Berkly Catton, a dynamic rush attacker, or the high-pace, high-details Jett Luchanko should slide in seamlessly between them. 

There is no shortage of skilled checking and shutdown forwards, either. Cole Beaudoin will fit in perfectly no matter where he plays, but it's particularly easy to imagine himself and two-way centre Brayden Yager forming a formidable match-up duo. 

Like last tournament, finding the right balance of space creators and play creators will be key for their scoring success. 

Defensively, Team Canada will be particularly interesting. In recent years, they've shied away from many big-name, top-producing blue-liners in favour of more versatile and traditional two-way defencemen. That's particularly extreme this year. 

By NHL draft status, Sharks prospect Sam Dickinson headlines the group as a dynamic activator with defensive chops – and there's no better partner for him than elite rush defender Beau Akey.

Based on the most recent lines, expect to see a lot of Tanner Molendyk, Oliver Bonk, and Andrew Gibson. Those three – along side Caden Price and Sawyer Mynio – can play any which way. They have Canada's prized attention to detail, battle-winning skills, and never shy away from joining the play offensively.

The biggest x-factor for Canada (outside maybe McKenna, depending on how they use him) is Matthew Schaefer. The potential No. 1 pick hasn't just been a world-beater in recent OHL action, but rises to the occasion any time he dons Canada's jersey. As a dynamic, explosive blueliner who can take over games and limit chances back the other way, he might end up in a top-four role and be a much-needed game-breaker. 

There's no way to talk about this team without mentioning the cuts and snubs – there's always noise, but there's been even more this year. No Beckett Sennecke, one of the most versatile and dynamic players in the CHL. No Michael Misa, the OHL's leading scorer. No Andrew Cristall, the point-per-game leader in the CHL. No Matthew Wood, tied for third on last year's World Juniors team in scoring despite limited minutes. No Zayne Parekh or Carter Yakemchuk, arguably the two most dynamic offensive defencemen the team could've brought. 

Last year, scoring was the issue. They just left many of their most potent offensive threats at home, instead favouring a team of versatility and well-roundedness. If Canada wins, it doesn't matter. But if they don't, the noise will be deafening. 

Still, this is a high-end roster, laden with future NHL stars and plenty of exciting players. Here's a player-by-player look:

Forwards

Cole Beaudoin, C, Barrie Colts (OHL)

Seattle Kraken, 2024 NHL Draft, first round, 24th overall

Every team needs a Cole Beaudoin. His motor is next level; his details are basically unmatched. He's a high pace, physical forward who creates time and space for his teammates, limits chances against, and stays out of the box. This season, he's taken another step offensively, racking up more chances by cutting inside off the rush and setting up his teammates for even more looks. Without the puck, he's constantly battling, setting picks to create space, and locking down opponents. Though not likely to score much, he'll be the engine of this time. 

Mathieu Cataford, RW, Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL)

Vegas Golden Knights, 2023 NHL Draft, third round, 77th overall

Versatility is a theme of this lineup, and Mathieu Cataford is one of the most adaptable prospects around. He's played a variety of roles throughout his QMJHL career, from off-puck finisher to skillful transition playmaker. With a knack for getting open and finding space, he should find success no matter who he plays with. He also has the physicality and battle level to play a checking role. He should be a versatile plug-and-play forward for Team Canada. 

Berkly Catton, C, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Seattle Kraken, 2024 NHL Draft, first round, 8th overall

When it comes to rush offence, Berkly Catton is one of the best players eligible for this tournament. Dynamic crossovers, explosive speed, and hands that match carve up WHL competition and he's a dual-threat scorer. This season, he's found another level defensively and off the cycle. If Catton gets top offensive minutes, he should be one of the tournament's most dynamic players.

Easton Cowan, F, London Knights (OHL)

Toronto Maple Leafs, 2023 NHL Draft, first round, 28th overall

One of just four returnees, Easton Cowan will be counted on for a greater offensive punch than last year. Cowan looks more explosive in open ice and threatening as a shooter this season, to go along with his already high-end playmaking and physical game. Thriving in the tough areas of the rink, he creates offence by winning battles, slipping pucks to the inside, and capitalizing on turnovers he creates. He should be a big part of the team's penalty kill, as well as a go-to offensive option. 

Ethan Gauthier, RW, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)

Tampa Bay Lightning, 2023 NHL Draft, second round, 37th overall

The next step offensively has finally come for Ethan Gauthier and with it, a World Juniors roster spot. Few prospects are better down low and around the net. He creates chaos with moving screens and well-timed pop-outs into space for one-timers. When he's not battling in the slot, he's turning board battles into high-danger chances with quick passes. He also has positional versatility, a strong defensive game, and a track record of big-game success. He was a star the last time he represented Canada – he could be a surprise here, too. 

Tanner Howe, LW, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

Pittsburgh Penguins, 2024 NHL Draft, second round, 46th overall

Even on this team of versatility, Tanner Howe's versatility stands out. He's been the supporting player alongside more skilled scorers and, recently, the play-driver in the WHL. He's a physical force, launching himself at opponents on the forecheck and creating space by battling it out down low. When given space, he can manipulate defenders and set up chances, too. Expect to see Howe in a complementary role that emphasizes his space creation skills. 

Jett Luchanko, C, Guelph Storm (OHL)

Philadelphia Flyers, 2024 NHL Draft, first round, 13th overall

After making the NHL just months after getting drafted, Jett Luchanko is poised for a big role at this World Juniors. Name a detail, he has it. He skates through opponents' hands to win positioning, wins every race to and off the wall, and locks down attackers. With dynamic speed, he can both erase mistakes and force them from opponents. Plus, he has flashes of high-end skill. He can play a match-up role or centre two high-scoring players with equal success. 

Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)

2025 NHL Draft

The OHL's assist leader when leaving for camp, Porter Martone could bring his special playmaking to Team Canada. In a split second, he catches a pass, finds a high-value target, deceives, and deftly connects. He spots teammates through the tiniest of openings, and he's a skilled shooter with some power forward elements. As a draft-eligible player, don't expect a big tournament, but it's well within the realm of possibility. Plus, he has established chemistry with Gavin McKenna from the U18s.

Gavin McKenna, LW, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

2026 NHL Draft

When it comes to offence, no one can match Gavin McKenna. He's the complete package offensively, but his best element might be his cycle offence. Whether he's gritting it out down low or circling high, he always finds the best play. He spots every passing lane, has the skill to connect through the smallest of windows, and works hard to get the puck back. This season, he looks even more dynamic and explosive in transition, too. In theory, he could be Canada's offensive star here, but his status as a draft-minus-one player means Team Canada might disagree. 

Bradly Nadeau, RW, Chicago Wolves (AHL)

Carolina Hurricanes, 2023 NHL Draft, first round, 30th overall

The lone AHLer on this team, Bradly Nadeau has the most pro-level experience. He's also one of the most skilled players here, capable of feathering pucks over sticks for chances, dangling through traffic to get inside, and, of course, scoring goals. Armed with one of the best shots on the team, he'll be counted for scoring goals, especially on the power play. This is his first time representing Team Canada, but he should be one of the team's best players. 

Luca Pinelli, LW/RW, Ottawa 67's (OHL)

Columbus Blue Jackets, 2023 NHL Draft, fourth round, 114th overall

Luca Pinelli scores goals. He has 21 in 26 games this season, after scoring 48 in 68 last season. With a catch-and-release wrister and timed off-puck movement, he has the right skill set to find twine here – no matter who he plays with. In his best games, he's also a physical, high-speed forward with defensive acumen. If Pinelli's motor runs at full power consistently, he should be a useful bottom-six player for the team. 

Carson Rehkopf, LW/C, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)

Seattle Kraken, 2023 NHL Draft, second round, 50th overall

The way Team Canada handled Carson Rehkopf last year was one of their biggest mistakes. He was third on the team in scoring and one of their most effective players, but averaged under 10 minutes per game. This time, Canada would be wise to let him cook. He's a lethal mid-range scorer and now a credible dual-threat scorer, thanks to continued growth as a playmaker. Physicality has also improved, too. If given a chance to shine, he will be one of the team's top players. 

Calum Ritchie, C, Oshawa Generals (OHL)

Colorado Avalanche, 2023 NHL Draft, first round, 27th overall

Snubbed last year, Calum Ritchie will slide into a top-six, if not top-line, role for Team Canada this year. He's Oshawa's hub, controlling the game offensively and defensively. Watch for Ritchie down low, where he wins inside position, absorbs contact, and still makes high-end plays to create offence at the net front. He's also a highly flashy player, capable of mesmerizing 1-on-1 moves, but never overdoes it. If he ends up playing with two playmakers, his shot and knack for getting open will take centre stage. Lots of versatility, lots of skill. He could be Canada's best player. 

Brayden Yager, C, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)

Winnipeg Jets (via trade)

Returnee Brayden Yager should bring the same steady impact to this year's tournament. He's a lethal off-the-pass shooter and deft playmaker, especially on the power play. When he's not playing off his teammates and generating offence, he's killing penalties and providing solid 5-on-5 defence. If he can ramp up the physicality a bit, he should become one of the tournament's better defensive forwards. 

Defenders

Beau Akey, RD, Barrie Colts (OHL)

Edmonton Oilers, 2023 NHL Draft, second round, 56th overall

After missing almost all of last season, Beau Akey has bounced back in a big way. Perhaps the best rush stopper on this team, he has the mobility, stick work, and instincts to stop even the tournament's most dynamic players. This season, he's taken a big step with the puck, showing a lot more confidence to make plays through forecheckers and create from the point. He looks like the perfect partner for a Schaefer or Dickinson. 

Oliver Bonk, RD, London Knights (OHL)

Philadelphia Flyers, 2023 NHL Draft, first round, 22nd overall

Technically the only returning player on the blueline, Oliver Bonk will likely be depended on for top-four minutes and penalty kill ability. A robust, physical defender, he thrives in the little areas of defence: Retrievals, angling rushes, setting picks, and poking away pucks in the slot. The production has taken a bit of a hit this season, but his overall impact remains very strong. Expect to see a lot of Bonk. 

Sam Dickinson, LD, London Knights (OHL)

San Jose Sharks, 2024 NHL Draft, first round, 11th overall

In London, the game runs through Sam Dickinson. He's a part of every single play with dynamic skating, non-stop activation, and a give-and-go passing game. With a big-time shot and plenty of playmaking skill, he's likely the top offensive option for Canada. Even if he doesn't get the same freedom, his activation game and rush defence should still make him a strong top-four option. 

Andrew Gibson, RD, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

Nashville Predators (via trade)

Ignore the production; Andrew Gibson is a much more talented player than you might think. He has the patience under pressure to make high-skill plays off retrievals, and he's not afraid to join the play offensively. But his special element is down-low defence. He wins battles emphatically, locks down opponents off-puck, and steps in front of pucks if those fail. Expect to see him in a defensive role. 

Tanner Molendyk, LD, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

Nashville Predators, 2023 NHL Draft, first round, 24th overall

Tanner Molendyk made the team last year, but a pre-tournament injury prevented him from suiting up. With that experience and a unique skill set, he'll counted upon heavily here. An explosive mover, he easily erases attacks from the opposition's best and then creates a quick counterattack. Though he's one of the most exciting players on this roster, his defensive and retrieval skills will likely take centre stage here. He should be a top-four defenceman. 

Sawyer Mynio, LD, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

Vancouver Canucks, 2023 NHL Draft, third round, 89th overall

Though Sawyer Mynio might not have the flash of his teammates, he still brings a special dimension: winning battles. He might be the most involved, battle-focused defenceman in the WHL. He overpowers opponents along the wall, beats them up in front of the net, and locks puck carriers to the perimeter. He's likely to play a defence-first depth role. 

Caden Price, LD, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Seattle Kraken, 2023 NHL Draft, third round, 84th overall

Powered by a breakout season, Caden Price makes his World Juniors debut. He's a highly versatile defender, capable of creating offence, stopping rushes, winning retrievals, and playing either special team. Passing might be his best element, capable of hitting three-line saucer passes and backdoor plays for chances. Though he might lack the clear special element of his peers, he'll find success no matter where he plays. 

Matthew Schaefer, LD, Erie Otters (OHL)

2025 NHL Draft

Matthew Schaefer at No. 1 overall is picking up steam. It's not realistic to expect him to be a top defenceman given his age, but it's also not out of the realm of possibility. U18s, Hlinka Gretzky Cup, OHL playoffs, CHL USA Prospects Challenge – on the biggest stages, Schaefer has been the star. He's the complete package, excelling offensively, defensively, and in transition. Keep an eye out for him. 

Goaltenders

Carson Bjarnason, G, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

Philadelphia Flyers, 2023 NHL Draft, second round, 51st overall 

The Brandon Wheat Kings have one of the stingiest defences in the WHL, and Carson Bjarnason has been a big reason why. He's an exciting goalie to watch with his lateral movement and battle level in the crease. And he's a great story, going from undrafted in the WHL to a second-round NHL pick. As the oldest goalie in the group, he likely has the inside track to the starting job. 

Carter George, G, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)

Los Angeles Kings, 2024 NHL Draft, second round, 57th overall

After backstopping Canada to U18s Gold in the spring, Carter George has an opportunity to do the same here. He gives Owen Sound – a weak defensive team – a chance to win every time he's between the pipes. He's also an avid puckhandler, regularly hitting long-range passes for breakouts and knocking down pucks for his defencemen.

Jack Ivankovic, G, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)

2025 NHL Draft

After winning Gold at the U17s, U18s, and Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Jack Ivankovic becomes the first draft-eligible goalie on the team since Marc-André Fleury in 2003. Don't be fooled by his numbers – he's one of the most dynamic, technically impressive goalies in the CHL. He likely won't be counted on at this tournament given his age, but if required, he should be up to the task.