Ranking the 10 Best Performances at the 2015 World Junior Championships
The World Junior Championships are over, and the showcase for teenagers was a joy for hockey fans. A large group of kids impacted the series in a big way, improving their draft stock in some cases and impressing their future employers in other situations.
It is considered a 19-year old tournament but this year several draft-eligible players left a lasting impression. This can be important in real terms as a strong world juniors can mean a smart step up the draft rankings and a richer entry-level contract.
Here are the top 10 performances this year at the World Junior Championships.
10. Denis Godla, G, Slovakia
1 of 10
What's His Back Story? Denis Godla is an undrafted teenager who plays in the U20 Slovakian Junior League. He is not listed among top goalie prospects for the 2015 draft and may not be selected.
His Performance at the Tournament: In what can only be described as a strange twist, Godla's scintillating performances at the world juniors turned him into a crowd favorite. Neil Davidson of the Canadian Press—via the National Post—describes the overnight sensation.
What's His Future? Godla is an extreme outlier because he doesn't have a long resume in a major junior league but clearly played the games of his life under the biggest available spotlight. He may emerge as a real player, or we may never hear from him again.
9. Martin Reway, LW, Slovakia
2 of 10
What's His Back Story? Martin Reway was selected No. 116 overall in the 2013 draft by the Montreal Canadiens. He is a highly skilled buzz saw on skates and a concern in every game.
His Performance at the Tournament: Reway scored eight points during the tournament, helping Slovakia to a very rare bronze medal. His performance was a highlight of the world juniors.
What's His Future? He's scoring well in the Czech League and turns 20 later this month, so it might be time for Reway to come to North America. The Canadiens are deep in skill wingers so there's no guarantee he'll make it in the NHL, but he's earned the audition.
8. Gustav Forsling, D, Sweden
3 of 10
What's His Back Story? Gustav Forsling was the No. 126 overall selection by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2014 draft. He is enjoying a strong season in the SHL—Sweden's top league—and is emerging as a quality prospect.
His Performance at the Tournament: Forsling's eight points during the world juniors led all defensemen, and his splendid passing ability was on display. Even the strongest supporters had to be surprised by his results.
What's His Future? Vancouver has had success with Swedish players dating back to the 1970s, and current defender Alex Edler was a later pick, too. It may take time, but Forsling could be an NHL player in the future.
.png?w=256 "NHL Mock Draft")
.jpg?w=256 "Kucherov Landing Spots")
.png?w=256)
7. Jack Eichel, C, U.S.A.
4 of 10
What's His Back Story? Jack Eichel is a brilliant college player and one of the best American hockey prospects ever. He is ranked in a tie for No. 1 overall in the 2015 draft by Craig Button of TSN.
His Performance at the Tournament: Eichel performed well during the tournament, scoring four points in five games. His physical presence and high degree of creativity turned a lot of heads.
What's His Future? Eichel is an outstanding talent and absolutely one of the first two names off the board in the 2015 draft. He is likely good enough to turn pro this fall, although he may choose to go back to college for another year.
6. Dylan Larkin, C, U.S.A.
5 of 10
What's His Back Story? Dylan Larkin was the No. 15 overall pick in 2014, the highest selection by the Detroit Red Wings in years.
His Performance at the Tournament: Larkin scored five goals in five games and played a splendid series for U.S.A. this year. His overall skills were on display, and he was the best player on his team during the two weeks over Christmas.
What's His Future? Detroit likes to bring its prospects—even the excellent ones—along slowly, so more time in college and then the AHL is likely. Don't be fooled, Larkin is a real talent and should have a very productive career.
5. William Nylander, F, Sweden
6 of 10
What's His Back Story? William Nylander was selected No. 8 overall in the 2014 entry draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs. He's a slick offensive player with exceptional passing and shooting abilities and a top NHL prospect.
His Performance at the Tournament: He had a strong tournament, finishing in a tie for No. 4 in overall points. Nylander was dangerous in every game despite Sweden's disappointing fourth-place finish at the world juniors.
What's His Future? Nylander is enjoying a fine season in Sweden and will likely play out the year with MoDo. Expect him to get a long look in the fall from the Maple Leafs, who may be looking for him to contribute on a second scoring line in 2015-16.
4. Connor McDavid, C, Canada
7 of 10
What's His Back Story? Connor McDavid is 2015 draft eligible and is considered by many to be the top prospect available this year's draft. TSN expert Craig Button has McDavid tied at No. 1 with Jack Eichel.
His Performance at the Tournament: McDavid started slowly, as he had just returned to action after recovering from a hand injury. He seemed to get better with every game and eventually scored enough to tie for the tournament lead in points.
What's His Future? The amateur scouts are using words to describe McDavid that we haven't heard since Sidney Crosby was a draft prospect. He appears to be a generational talent and could cement an NHL team's future for a decade or more.
3. Darnell Nurse, D, Canada
8 of 10
What's His Back Story? Darnell Nurse was drafted No. 7 overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2013 draft. The big man is known for playing with an edge and his exceptional speed.
His Performance at the Tournament: Nurse imposed his will during the entire tournament, playing a shutdown role for Team Canada. His performance in the third period of the final game was memorable, especially the physical punishment he delivered to Pavel Buchnevich—while taking significant punishment of his own.
What's His Future? Edmonton has been waiting for a physical defenseman who can play the position for a long time. Nurse will go back to junior for the rest of this season but will be a strong candidate for the Oilers blue line opening night 2015-16.
2. Ivan Barbashev, C, Russia
9 of 10
What's His Back Story? Ivan Barbashev was the No. 33 overall selection in the 2014 draft by the St. Louis Blues. He's a high-skill center enjoying a strong season in junior..
His Performance at the Tournament: Barbashev was a man during the entire tournament, leading the Russians to a well-earned silver medal. He led his team in scoring and was dangerous on every shift.
What's His Future? Barbashev has an excellent resume and could get an NHL look in the fall of 2015. St. Louis is loaded with prospects, but his skill set is very high, and he'll have a good chance to make it over the next two seasons.
1. Sam Reinhart, C, Canada
10 of 10
What's His Back Story? Sam Reinhart was selected No. 2 overall in the 2014 entry draft by the Buffalo Sabres. His junior career has been exceptional, and he's regarded as one of the best amateur players in the world.
His Performance at the Tournament: Reinhart tied for the lead in tournament scoring while playing a prominent role on Team Canada's gold-medal performance. He scored three game-winning goals and was tireless in the final game against Team Russia.
What's His Future? Reinhart played nine games with the Sabres in the fall before going back to junior and will no doubt start the 2015-16 NHL season in Buffalo. He can look forward to closing out his junior career with a strong performance.
.png?w=480 "NHL Mock Draft")
.jpg?w=480 "Kucherov Landing Spots")
.png?w=480)
.png?w=600 "B/R NHL Staff Second-Round Predictions 🏒")
