Welcome back to the return World Junior Predictions. The elite Under-20 showcase features plenty of players that could become NHL superstars. Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games and breaks down the head-to-head matchups and other factors that play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game of WJC Predictions is Canada vs Finland. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
Time: 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NHL Network; TSN
This Swiss are another European program that’s undergone an uptick in recent years. Switzerland is led by Ewan Huet, who is the son of NHLer Cristobal Huet. The team doesn’t appear to have the most talented roster, but Switzerland has been underestimated before.
Swiss rosters have been known to spring the upset, so the Czechs are aware of that. Washington Capitals draftee Leon Muggli will play a key role on the back end along with Ludvig Johnson. Lars Steiner will be expected to lead the forward line, but isn’t draft-eligible until 2026.
Czechia is a hard team to pin down in these types of tournaments. The defending bronze medalists usually have great forwards, but goaltending has been inconsistent at times. However, Utah Hockey Club selection Michael Hrabal is the unquestioned number on in net.
The St Louis Blues have a number of prospects in this tournament and Adam Jiricek will be another one on display. This year the Czechs really don’t have a true all-world forward. This means players like Seattle Kraken prospect Eduard Sale and Toronto Maple Leafs choice Miroslav Holinka will be needed to have strong tournaments.
Switzerland will give Czechia some headaches, but the Czechs should get the win.
Prediction: Czechia wins 4-2.
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: NHL Network; TSN
Finland finished fourth in last year’s tournament, but has plenty of potential to medal this year. However, being in a tricky Group A with the hosts and the USA will make the road difficult. The Finns may not be flashy, but the roster is pretty deep.
Petteri Rimpinen might see a bulk of the time in between in pipes, but Finland carries three solid netminders. Buffalo Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius is the focal point of the Finnish attack, but Detroit Red Wings pick Jesse Kiiskinen may also be able to chip in with some points.
Finland may been disappointing last tournament, but that’s nothing compared to Canada. The hosts were ousted in the quarterfinals and want to erase that memory. Canada always feels the expectations, but its amplified with it being the hosts.
The name people will get to know is wonderkid Gavin McKenna, who is the cousin of Connor Bedard. McKenna is in line to be the top pick 2026, but we’ll see how he’ll be deployed. Canada has a number of players with NHL experience like Calum Ritchie and Jett Luchanko on the roster.
These games between the two rivals are always tough to gauge, but Canada should start the tournament with a win.
Prediction: Canada wins 4-3.
Main photo by: David Reginek-Imagn Images
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