The Athletic profiled prospects to watch at the WJC. Here's what was written regarding Kings prospects:
Jaret Anderson-Dolan, C, Los Angeles (Spokane-WHL)
Anderson-Dolan is a great two-way forward who got a bit of NHL time early this season and, if he’s healthy, could be a very good forward for Canada. He provides very good speed and hockey sense, good skills, and a tremendous motor. He works hard every shift and has the talent to score, making him a coach’s dream. He could be deployed in any situation for Canada.
Markus Phillips, D, Los Angeles (Owen Sound-OHL)
Phillips is a fine prospect who was a bit of a surprise performer at the December U20 camp. He’s competed several times for Canada so he is accustomed to international play. There’s nothing flashy about him. He skates well, he’s smart, he competes well and he doesn’t hurt his team when he’s out there. He’s not the biggest or most skilled guy, but he could kill penalties and provide steady minutes for Canada.
Michael Anderson, D, Los Angeles (Minnesota Duluth-NCHC)
Anderson is a returning member from last year’s team. There’s nothing flashy about his game, but he’s steady and smart. Anderson defends well due to his instincts, feet and work ethic, and he moves the puck fine. He’ll be expected to kill penalties and provide solid defense for Team USA.
Rasmus Kupari, C, Los Angeles
Kupari is set to line up as Finland’s No. 1 center. After concerns last season about his production, he’s taken care of that this season, with a good performance in Liiga that demonstrates his high-end speed and skill. Kupari can wow observers on any given shift and is great at entering the zone with control. He’s gotten better at making plays, and he seems to be trending up at just the right time to hit the international stage at this tournament.
And some bonus profiles:
Jack Hughes, C, 2019 draft eligible (USNTDP-USHL)
Jack Hughes is an elite prospect with a very real chance to be the first overall pick in June. His skating is truly special. He winds up through the neutral zone unlike many other players I’ve seen and the pace he plays with is tough for his linemates to match. He’s also got a lot of skill and makes high-end plays. His main limitations are his size and strength, and he can get pushed around a bit, so the physical challenge of the world juniors will be interesting to follow.
Kaapo Kakko, LW, 2019 draft eligible
Kakko has been unreal this season for a 17-year-old in Finland’s top league. He’s been one of his club team’s best players and at times has dominated shifts. His hands and vision are fantastic, both near elite level, and he can make some unique plays. In talking to scouts, the one thing keeping him from pushing Jack Hughes for first overall is a question of how fast he can play. A good tournament here can make the 2019 top pick discussion interesting.
