Some of the standout players
Jiri Kulich once again flashed his dominant sniper abilities being the top scorer. Liked Michael Nygard from Norway too bad he got relegated would have been nice to see him next year. Could go 1st round this year which is big for Norway if so.
Celebrini is a special player too bad he didnt get to play bigger games. Lamoureux stood out in a good way. Rodwin Dionicio from Switzerland coud be a massive steal for ANA if they can round out his game. From US Rutger McGroarty is a swiss army knife who just oozes leadership and the Perreault Smith Leonard trio is always fun to watch and got better and better
From Sweden...a few players who left a lot to be desired. Ohgren had a terrible showing and the 2nd line was non existent as O.Pettersson was worse which ended up neutering Bystedt who's not enough of a creator to carry a line. 4th line was spotted for checking and Havelid the D was an adventure defensively, Havelid the GK was mostly very good but picked a bad time to not step up and let in a backbreaker. Odd they didnt try to swap a couple wingers to get that 2nd line going and Ohgren whos had prior success with Ostlund and Lekkerimaki. ASP was neither that great or bad. For a 18yr old thought he held his own and is a weapon on the PP. Should be huge for them next year. Certainly dont agree he was the best D. Was just ok in his end of the ice
On the positive side Ostlund was absolutely flying in the final and his superior skating and puck skills were fun to watch all tourney. Will need to work on his shot and faceoffs for the NHL but his other skills are top6 NHL ready as long as he gets stronger and challenges the inside of the ice. Unger Sorum is an incredibly smart and talented player. Looks like a steal for CAR. Skating needs some quickness added but really stood out with his smarts and skill combo...good size and reach also. Theo Lindstein was excellent, smooth steady thinks a step ahead can walk the line and a really good first pass. Otto Stenberg is just simply a gamer. Finds a way to be factor should be the captain next year in how he competes and gets it done. Was everything im sure Sweden was hoping from Ohgren. STL is unreal in the mid to late 1st rounds of the draft at finding gems.
Pettersson is a beast love his physicality 1v1 and protecting the net. His game should be better on a smaller rink. Was excellent on the PK. makes a fair amount of miscues with the puck which he'll have to clean up as he doesn't provide offense. Skating positioning and engagement are plus traits. Was an important steadying influence for Havelid who made his life tougher in zone.
Willander is pretty much an eraser. Has a lot of Tanev in him. Noticeable ability to snuff out players along the walls and even in open ice. Already is a superior physical specimen at 18. Was fun watching him dominate Gauthier and others 1v1. Hinges supports and moves with his partner really well and first pass is sharp. Offensive zone and in transition needs growth. Has huge potential with steps in that regard.
Lekkerimaki full value for MVP. Watched most the games and he was the most consistently dangerous and productive Thought Ostlund did a lot of the leg work for him at times and was better in the final but JL was slippery, hands were electric, attacked the D was physical and an absolute snipe show. Teams started to key on this duo as much as possible with a trap defensive posture and high dumps so they wouldn't get caught in odd man situations and that was wise. Hard not to be excited by his progression and confidence. Glad he's ours