Talent is always abundant during this tournament, but in 2017, there are three specific youngsters at the World Juniors to keep an eye on.
This month, NHL organizations and their respective fans are getting a chance to see hockey’s best young prospects.The countries involved include Latvia, Russia, Sweden, USA, Canada, etc. The tournament so many hockey purists love to love, the World Junior Championship, is still ongoing, but has already been one for the ages. We have seen amazing saves, goals, hits, and dangles.
This version of the tournament has produced three specific youngsters who’ve caught the eyes of fans and scouts everywhere.
1. Alex Nylander (Sweden)
Alex Nylander was chosen with the eighth overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2016 NHL Draft. He began his 2016 hockey campaign by playing for the Rochester Americans of the AHL. Nylander is one of the highest ranked prospects in the entire NHL and in this year’s World Juniors, has shown why he deserves that label.
In five games for the Swedes, Nylander has netted five goals and dished six assists. He has the tournament’s best +/- rating which, at this point, is +10.
Nylander and his team are still competing in the late stages of the World Juniors so keep your eye out for him, and trust me you will notice him when he’s on the ice.
We're off. Team Sweden's Alex Nylander (BUF) scores the first goal of the 2017 World Juniors pic.twitter.com/RcQ9hOzd6F
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) December 26, 2016
2. Clayton Keller (USA)
Team USA found themselves a stud when they added this kid to the team: 18-year-old Clayton Keller, a forward drafted seventh overall by the Arizona Coyotes in 2016.
Keller has shown his unique offensive ability as he has amazing puck handling skills and could put the puck in the net in unordinary fashion. Keller has netted three goals and has five assists, and is top-five in points.
Opposing teams need to figure out a gameplan for Keller to stop his great offense. Coyote fans are definitely excited for what their young forward has shown.
Here's a better view of @ClaytonKeller37 1st period goal and the play leading up to it! @usahockey #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/KAEPaA1pCX
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) December 29, 2016
3. Tyler Parsons (USA)
Tyler Parsons is a 19-year-old from Chesterfield, Michigan who has stopped pucks brilliantly for team USA. Parsons hasn’t seen many pucks go behind him as of late, as he is just given up 1-2 goals in each game.
Parsons was a second-round pick by the Calgary Flames and has recently been named the Flames: Prospect Of The Month. Parsons ranks third in GAA, SV%, and Wins.
He has been able to defend his net against Canada, Russia, and Latvia. His ability to be across the net at a quick rate is unbelievable. His skill has high potential to lead team USA to a World Junior Championship.
Hischier thought he had a hat trick goal to tie the game… @Tylerparsons22 said no! #USAWJC #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/d2yaJHiUP6
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) January 3, 2017