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Canada's 2026 World Juniors Roster: Who's In?
21 Nov
Summary
- Prospects Porter Martone and Gavin McKenna are unanimous picks for Team Canada.
- Team Canada's defense depth is a concern on the left side.
- Carter George is projected to start in net, with Jack Ivankovic a strong backup.
Assembling the 2026 Canadian World Junior roster involves strategic planning for potential NHL call-ups and contingency rosters. Key forwards like Porter Martone and Gavin McKenna are set, alongside other strong contenders, filling out a significant portion of the forward lines. However, the team's defensive unit faces scrutiny, with a notable lack of depth on the left side identified as a potential vulnerability.
In goal, Carter George is slated to start, building on his U18 gold medal performance, though Jack Ivankovic is also a strong candidate vying for the position. The selection process involves intense debate over bubble players, with U18 standouts and highly-touted prospects like Caleb Desnoyers and Jake O'Brien being discussed for their potential impact.
The depth of talent considered is immense, with notable omissions like Cayden Lindstrom and Roger McQueen from the assembled depth chart. Ultimately, the team's success hinges on the availability of NHL prospects; with a strong contingent, Canada is a heavy favorite, but fewer NHLers could present challenges.
