6 Red Wings Prospects Who Can Compete at 2025 World Juniors – Hockey Writers – Red Wings Prospects

With Thanksgiving coming up and December right around the corner, I wanted to take a look at hockey's biggest event in the coming months, the World Junior Championship (WJC). The 2025 WJC is scheduled to start on December 26 in Ottawa, Canada, but most participating countries start their training/selection camps in early December.

That means that we will soon start to get a good idea of ​​which players have a good chance of representing their country as they fight for Gold. Before all that begins, I thought I'd take a quick look at a few Detroit Red Wings prospects fans can expect to see at this year's World Juniors, and where they're expected to play on their national roster. they form their own group.

Related: Predicting Canada's Team Roster at the 2025 World Juniors

Let's dive into the reigning champions, Team USA.

Team USA:

Trey Augustine, G, Michigan State University (NCAA)

Trey Augustine is another player making his third WJC appearance, with Bronze and Gold medals sitting in his trophy case from the 2023 and 2024 tournaments respectively. Augustine battled Jacob Fowler to find the first net in last year's tournament, eventually winning the spot and going 4-0 on his way to the championship.

However, Fowler is no longer eligible for the tournament and no one has played a major role in Augustine's position as the starter has given up his track record and impressive start to his Sophomore year with Michigan State. Augustine is a clear front-runner to be named the best goalkeeper in the competition this year, something that may be too late now given that he was the GAA's top scorer and save percentage last year.

Chances of making the list: 10/10
Most Likely Roster Spot: Starting goaltender, favorite for the tourney's top goalie award

Max Plante, C, University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)

Max Plante's case to make Team USA will be more difficult due to his injury situation, which has kept him out of the spotlight since the show. He tallied two assists in that long season opener, showing his work ethic and incredible play, but that won't matter if he's not healthy enough to compete in Team USA's selection camp.

It doesn't look like he'll be around much longer, but reports of his return to work have been vague and unhelpful. If Plante can return to the lineup soon and look like himself out of the gates, he could earn himself an invitation to selection camp. If not, he will still qualify for this tournament in the future and I think he will have a strong chance to make the team.

Chances of making the list: 3/10
Most Likely Roster Spot: Fourth line center or wing

Team Sweden:

Axel Sandin Pellikka, RD, Skellefteå AIK (SHL)

Axel Sandin Pellikka (ASP) is Detroit's best and most valuable prospect not currently playing in their system. He's an elite defenseman at this point in his development, and he's made some big offensive strides in the SHL over his last three seasons. After scoring 5 points in 22 pro games in his draft year, and 18 points in 39 games last year, ASP is scoring at a historic rate this season, with 16 points in just 19 games.

Few players will play in three consecutive World Junior Championships, but Sandin Pellikka will join that list this December as one of Sweden's most important players. We haven't seen how ASP looks compared to his age group since last January (when he was named the best defender of the WJC 2024 and won the silver medal), and he was strong compared to the older men so it's fair to expect a medal. a great performance for him, maybe even an MVP-level performance for the tournament.

Chances of making the list: 10/10
Most Likely Roster Spot: Rd on first pairing, big power play minutes, big penalty kill role

Team Canada:

Emmitt Finnie, C, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

Emmitt Finnie is an elite player who works hard with the engine to become a strong forechecking force and has enough ability to consistently put the puck in the net at the junior level. He was drafted in the 7th round of the 2023 Draft after a 35 point season. Finnie followed that up with 59 points last season, and has had a rough start to the 2024-25 season with 29 points in his first 18 games. That's 47 goals, a 105-point pace for a full season.

Finnie has put himself in the discussion for Team Canada and I suspect he will get an invite to the selection camp. However, Canada has a handful of undrafted players who will be seriously considered (Gavin McKenna, Michael Misa, and Porter Martone), making the roster spots even more difficult. To make the team, Finnie will need to get past guys like Riley Heidt and Denver Barkey in camp, a tall order despite his hot start.

Chances of making the list: 5/10
Most Likely Roster Spot: Fourth line center or wing

Team Finland:

Jesse Kiiskinen, RW, HPK (Liiga)

Jesse Kiiskinen is a talented winger with a wicked shot, especially as a flank option on the power play. I think of Kiiskinen as a bit of Jonathan Lekkerimäki-lite, with many of the strengths and weaknesses of a Vancouver Canucks rookie. Kiiskinen has a technical quality shot, with quick enough hands to escape pressure and create space.

Related: Red Wings Could Compete in 2026 Olympics

And he's a better player than I often see him get credit for, especially with the barbecue passes he makes with confidence after creating a difficult shot at the circle. Kiiskinen has started well in the Finnish Liiga this season, with seven goals and 16 points in 18 games, leading all U20 players in both divisions. I expect him to be a big part of Finland's power play at this year's tournament.

Chances of making the list: 10/10
Most Likely Roster Spot: Top six RW, first power play

German team:

Kevin Bicker, LW, Löwen Frankfurt (DEL)

Kevin Bicker is another returning contender, who helped Germany avoid relegation with a goal and an assist against Norway. Bicker's two points in 14 DEL games to start this season may not look encouraging, but there are only 11 U20 players to earn one DEL game this year and, believe it or not, his two points lead all players in the 20 in scoring.

Chances of making the list: 9/10
Most Likely Roster Spot: Top six LW, first power play