Articles / World Junior Championship all-time roster draft

World Junior Championship all-time roster draft

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NHL.com
Dec 22, 2025 5:00 AM

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The World Junior Championship has been a playground for aspiring hockey talents, showcasing the best young players from around the globe. This prestigious tournament has seen future NHL stars take the stage, and with the upcoming fantasy draft, it's time to reflect on the all-time roster of league legends that have participated. From Canada’s dominance in the early years to the emergence of European teams, each championship has added a new layer to the rich tapestry of junior hockey.

Among the legacies formed at the World Juniors, players like Wayne Gretzky, who lit up the tournament in the late 1970s, have set benchmarks that modern players strive to achieve. In recent years, the likes of Connor McDavid, who dazzled fans with his speed and skill, have continued this tradition of excellence. As the tournament evolves, each draft offers teams the chance to build on their current rosters with a blend of seasoned professionals and emerging stars who have already made a name for themselves on the junior stage.

As we prepare for the next fantasy draft, it's intriguing to identify which former World Junior stars have gone on to achieve success in the NHL. Players such as Eric Lindros and Sidney Crosby, who both showcased their talents on the international stage before taking the NHL by storm, remind fans of the intrinsic link between junior hockey and the professional league. The all-time roster illustrates not just who played, but who left an indelible mark on the game itself.

With every draft, fantasy teams can capture the spirit of hockey’s future while respecting its storied past. New talent continues to emerge, ensuring that the World Juniors remain a critical part of the hockey landscape, inspiring players and fans alike to dream big and push the boundaries of what’s possible on the ice.