U18s Notebook: Matthew Morden's projection, Connor Bedard's anticipation, and Frank Nazar's playmaking

Coming into this tournament, Canada's defence was projected as the weak point of their roster. And if their 8-3 loss to the Americans in their preliminary round debut is any indication, that prediction will prove true.

That doesn't mean that the Canadian defence corps lacks credible NHL prospects though.

Matthew Morden showed up for his U18 debut. There was no fanfare, no highlight-reel moment, save maybe for the time he dangled around an approaching defender at the offensive blue line. Overall, his performance in this game was relatively quiet. Yet, my eyes kept being drawn to his every move on the ice.