16 NHL draft-eligible standouts from the U18 Five Nations in Kloten, Switzerland

KLOTEN, Switzerland — When the U.S. National U18 Team last came to Europe for a Five Nations tournament, it was a mix of brilliance and disappointment. The NTDP's 2008-born group split the tournament in Ulricehamn, Sweden 2-2, with scores ranging from a 2-4 loss against Finland to a dominant 10-2 victory against Czechia. This time around, they came for W's and W's only. 

To get there, Team USA brought reinforcements from their U17 team, including 2027 NHL Draft top prospect Carter Meyer. Meyer, along with 2008s Casey Mutryn, Mikey Berchild, and Sammy Nelson, headline the team's standouts en route to a 4-0 record. 

Sweden won all but the US game, with a familiar face leading the way. Tying for second in both goals and points, Marcus Nordmark had four convincing performances and made sure his name will be highlighted for our next draft meeting. Along with Nordmark, Nils Bartholdsson and 2027-eligible Bosse Meijer stood out. 

Their neighbours from Finland looked very similar to their last international tournament, the Five Nations in Zuchwil, Switzerland. Once again, their 2009-born group of Luca Santala, Paavo Fugleberg, and Roni Kuukasjärvi led the way, and once again, Atte Vuori was among the biggest 2008-born standouts on the team. 

Team Czechia had the same issues they've struggled with all season. With many of their top prospects playing in North America, they're forced to ice what's in large parts a “B team”. Still, they managed to beat Finland and Switzerland, and had standout performances from 2027-eligible Petr Tomek as well as 2026-eligibles Antonín Pufr and David Vermiřovský – who recorded a shutout in the final game against Switzerland.

The Swiss, meanwhile, were great hosts, but with limited on-ice success. While three of their four games were decided by just one goal, they did end up losing all four of them. Still, there's some talent on the team, headlined by 2009-borns Jonah Neuenschwander and Philip Moser. 

Here's an in-depth look at the top performers from the five days in Kloten. 

Marcus Nordmark, F, Sweden, 2026 NHL Draft

After a less stellar international showing at the World Junior A Challenge in December, Nordmark returned to his usual form at this event, tying for the tournament lead with four goals and eight points in four games. He was as dangerous offensively as ever, and even showed a bit more physical edge and forechecking presence compared to his standards, as highlighted in our game report:

Nordmark turned on the jets for this one, as he looked to be among the fastest players on the ice when he got to his full speed, putting together multiple high-danger chances off the rush. He built speed below the puck, received it in full motion, and blew past the defender for a breakaway early. Later on, he tried to split the defence and drew a penalty, then had a very competent outside lane net-drive where he managed to cut in front of the defender for a quality scoring chance. He finished with one goal, roofing the puck from close range with a slick backhander. There were times where it looked like he was putting in a better effort in battles, even finishing one notable check, but in other sequences, the battle level remained low. It was a good showcase of his tools, though, as he really has the complete offensive skill set between the speed, the skill, the vision, and the finishing ability.

Bosse Meijer, F, Sweden, 2027 NHL Draft

The tournament’s leading goal-scorer, Meijer was ruthlessly efficient with his chances, managing to beat the netminder six times over the course of four games. Meijer had a number of electrifying individual flashes on top of his usual small-area craftiness and an off-puck intelligence. He was also a key piece of Sweden’s top power play unit while playing the net-front role. More from a game report: 

A hat-trick for Meijer in the tournament opener, scoring each one of his three goals in different ways. He deflected a ground-level shot from the point, scored off a power play rebound, then closed the show with a very nice short side snipe following an entry on the man advantage. The craftiness, the flashes of small-area skill, the forechecking prowess were all visible – all very likable qualities. He wasn’t making any particularly dynamic plays offensively, but I continue to have a lot of time for his hockey sense, habits, and craftiness.

Nils Bartholdsson, F, Sweden, 2026 NHL Draft

Bartholdsson was among Sweden’s most consistent advantage creators in the offensive zone at this tournament. He was setting up his linemates from the boards with impressively creative feeds, and should’ve had more goals than the one he had based on the number of quality chances he ended up generating for himself, as mentioned in this game report:

Bartholdsson was probably Sweden’s most effective forward in this one, especially offensively. He started off the scoring for his team with a short-handed breakaway, getting another similar chance later during the same shift. He had multiple impressive playmaking moments, seeing openings across the ice but also hooking pucks to the inside from difficult spots. He could’ve easily ended up with a hat-trick based on the volume of high-danger individual looks, playing well off his linemates through his off-puck timings and routes. He couldn’t reliably create advantages with his skating, and he’s more of an offensive specialist than a well-rounded play-driver, with the upside as an NHL pick remaining limited, but he re-enforced his status as one of the most skilled Swedes in this age group.

Paavo Fugleberg, F, Finland, 2028 NHL Draft

No Finnish forward had higher offensive highs than Fugleberg at this event — a very impressive fact consider we’re talking about a prospect who isn’t eligible for the NHL draft until 2028. Fugleberg’s individual skill and vision popped out in each game, but he also impressed our staff with his defensive commitment, managing to get around his strength and physicality related disadvantages for the most part. He’s poised to grab a top-nine role from the U18s roster. More from a game report:

Fugleberg was Finland’s youngest but also its most offensively skilled player in this game. He created consistent value with the puck, whether he was setting up others or showcasing his individual skill through handling and inside cuts. He attacked with pace, but also delayed when it was the right play, showcasing lots of finesse with the way he handled around traffic or made plays through defenders’ triangles. The skating might not be as good of a tool as his hands or playmaking, but it wasn’t hindering him at all, quite the contrary in certain spots. He could add even more dimensions to his game as he gets stronger, too, still having lots of physical runway.

Luca Santala, F, Finland, 2027 NHL Draft

Finland’s top point-getter with three goals and five points in four games, Santala’s processing ability and details shined through in almost every match. He created looks for himself through his intelligent off-puck movement, threatened goalies with his release, linked together very well with Fugleberg, and solidified his status as a top-six forward for this team ahead of the U18s:

Santala was money on the power play. He scored Finland’s opening goal by stepping into the slot for an outside leg wrister, and could’ve easily had a few additional points with the way he was threading passes across the slot or finding his teammates playing the net-front role for deflections. He also got a breakaway chance off a blocked shot near the point, and actively searched for shooting opportunities off the rush. I liked how he took the middle whenever possible, and had the patience to wait for lanes to open when circling up the wall in the OZ. Skating-wise, he continues to have room for further improvements, and I’d like to see him making more of his plays in motion. Still, he was a top-3 forward for Finland in this one

Atte Vuori, F, Finland, 2026 NHL Draft

Vuori has quickly become a key piece for this Finnish age group, as no centre on the team can match his pace, play-driving qualities, and playmaking touch on the power play. While his odds to getting picked are quite slim due to his size and lack of physicality, he remains a highly likeable player with a bright pro future ahead of him, as evidenced by this game report:

I’ve already become a fan of Vuori, and he didn’t disappoint me here. He’s looking more confident and more complete than he did in my viewings in November, clearly being the main driver of Finland’s third line. I really liked how he operated on the power play as a setup force, choosing intelligent options and passing with pace when needed – he does tend to overpass and doesn’t have much faith in his shot it seems, but the results were still very good. Lack of strength also remains a factor, but most of the time, he got around it effectively through his skating and utilization of his teammates. Even if just a Liiga prospect, he’s trending in the right direction.

Roni Kuukasjärvi, D, Finland, 2027 NHL Draft

All three 2009-born players on the Finnish team made this standout article, as Kuukasjärvi also impressed our staff during large stretches at this event. His mobility and ability to escape from pressure was a consistent standout factor, and his power play quarterbacking from the point was also pleasantly smooth. Even when all of the options available, he should have a direct path to a top-four role in the upcoming U18s. More from a game report:

Kuukasjärvi was a top-2 defenceman alongside Alalauri for Finland in this tournament opener. The skating stood out multiple times on breakouts, as he was consistently able to move around and explode past the F1 before making the first pass, also actively joining rushes and jumping on offensive opportunities. One penalty drawn after he was tripped by the forechecker he had beaten with his mobility. He managed the puck well, and while the defence wasn’t tested very much here, and I didn’t find much to complain about. On an interesting note, he looked to play with a very long stick for his size – not sure if I had noticed that before.

Casey Mutryn, F, USA, 2026 NHL Draft

Mutryn wasn't among the top scorers of the tournament, recording just one point in each of the first three games and none in the fourth, but he was a major physical standout. That level of physicality ended up costing him in the final game, when he got five plus game misconduct for a hit to the head in the first period. Up until then, however, he was excellent, and the game against Sweden alone was enough to earn him a spot on this list, as highlighted in our game report: 

Mutryn looked like a first-round pick when I last saw him at the November Five Nations in Sweden, and he did again here. He threw a pair of big hits early to set the tone physically, and he brought a relentless, high-tempo forechecking game. Just drove through opponents as he hunted for pucks. His perimeter playmaking remains his standout attribute, though he did flash some inside drive as well. He was very effective along the boards, combining strong awareness with excellent vision. Uses his body well to initiate contact and shield the puck. Comfortable finding teammates while under pressure, distributing pucks off the wall into the middle or threading passes through seams to the weak side. He’s very effective in tight spaces. Possesses a strong first touch that allows him to immediately create advantages off receptions. His skating mechanics aren't among the higher end and he's more of a North-South than East-West attacker, but he compensates with a high-motor, straight-line power-forward game and solid top-end speed.

Mikey Berchild, F, USA, 2026 NHL Draft

Berchild has been among his team's top scorers all year and he's been great in international play, so it was no surprise to see him tie Nordmark for second in goals (4) and points (7). A B-grade prospect for this year's draft going into the year, he didn't make our January top-75 list, but he certainly made his case to be included in the next iteration. From our report of the game against Sweden: 

Berchild’s two goals highlighted his ability to read the game and find open space to receive the puck. For the first one, he lurked in the slot ready to bury a loose puck. For the second, he read an opposing line change on a USA regroup, turned the other way and found an open lane to go 1-on-0 with the goalie. Doesn’t provide much value as a net driver, but he’s great in support as F3 or when he enters as the carrier himself. A strong rush passer. Possesses quick feet and hands. Did a good job establishing contact going into battles and used his stick well to his advantage, but the size deficit was still visible. Might become difficult in the NHL to find as much success with the puck on his stick as he has now, but I really liked his off-puck game here – knows how to make himself available and process the puck quickly.

Sammy Nelson, F, USA, 2027 NHL Draft 

A Sept 19 birthday, Nelson will be one of the oldest players in the 2027 draft, but he's been one of the NTDP's best players all season and would easily be a first-round choice this year already. Centering Mutryn and Parker Trottier, he was a standout against Sweden:  

I became a fan of Nelson’s game when I last saw him at the November Five Nations, and he was equally impressive in this two-goal performance. One was a give-and-go on a three-on-one chance, the other a breakaway with a slick five-hole finish after stealing the puck in the D-zone. Nelson combines a big frame with impressive speed, excellent stickhandling skill, and high-end hockey sense. Manipulates defenders is able to do so at high speeds. A top-10 prospect for next year.

Carter Meyer, F, USA, 2027 NHL Draft

Team USA had plenty of multi-point performers at this tournament, so including a guy who “only” put up a goal and an assist may seem odd. However, Meyer was a steady contributor for his team even when the boxscore output wasn't always there. When you consider that he made his international U18 debut here as a 16-year-old, his performances become even more impressive. What Meyer showed here was very clearly (2027) first-round level, as highlighted in our game report: 

Meyer got to play against top international competition with the U18s here and did not disappoint. A strong performance centering Stuart and Glance. Smart, extremely aggressive forechecking. Strong physical play. What stood out the most was his awareness and skill under pressure and in tight areas. Able to win battles along the boards and move the puck to the inside. His best play was a breakaway off a change, as he protected the puck to go to the net, finished backhand but couldn’t beat the goalie – but he picked up his own rebound behind the net, went around, and fed it back into the slot for his incoming teammate for another high-danger chance. Able to find options and make decisions in split-seconds. An excellent performance by the 2027 top prospect.

Petr Tomek, F, Czechia, 2027 NHL Draft

Tomek's season so far has been extremely impressive. A late 2008 birthday, he'll be eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft, but unlike most players at this tournament, he's already a full-time pro. Playing in Karlovy Vary, he's put up 20 points in 46 games so far this season, and he played his first games with the U20 national team in November. Czechia didn't score much at this tournament and Tomek had just two goals with no assists, but he made sure he got noticed whenever he stepped on the ice. From our game report: 

Tomek looked like the most dynamic and most exciting forward on this team. A quick, shifty skater with quick hands and strong deception. Very smooth in his movements. One of his best plays where it all came together was an end-to-end rush, delay, and good pass to the trailer for a chance. He scored a nice goal as well, driving hard to the net behind the defence to one-time a saucer pass past the goalie. A very competitive player who provides value as a passer but is especially smart around the net. Worked hard both ways. His slight frame could become an issue, but as a D-1 prospect, he's got some time to bulk up.

Antonin Pufr, D, Czechia, 2026 NHL Draft

Pufr is one of the beneficiaries of Czechia's situation. With four of the age group's top defencemen active in the WHL and OHL, Pufr got his first shot at international hockey at the Five Nations tournament in November, and he was back again here. Showing not only his usual physical game but strong two-way work as well, he certainly made the most of it. Our game report highlights his strong performance against Switzerland:  

Pufr had a good game against Finland and he was even better in this one. Good defensively, especially against the rush, using his lateral mobility, strong defensive stick, and physicality to shut down the neutral zone. His foot speed and skill level are below average, but he’s smart enough to use his size to his advantage and make plays anyway. Can protect the puck to get out of pressure and either play an accurate outlet pass or just move it to close support. Good transition skating on regroups. Frequently tried to contribute offensively on rushes and inside the offensive zone. His skating and skill level hold him back a bit here as well, but he was good at executing simple switches to force defenders into making decisions. I’m not sold on him as a draft pick yet, but he’s a player worth watching more closely in the second half.

David Vermiřovský, G, Czechia, 2026 NHL Draft

Vermiřovský played three of Czechia's four games, starting with a 0-4 loss against the USA, then giving up just one goal in a 3-1 win vs. Finland, and finishing with a 1-0 shutout win against Switzerland. He's one of this draft's more exciting goaltending prospects due to his 6-foot-5 frame with incredible raw athleticism. As was the case in previous viewings, he looked like a project here, but looking at him as a junior goalie at this tournament in isolation, he was great. From our game report: 

Vermiřovský has a massive frame with excellent length and high-end athleticism. Very competitive. Able to cover both posts with ease without fully dropping into the butterfly. Does a good job using shuffles to adjust his angles. Likes to stay on his feet for as long as possible and has good balance on his inside edges, allowing him to drop down and get back up extremely quickly. This does hurt him on unexpected cross-slot movement, though. When he’s ready for it, his athleticism really shows on cross-slot movements, as he’s very quick side to side in the butterfly and is able to stretch out extremely far to get his bad and glove or blocker across to make the save. (…).

Jonah Neuenschwander, F, Switzerland, 2027 NHL Draft

Neuenschwander has long been the biggest name among Swiss prospects, but going into the season, he often left us wanting more. That's clearly changed in recent months. He's regularly playing double-digit minutes with Biel in the NL, Switzerland's top pro league, was a big part of the Swiss World Junior team, and he was very clearly his team's top forward here, centering the first line. It wasn't a great tournament for Switzerland, despite the benefit of staying at home, but Neuenschwander stood out, as highlighted in this game report: 

Switzerland couldn’t create a whole lot of danger as a team in this game, but Neuenschwander once again stood out as the team’s best forward. An excellent two-way centre with size and speed. Creative and skilled. Can pick up speed using powerful crossovers. The skating is clearly coming along, the mechanics are steadily improving. He can work his way through the neutral zone as a carrier or using give-and-gos, consistently contributing to get the puck to the offensive zone. Constantly engaged on and off the puck. There’s no question about who’s the top player on this team.

Philip Moser, D, Switzerland, 2027 NHL Draft

Moser isn't a household name in prospect circles just yet, but he's quietly making a name for himself as an underage defenceman for Switzerland. Save for the Zuchwil Five Nations in December, he was a part of the U18 team in all international play this season, steadily played top-four minutes in all of those games, and generally looked like one of if not the single most capable defenceman on his team. A player to watch for the 2027 draft, this is how he did in the game against Czechia: 

Moser played with his age group for the first time at the U17 Five Nations in December, but was back with the U18s here – and he instantly became the team’s best defenceman again. Excellent in the neutral zone. Surfed across on opponents and played aggressive gaps to take away time and space or to jump up and intercept passes. A very good transition skater – quick, mobile, with strong edgework. Can drive play up ice as a quick carrier. Made good reads to jump in on rushes off the puck. Strong defensive-zone positioning. He has average size and the offensive tools aren’t high-end, but he’s a very promising two-way defender who consistently impacts the game at both ends of the ice. He's been showing steady improvements from the start of the season at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup to today.