Standout performers from the 2026 U18 World Championships
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — This one got weird in a hurry.
Three of the four expected contenders were out by the quarter-finals. Canada. USA. Finland. Gone. For the first time in tournament history, neither Canada nor the United States made the semifinals.
That doesn’t happen.
What it did was blow this thing wide open. Suddenly, it wasn’t just the usual names driving the conversation. Opportunity showed up, and a different group of players stepped into it.
Some ran with it.
Below are the standouts from a tournament that didn’t follow the script. With the heavyweights out early, scouts were forced to widen their focus, and several players made sure they were noticed.
Wyatt Cullen, F, USA, 2026 NHL Draft
Wyatt Cullen was the most exciting player at this tournament and the clear driver for the United States.
Everything ran through him. At even strength and on the power play, he dictated pace, touched pucks constantly, and forced defenders into bad spots. Skating is a weapon. He builds speed through crossovers and attacks at angles, and gets inside with control. When he was going, he pulled coverage toward him and opened the ice for everyone else.
But it’s not just speed.
The 17-year-old processes quickly and plays with composure. There were multiple sequences where he worked off the half wall, drew pressure, and made clean, high-danger plays through traffic. His playmaking on the power play stood out in particular. Walking into space, selling shot, and then slipping pucks into the bumper or across seams, he rarely rushed decisions.
What separated him from his teammates and others at this event was how he handled pressure. Teams started keying on him as the tournament wore on, trying to pin him against the wall and take away his space. He simply adjusted. Worked lower in the zone, circled back into support, and still found ways to create.
Despite his team exiting the tournament after five games, he still landed third in tournament scoring with three goals and nine points.
There’s still some inconsistency shift to shift, and he can overhandle at times, trying to force plays. But the toolkit has high-end flashes. Speed, skill, confidence, and the ability to control possession.
He looked like a player pushing himself into the top 10 conversation.
Dima Zhilkin, F, Canada, 2027 NHL Draft
Dima Zhilkin was Canada’s best forward and one of the most consistent players in the tournament.
He’s a ferocious competitor who thrives in traffic and fighting his way to hard areas of the ice. His game is built on pace, effort, and skill, all working together to produce a pitbull-like mindset. Rarely did he take a shift off. He hunted pucks, won races, and played through contact despite not having the ideal size for his style. At 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, he played a heavy, inside-driven game.
It may not work at the next level, but it sure worked here.
He created offence through pressure. Strong on the forecheck, disruptive in the neutral zone, and always around the puck. When he wins it, he can make plays in motion. Short touches, quick releases, and enough creativity to turn broken sequences into chances.
There’s real skill here, too. His goal off the rush stood out. Picks it up with speed, moves it, gets it back, and finishes in stride. Clean, controlled, and confident. He’s not just a worker. He can execute.
The projection question is straightforward. Players of his size who play this style don’t always translate cleanly. The margin is smaller. But there are clear stylistic comps, from Seth Jarvis to Zach Benson, players who have succeeded because the motor, processing, and skill levels are all high enough to overcome physical limitations.
It doesn’t hurt that they’re all absolute dogs, too. Willing to fight to get underneath in battles. Willing to make and take hits for the betterment of the team. Warriors. Zhilkin has that dog in him.
The bigger question might be timing, because Zhilkin is a 2027-eligible. This was a strong statement performance, but it’s early. Will scouts remember it in 14 months? They should. Because he looked like a player who can drive play, not just support it.
Ryan Lin, D, Canada, 2026 NHL Draft
Ryan Lin had a lot to play for at this event. His season was marred by a mid-year injury and being stuck on one of the weakest teams in the WHL. Despite that, his production was positive, and his reputation remained sound. Yet he still had plenty to prove.
After being held without a shot or point in the opening day loss to Slovakia, he went on to record six points in the next three games. He was Canada's best defender and most consistent threat at both ends of the ice.
At even-strength, Canada outscored opponents 8-1 with Lin on the ice. Despite being bounced in the quarterfinals and only getting five games, he still ended up leading all defencemen in scoring.
Engagement has never been an issue for Lin, but it felt like he was extra focused on throwing his weight around. Several bone-crushing open-ice hits were sprinkled among countless wall and net front battles that the 5-foot-11 defender continuously came out on top of. His rush defence was clean, clear, and under control. His spot as the team’s top power play quarterback was earned and productive.
Of all the 2026-eligibles on this Team Canada squad, he did the most to secure or improve his draft standing with teams.
“He’s become sort of the forgotten man in this group [of defencemen],” an NHL Executive told Elite Prospects. “I think we’ll look back and see that was a mistake.”
Malte Gustafsson, D, Sweden, 2026 NHL Draft
Malte Gustafsson was the most reliable defender in the tournament and ended up carrying the heaviest workload as a result.
The 6-foot-4 back didn’t dominate in flashy ways. He just controlled his minutes. Shift after shift, he killed plays early, moved pucks efficiently, and stayed involved without overextending. His defensive game remained the foundation of everything. He kept tight gaps, an active stick, and strong awareness around his net. He consistently broke up plays before they became anything, and when things did break down, he recovered well.
There were a few lapses. He can still have trouble handling pressure on retrievals at times, but those moments were rare relative to how much he played. Logging nearly 30 minutes in key games tells you everything about the trust level.
When considering he missed a game mid-tournament thanks to a bug that was running through the Swedish locker room, his tournament-leading 24 minutes per night is even more impressive
What stands out most is how projectable it all feels. He moves quite well, thinks the game at a high level, and makes quick, clean decisions under pressure. He can transport when needed, jump into the rush, and support the offence without forcing it.
It’s unlikely he’ll run a top power play at the next level, but he doesn’t need to. He proved once again over these two weeks that he looks like a defender who can eat minutes, stabilize a pairing, and handle difficult assignments.
There’s real value in that. And at this event, no one did it more consistently.
Alexander Command, F, Sweden 2026 NHL Draft
It was something of a slow burn for Alexander Command at this tournament. For some reason, he began the event down the lineup, seeing just 12 minutes in the opener against Germany. By the medal rounds, he was averaging nearly 20 minutes anchoring the top line and top power play.
Make no mistake, this is a heavy player who thrives below the dots, with a strong base, hard to move, and constantly working to wear down defenders on the cycle. He doesn’t create a ton off the rush, but once the game settles in the offensive zone, he becomes a real factor. His ability to win pucks, protect them, and get them into dangerous areas is how he impacts the scoresheet best.
He was able to display his skill, layered with his forceful brand of hockey. His goal in the semifinals showed it. A quick turnover at the top of the zone, he settled it, picked his spot, and ripped a heavy, accurate shot from distance. Not flashy, but there’s weight behind everything he does.
Another area he really stood out in was defensively. An active stick, strong reads, and a willingness to do the heavy lifting. Breaking up plays with a smart stick, diving into lanes to block show, finishing checks, and giving a little extra post-whistle. He made life difficult for opposing players all tournament.
His profile tends to translate very well to a middle-six, matchup, penalty killing role. There’s a clear path here.
Elton Hermansson, F, Sweden, 2026 NHL Draft
Elton Hermansson finished as the tournament’s leading scorer and was named the top forward by the Directorate. But his path there wasn’t all that clean.
The production was real. He created offence in a variety of ways: off the rush, at the top of the zone, and on the power play. His hands and processing allow him to beat defenders and generate looks that most players at this level can’t.
Just watch the play he made in overtime against the Czechs, which led to the game-winner. It was a display of pure skill and patience.
Unfortunately, even though there are stretches where he controls play and looks like the most dangerous player on the ice, there are also shifts where the puck dies on his stick, or decisions lead directly to chances against. Turnovers on the power play, missed reads under pressure, and inconsistent engagement without the puck all showed up, and those soft plays are hard to miss for scouts.
Hermansson's six-point game against Denmark boosted his production totals, but it doesn’t fully capture the overall evaluation. He’s a talented player, and there’s no question about it, but his challenge is consistency, whether it's shift to shift, game to game, or within his decision-making.
If that comes, there’s top-six potential. If it doesn’t, the risk stays high.
Matyáš Michálek, D, Czechia, 2028 NHL Draft
Matyáš Michálek didn’t produce much offence. In fact, it took until the bronze medal game for him to earn his first point. But he didn’t need the numbers to stand out.
At 6-foot-3 and already playing top-pair minutes as a 2028-eligible, he looked more than comfortable. Calm under pressure, composed with the puck, and rarely rushed into poor decisions, he handled forechecks well, using his length and positioning to escape and make clean outlets.
Defensively, he was one of the more reliable players in the tournament. He kept tight gaps, good stick positioning, and the ability to stay with attackers through movement. He didn’t chase plays, but instead contained them.
There were also flashes of offensive confidence. Jumping into the rush as a high option, carrying pucks through the neutral zone, and looking to make plays in motion. The execution isn’t fully there yet, but the intent was.
The lack of production won’t matter much. The tools, the minutes, and the composure at his age do. This is a long-term projection, but it’s an easy one to buy into.
A very noteworthy showing from such a young player.
Martin Psohlavec, G, Czechia, 2026 NHL Draft
Martin Psohlavec played for Czechia at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup as well as two of three in-season tournaments. At the Hlinka, he only got one start. At the November and December tournaments, he split starts with František Poletín and David Vermiřovský. And while he was solid in those games, it was still surprising to not only see him earn a roster spot for the U18 World Championship but also start the majority of games ahead of his CHL peers.
Looking at the numbers alone, it's safe to say that Psohlavec delivered. Through three starts in the group stage and quarter-finals, he gave up just three goals, saving 60 of 63 shots in the process. He also carried Czechia to overtime in the semifinal against Sweden, who would go on to win the championship. Czechia had a good tournament as a whole, but Psohlavec was a big part of the success.
Our staff had question marks about his technique, mobility, and hands this season – while some of them were still there, Psohlavec appears to be making good progress. At his best, he's quite explosive, can stretch out athletically, and secure pucks without giving up rebounds. He brings a big, athletic frame, which is more important than perfect technique at this stage, and he showed he can deliver on the biggest stage.
Psohlavec may still end up on the outside looking in for our draft board, but he certainly put himself back on the map.
Petr Tomek, F, Czechia, 2027 NHL Draft
Petr Tomek has had a fantastic draft-minus-one season. He not only cracked Karlovy Vary's pro roster, but he also put up 13 goals and 20 points in 51 regular-season games and added an impressive nine points in 13 playoff games. With that, he was expected to be a big-time leader for Czechia's U18 team at this tournament.
Czechia's top-line centre and captain certainly delivered. His quickness and skill shone as usual, but he also showed improved levels of energy and physicality. Against Germany, he dropped a 6-foot-5 defender on the ice with a massive hit. Players with his type of frame will always be questioned as they move up levels, but Tomek's rookie pro season and his performances here certainly caused those question marks to shrink significantly.
Whether it was as a play driver and setup man or as an off-puck shooter, Tomek provided consistent danger for Czechia. Constantly looking to get to the inside, never giving up on pucks, always looking for second and third chances. There's a ton to like about Tomek, and he'll enter his draft year as a top prospect to watch.
Paavo Fugleberg, F, Finland, 2028 NHL Draft
Paavo Fugleberg is 2028-eligible, but he's been a mainstay for Finland's U18 team in the second half. He not only played above his age group, but he's been one of his team's best players at every stop, and one of the best players overall wherever he went – making our standouts lists for both the December tournament and the February tournament.
The same was the case at the U18 World Championship. He burst onto the scene with a four-assist performance in a 6-1 opening win against Norway. Points were a little harder for him to come by after that, save for a goal in the 1-2 quarterfinal loss to Czechia, but he still provided consistent offence and was one of Finland's most dangerous players throughout the tournament.
He can beat defenders one-on-one to the inside or outside, consistently makes good reads, and he has a great eye for his teammates, along with excellent passing skill. His power play work was strong as well, delivering dangerous set-up passes from around the goal line.
Fugleberg still looks a little skinny, but Central Scouting has measured him at 6-foot-1, so he's got a good frame to grow into and potential to add more of a physical game and inside drive over the next two years. He'll be a top player next season and is in for a big draft-minus-one year.
Timothy Kazda, F, Slovakia, 2027 NHL Draft
A 2027-eligible prospect, Timothy Kazda finished with the tournament lead in goals (6) and points (12), doing everything in his power to help Slovakia earn a bronze medal at home in Trenčín. That earned him tournament all-star and MVP honours.
He combines solid size with quick feet, constantly staying on the move to find open space to exploit. He's got some handling skill, but can also play a simple chip-and-chase style while providing a physical edge – it's fairly easy to spot him as a player with USHL experience among his Slovak peers, who are mostly active in the domestic junior league.
If he can continue to grow while adding more consistent power to his game, he'll be a very interesting player to watch in his draft season.
Michal Jakubec, F, Slovakia, 2026 NHL Draft
Michal Jakubec hasn't been a big name for the 2026 NHL Draft, and he hasn't even been a big name for the Slovak national team. He was a fourth-line forward for Slovakia at the December Five Nations tournament, and he was listed on the fourth line against here, yet he ended up playing between 15 and 20 minutes per game here, and was one of Slovakia's biggest standouts.
While he's got some skill, made some plays, and put up some points, it was his relentless, high-energy style that caught our attention the most. Throughout the tournament, the 6-foot-1 forward's motor rarely stopped. He engaged aggressively on forechecks and backchecks, and his defensive work stood out as a strength as well. Especially in close games when the pressure was high, and the crowd was loud, it seemed like Jakubec found a little bit extra to make an impact away from the puck.
Before the tournament, Jakubec didn't look like much of an NHL draft prospect. He may still not be a likely pick, but he did everything he could to play himself in the conversation.
Patriks Plūmiņš, G, Latvia, 2026 NHL Draft
Patriks Plūmiņš has been a tricky evaluation for our goaltending scouting staff. Playing in the Latvian men's league with Zemgale, it didn't matter how good he looked; there were always question marks lingering about the quality of competition. As such, it was hugely important for us to see him against top competition in his age group.
Plūmiņš finished the tournament with an incredible .947 save percentage through five starts, including games against Finland, the USA, Slovakia, and Czechia. In those starts, he looked extremely calm and composed, displayed very good tracking ability, strong positioning, and active hands. There are still some concerns about his play – while they are mostly technical and relatively easy to improve, his athleticism remains a small question mark as well. Still, goalies are meant to stop pucks, and Plūmiņš showed he's capable of doing that at the highest level.
Getting picked out of Latvia is difficult but not impossible – Arturs Šilovs and Mikus Vecvanags were both selected out of the same league. Still, playing at the U18s and showing he can make saves against the best of his peers was huge for Plūmiņš. He's a strong candidate for a late-round pick.
Ričards Lisovskis, D, Latvia, 2028 NHL Draft
Ricards Lisovskis is easy to spot. At just 16 years old, he already measures 6-foot-6 and 194 pounds. That, along with his mobile skating and right shot, makes him a highly intriguing prospect for the 2028 NHL Draft.
Latvia was one of the many surprises at this tournament, and Lisovskis played a big role in their success. He started out playing almost 20 minutes in the first two games against Canada and Finland, then eclipsed 20 in the next three games with a high of 23:31 against Norway – impressive stuff for a D-2 player.
Lisovskis stood out at both ends of the ice. Keeping things relatively simple, he shut down plays using his mobility, long stick, and heavy frame (though he still has room to get more physical in the future). With the puck on his stick, he delivered crisp, accurate outlet passes and flashed some carrying skill. His offensive skill and creativity may be limited overall, but he displayed the ability to handle pucks along the blue line and keep plays alive.
Playing with Lukko in Finland, Lisovskis has some big defencemen to look up to, from Jakub Floriš in his own organization to fellow Latvian Alberts Šmits, who took the same path through Finland and grew into an elite NHL prospect. We'll see how far Lisovskis can go, but this was a highly encouraging start to his junior career.
Anton Emil Wilde Larsen, G, Denmark, 2026 NHL Draft
Anton Wilde was one of the best stories of this tournament. In their first year back in the top division, Denmark were the odds-on favourites to be relegated right back down to Division IA. Wilde, however, put on a show against Germany to prevent that, stopping 31 of 32 shots and securing a spot in the quarterfinals. He almost followed up that performance with an even more sensational feat – facing a far superior Team USA, he stopped 52 of 54 shots to give his team a chance to pull off the upset. That didn't happen, as the United States won 2-0, but the performance was incredible nonetheless, and he was the talk of the game among scouts.
Finishing the tournament with sub-.800 save percentages against Sweden and the quarter-final against Slovakia don't look great on paper, and it quickly pulled Wilde back down to earth. Still, the 6-foot-4 goaltender, who was Denmark's starter at this year's World Juniors as well, made a legitimate case for himself as an NHL draft pick.
Throughout the tournament, he showed a high level of athleticism and great mobility for his size. He has a strong technical base and frequently scans the ice to be aware of all threats. His body wasn't always able to keep up with what he saw, and our staff weren't quite convinced that we saw NHL-level tools.
Still, Wilde wasn't on our radar as a potential pick going into the tournament, but we certainly wouldn't be surprised to see him picked now.