Update to Team Canada’s world junior roster: Following last night’s 2-1 exhibition victory over Team Sweden, Team Canada cut forwards Jacob O’Brien (SEA) and Marek Vanacker (CHI), as well as d-man Jackson Smith (CBJ). This reduces Team Canada’s roster to the IIHF-maximum 22 skaters. Team Canada has also indicated it will carry only two goaltenders for the tournament, therefore either Carter George (LA), Jack Ivankovic (NSH), or Joshua Ravensbergen (SJS) also will be left off the roster.
Update to Team Finland’s world junior roster: Buffalo Sabres GM Jarko Kekalainen has confirmed that top prospect forward and current AHL’er Konsta Helenius will not be loaned to Team Finland for the 2026 WJC. This is a big blow to Team Finland, as Helenius is widely considered Finland’s top young player, and was named a top three player on last season’s silver-medal winning squad.