The World Junior Hockey tournament begins Christmas Day in Edmonton, containing two players from the Lightning and five from the Panthers. Representing the Lightning will be Russian forward Maxim Groshev and Swedish goalie Hugo Alnefelt. Finland will have two players from the Panthers in the tournament those being defenseman Kasper Puutio and forward Anton Lundell. Additionally, Florida’s American goalie Spencer Knight, Canadian goalie Devon Levi, and Swedish forward Emil Heineman will all be competing at the tournament.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Maxim Groshev
Maxim Groshev will represent Team Russia in Group B, and he will play against the likes of Sweden, USA, Czechia, and Austria. Although he is ranked as number sixteen out of twenty-two Lightning prospects, by Elite Prospects, he is expected to play a supporting role behind Amirov, Abramov, and Podkolzin. Russia will begin their tournament against the United States on Christmas, which will likely forecast future results. Furthermore, opponents of Sweden and Czechia will pose a challenge to team Russia. On the other hand, Austria should be a breeze although they have the talented Marco Rossi within their roster. As Tampa Bay’s 2020 Round three pick, a good tournament will help his game in the KHL. A couple years will build Groshev’s resume towards competing in the NHL, but only time will tell. Prediction: Russia will win the Bronze Medal, meanwhile Groshev will have one goal and three assists.
Hugo Alnefelt
Hugo Alnefelt will play for Team Sweden at the World Juniors, as either the starting or backup goalie. The competition for starting goalie between Alnefelt and Wallstedt will likely play out during the exhibition games. Sweden will take on both Switzerland and Canada in these pre tournament games, allowing Sweden to make their decision. In the event of winning the position of starting goalie, Alnefelt could have a great tournament to put him back on track in the SHL. Alnefelt’s SHL season has not started great with a .901 save percentage and a 3.13 Goals against average. However, a solid tournament and possibly a medal could right the ship. On the other hand, a position as backup could serve as motivation to improve his game. A backup position could see the 2019 3rd round pick come into a potential blowout game against Austria. No matter what happens we will likely see Alnefelt at some point in the tournament. Prediction: Sweden finishes fourth, Alnefelt has a breakout tournament that puts him on the map.
Florida Panthers
Kasper Puutio
Defensive prospect Kasper Puutio will be competing at the World Juniors for the country of Finland. This will be Puutio’s first appearance on the U20 roster after previously playing on Finland’s U16, U17, and U18 teams. The 2020 5th round pick will play against the countries of Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and Slovakia. Canada will be the biggest opposition for Finland, but they should still expect challenges from the remaining three countries. Fortunately for Puutio he will have the highly regarded Winnipeg prospect Ville Heinola to help him out on the back end. However, Puutio will be expected to pull some weight as only three defenseman from Finland have already played in the WJC. Puutio is ranked number 24 of 25 Florida prospects, by Elite prospects, so this will be a great opportunity to prove himself. Prediction: Finland win the silver medal, Puutio will have three assists.
Anton Lundell
Ranked number 2 out of 24, by Elite Prospects, Lundell will be one of the key guys for Panthers fans to look out for at the World Juniors. The 2020 12th overall pick will be the Captain of Finland and will be lethal alongside Kasper Simontaival. On New Year’s Eve Finland will play Canada, in an ever so important matchup. Although Canada has a “stacked” roster they have major goaltending problems, which will make for an interesting game. Lundell, who is having an amazing season in Liiga with 20 points in 17 games, will be an influence in games like these. However, there will not be many big matchups in Group A for Finland, as they are also playing Slovakia, Germany, and Switzerland. It will be games in the knockout round for Lundell and Finland that will be important. Prediction: Finland wins silver, Lundell finishes Top 3 in points.
Devon Levi
Devon Levi, Canadian goalie prospect, was drafted by the Panthers in the 7th Round of the 2020 NHL Draft. Levi is currently playing as backup goalie at Northeastern University behind starting Sophomore goalie Connor Murphy. This will be Levi’s first appearance on the International level and fans, players, and staff alike will not know Canada’s starter until game one. Nevertheless, Canada has a great roster that will likely make up for any goaltending issues, until the knockout stage. Outside the WJC, Levi will probably play a handful of games this year as the backup for Northeastern. As a 7th Round Pick, if Levi never develops that is fine, if he does, he is a steal. Prediction: Canada is eliminated in the Quarterfinals, and Devon Levi will not play a game.
Emil Heineman
The Florida Panthers prospect Emil Heineman will be playing as Left Wing for Sweden at this year’s World Juniors. The 2020 2nd Round Pick has had 3 points in 19 SHL games so far this season. Heineman will likely play a bottom 6 role as 2020 first round picks Holtz and Raymond lead the way. Heineman has played on one national team before, totaling 5 points in 4 games. As an adaptable two way forward, Heineman will be able to shift up and down the lineup and play any role. This special talent of Heineman’s will allow Sweden to be flexible in tough games against Russia and the USA. Playing on a highly competitive team such as Sweden will likely influence his game upon return to the SHL. Prediction: Sweden finishes fourth, Heineman scores 5 or more points.
Spencer Knight
Spencer Knight, was drafted 13th overall in 2019, by the Florida Panthers to become the next big thing. Knight has begun his season with Boston College and posted a 1.50 GAA, .955 SV% and a 4-0-0 record. Likely to sign a contract next offseason with the Panthers, Spencer Knight will quickly climb the goaltending ranks. The prospect goalie, could be the AHL Starter or Backup as soon as the 2021-22 season. Montembeault is a RFA this year and is yet to resign, and Chris Driedger’s contract expires next year. Although it would be hard to move Bobrovsky due to his massive contract, unless he starts performing, Knight could even become the Starter. Continued development for the star goalie in college will be great for him as he will become a professional. The World Juniors is the perfect stage for Spencer Knight to become the Panthers starter in a matter of years.
This will be Knight’s 6th international tournament as a part of the United States roster. The Red, White, and Blue will have a great tournament with not only their Goaltending but all components of the team. USA will carry with them an amazing Defensive corps that can only make Spencer Knight’s play better. Boston College teammate Matthew Boldy and the offense will also help put the puck in the opposing net. The United States will face tough opposition in opponents such as Sweden and Russia, but Knight can pull them through. This could be USA’s 5th WJC title and first since 2017. Prediction: USA wins the tournament thanks to a collective team effort. Spencer Knight posts 3 or more shutouts, and wins Best Goaltender.