The 2025 IIHF men’s World Championship is just around the corner. 

The international hockey tournament will take place from May 9 to 25 with Sweden and Denmark serving as the host countries. 

Despite the NHL playoffs still going on, there are still a ton of talented players set to participate at the World Championship to be excited about. 

Here are 10 players to watch out for: 

Sidney Crosby, C, Canada 

Sidney Crosby needs no introduction. He’s known to be one of the greatest players to ever put on the Canadian uniform.

Crosby has won six gold medals with Team Canada between the Olympics, World Junior Championship, World Championship and 4 Nations Face-Off.

However, he hasn’t played at the World Championship since 2015. 

The 37-year-old center could be using this tournament to build upon his already impressive international hockey resume and prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics. 

Nathan MacKinnon, C, Canada

Shortly after the Colorado Avalanche were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs by the Dallas Stars, MacKinnon committed to play for Team Canada. 

MacKinnon has played at the World Championship three times throughout his career but not since 2017, which is why this commitment came as somewhat of a surprise. 

The 29-year-old center is widely considered the most talented player right now to commit to this tournament thus far. 

Both being from Nova Scotia, MacKinnon has a longstanding relationship with Crosby as he looks up to the three-time Stanley Cup champion. His arrival to the World Championship could very well stem from Crosby and to show his commitment to Canada ahead of the Olympics. 

Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Canada

Marc-Andre Fleury’s trip to Sweden for the World Championship is truly heartwarming. 

The 2024-25 campaign marked Fleury’s last season in the NHL, and the World Championship will likely be his swan song before he goes off into retirement. 

The last time Fleury played for Team Canada was back in 2010 for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

While the 40-year-old goalie has actually never played at the World Championship before, it’s so fitting he’ll end his illustrious career off by representing his country and reunite with longtime Penguins teammate, Crosby.

Jacob Markstrom, G, Sweden

It’s a quick turnaround for Jacob Markstrom as he goes from the NHL playoffs to the World Championship after his New Jersey Devils were eliminated in the first round. 

Markstrom has represented Sweden at the World Championship four times with his last appearance coming in 2019. 

The 35-year-old goalie dealt with some injuries this season, but having Stockholm, Sweden, hosting the World Championship may have played into Markstrom’s decision to come on board.

Markstrom will be particularly interesting to watch, because Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson and Ottawa Senators netminder Linus Ullmark indicated an interest to play for Team Sweden but were both uninvited. 

Tage Thompson, RW, USA

Over the past few seasons, Tage Thompson has transformed into one of the most dangerous scorers in the NHL. 

That’s why it was a surprise to many when he was not selected to Team USA for the 4 Nations Face-Off. 

Thompson could use this tournament to show he did indeed deserve to be a part of the 4 Nations Face-Off and should be chosen to play at the upcoming Olympics. 

The 27-year-old right winger who can also play center has been on Team USA at the World Championship twice over his career.

Jeremy Swayman, G, USA

After signing an eight-year, $66-million contract with the Boston Bruins, Swayman had what many considered to be an off-year. 

There’s no doubt the Bruins collectively didn’t do him any favors, but Swayman clearly needed to be better. 

Playing at the World Championship is a way for Swayman to prove he’s still one of the best goalies in the NHL, and he could also use this time to improve upon his skills and get back on track. 

This marks the second time the 26-year-old goalie will play at the World Championship. 

Clayton Keller, LW, USA

Despite consistently showing he could be one of the best forwards in the NHL, Clayton Keller was not named to Team USA for the 4 Nations Face-Off.  

Now the Utah Mammoth captain get his chance with the USA at the World Championship in hopes to also prove himself to make the Olympic team next year.

The 26-year-old will also serve as USA’s captain, adding an extra weight of responsibility. This is the first time Keller is playing at the World Championship since 2019.

Juuse Saros, G, Finland

With the Nashville Predators missing the playoffs and regressing from the year before, Juuse Saros’s numbers naturally took a bit of a dip. 

With a longer off-season, the 30-year-old goalie has the time to play at the World Championship and prove he is not to be trifled with. 

Saros is coming off an appearance for Team Finland at the 4 Nations Face-Off. This will be his fourth time participating at the World Championship. 

Nico Hischier, C, Switzerland

Nico Hischier has played for Team Switzerland at the World Championship every year since 2019, so it’s no surprise he’ll be returning.

Unlike teams like the U.S. and Canada, Switzerland does not consist of as many top-tier NHL players, so Hischier could help put Switzerland on the map as a hockey destination. 

The 26-year-old helped lead Team Switzerland to the gold medal match in last year’s World Championship before losing to Team Czechia. Hischier now looks for redemption. 

Moritz Seider, D, Germany

Moritz Seider has practically been a yearly participant at the World Championship. 

Not only will Seider slot in as Team Germany’s top defenseman, but he’ll serve as the captain, something that comes with an immense set of pressure and a sense of pride. 

It will be an opportunity for the 24-year-old Detroit Red Wings defenseman to prove himself as a player and a leader. 

With the Olympics on the horizon, Seider and Team Germany have the chance to make a statement.

The Hockey News will have coverage of the IIHF World Championship from Sweden as the tournament progresses.

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