This year's World Juniors is stacked with elite talent who has yet to hear their name called at the NHL draft. While most of the focus will be on Macklin Celebrini, there are plenty of other prospects playing in this year's tournament that the Vancouver Canucks and their fans should be keeping an eye on. Here is a look at five that are set to play critical roles for their teams during the tournament. OWEN ALLARD- CANADA Owen Allard is the perfect example of how hard work and dedication pays off. After missing the majority of the 2022-23 campaign with injury, he is not only making a difference for the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL but has made Team Canada as an undrafted player. The 6'2", 201-pound center has already made an impact at this year's tournament with a goal and three shots in Canada's 5-2 victory over Finland and will be looked upon to provide some offence and physicality in a bottom-six role. ONDREJ BECHER- CZECHIA The Prince George Cougars are one of the best teams in the CHL, in large part due to the play of Ondrej Becher. At 6'0" and 172 pounds, the versatile forward has scored 45 points in 30 games so far this season while also proving to be valuable on the defensive side of the puck. Recording an assist in Czechia's first game versus Slovakia, he will be looked upon to provide some depth scoring for a team looking to walk away with a medal for the second consecutive year. EMIL HEMMING- FINLAND A potential late first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Emil Hemming is an exciting player to watch. Not only is he dynamic offensively, but his two-way game has helped him establish himself in Liiga this season. Coming in at 6'2"and 194 pounds, the 17-year-old winger has game-breaking potential and will look to provide Finland with some depth scoring throughout the tournament. 2024 World Juniors Canucks Preview JAKOB WEBER- GERMANY An intriguing player to watch for Team Germany will be Jakob Weber. The right-shot defender has had a good season in the DEL, including increases in his ice time over the past few weeks. While he may not be the biggest defender, currently listed at 5'10"and 185 pounds, he is a player who is willing to put his body on the line to make a play. MATHIS ROUSSEAU- CANADA After starting the season 16-3-2, Mathis Rousseau looks to have won the starting job with Team Canada. The Halifax Mooseheads goaltender stopped 24 of the 26 shots he faced against Finland and was solid positionally throughout the game. At 5'11" and 172 pounds, he will try to replicate Thomas Milic's performance at last year's tournament. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxNjc3MzIzNTkyODA0MTE2/screenshot-2023-10-22-at-91546am.png]
