Finland shocked host team Sweden in the gold medal match to conclude the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship. But while the team results of the event are important, the individual performances are what many focus on, as some of these players will be stars in the NHL in the coming seasons.
Below are my grades for NHL teams in terms of the players in their pipeline that participated in the event, including some observations on every drafted prospect. This is based mostly on video observations, but also discussions with scouts. Bear in mind that the team grades are not meant to show total prospect value, as that cannot be determined from a short tournament, and that we focus more on the scouting angle instead of the statistical angle for these rankings. For reference, an "A" represents a high number of prospects participating in the tournament and performing at a high level. A "D" represents few prospects in the tournament and those that did participate did not perform particularly well.
• F Filip Forsberg was outstanding and was named MVP of the tournament. He dominated opponents with high-end puck skills, a great work ethic, a top-end power game and good instincts. He was always involved in the play when he was on the ice, sometimes creating chances through sheer will. Forsberg looks like a potential top-line NHL forward, and perhaps a star.
• F Saku Maenalainen had a surprisingly great tournament, as he was the top goal scorer, and a threat every game on Finland's top line. He doesn't have great puck skills, but he's a big, strong forward who skates well, went to the high percentage areas, showed good awareness and quality finishing skills.
• G Juuse Saros was the best goaltender at the tournament, a natural progression after being the best goalie at the under-18 tournament last spring. Saros may be small, but he's an incredibly gifted goaltender in all other aspects. He's quick, smart, poised and most impressive of all are his reads and reflexes. Saros reads shots off the stick perfectly, anticipating when to stand, go down and make movements within the crease.
• F Zach Stepan was the 13th forward for most of the tournament for Team USA, but slotted in briefly for Danny O'Regan. He's a decent all-around player who made a few nice plays at the tournament, but was mostly a non-factor.
• D Mikko Vainonen was a solid, physical defensive presence. He regularly made some tough stops and cleared forwards out of the high percentage areas well. However, he didn't get much done in terms of puck movement.
• F Riley Barber was outstanding, and was a consistent offensive threat for the Americans. He brought speed, skill, energy and effective decision making on a regular basis, showing why he's been one of the top players in college hockey this season. A mid-round pick, it's starting to look like Barber will provide great value for that investment.
• F Andre Burakovsky may not have gotten the most even-strength ice time on Sweden, but when he did play he was electric. One of the best -- if not the best -- pure skaters at the tournament, Burakovsky created scoring chances and put defenders on their heels on a consistent basis. He has a high skill level and was great with the man advantage. He also battled quite well.
• D Connor Carrick was a fine two-way defender for Team USA, with his play picking up towards the end of the tournament. He's a quick puck-mover whose defensive play has really improved, although he didn't produce as much as was expected offensively. His size and the occasional poor decision can ding him, but he's improved many aspects of his game since his draft year.
• D Christian Djoos quarterbacked the power play for Sweden, as he did last season. He's a gifted puck handler and puck mover. While he's decent in his own end, he's not all that reliable, especially as a smaller player.
• F Thomas DiPauli filled a smaller, penalty killing role for USA. He's a very hard working forward with good speed who can flash some offensive creativity, but that isn't always there. Expectations for him weren't too high given his likely ice time, and he did his job.
Buffalo Sabres: A-
• F Mikhail Grigorenko entered his third WJC, and while he wasn't fantastic, he was named one of Russia's top players. Grigorenko has the ability to make unique plays in terms of his passing ability, quick reads and shiftiness. He isn't the quickest, or the fiercest, but he was winning some battles, and did a decent job killing penalties as well.
• D Nikita Zadorov had some pretty good flashes in terms of his rushes, physicality and displays on the power play. He wasn't amazing defensively, but he was still solid. He had a few games where he looked sensational, and others where he was just fine.
• D Rasmus Ristolainen wasn't good in his first few games, which may have been due to the fact he had the flu, or was coming off a concussion. However, he rebounded in a big way during the medal round, earning top defensemen accolades and scoring a highlight-reel golden goal. He's really a do-everything defenseman. Risto is very smart in both ends. He's also big, physical, skilled, and quick.
• F Teuvo Teravainen was the leading scorer at the tournament. His offensive hockey sense is off the charts, as Teuvo makes incredibly quick reads, sees the entire ice very well, and always knows where to put the puck. His level of puck skills is also very high. Teravainen was also leaned on defensively as a key penalty killer for Finland.
• F Ryan Hartman was a checker/grinder at the last WJC, but took on more of a scoring role this time around. He showed a lot of skill and creativity pairing up with Jack Eichel. Hartman also has the agitating element to his game, but the offensive skill shined through, which makes him desirable as an NHL prospect.
• F Vince Hinostroza has been one of the top freshmen in the country in the NCAA, and he showed flashes of that at this tournament. He's a very speedy forward with great vision, and found a way to contribute on offense despite limited minutes. He wasn't one of the USA's best forwards, but he still had a good tournament.
• D Robin Norell had a pretty strong tournament. He had only one point, but was very good in his own end despite his average size. Norell is a great skater who is tough on his checks, and was great on the penalty kill for Sweden.
• F Sebastian Collberg was decent to solid during the tournament. He showed off his skill, speed and determination, but wasn't a major contributor in games. His best skill is his shot, and he wasn't able to really connect on solid releases too often. Collberg's lack of strength showed at times too. He was better defensively than I remember, however.
• F Jacob de la Rose was a very effective complementary piece on Sweden's top line. He's a great skater who is physical and works hard, but he also made good distribution plays when he had to handle the puck. He's not a dangler, but there's some hidden offensive upside to his game.
• G Zach Fucale took Canada's crease back once Jake Paterson faltered, and while he was up and down he had some really impressive moments. Fucale is tough to read because scouts I've talked to in the QMJHL have loved his season, but his stats are mediocre, like they were at the tournament. He made some amazing saves, showed good composure and read the game pretty well, but also did let some goals leak through.
• F Charles Hudon started off as the 13th forward for Canada, but worked his way up to get a regular even-strength shift later in the tournament. He's a skilled two-way player with impressive hockey sense, but a lack of dynamic qualities and below-average size keeps him from being an overly threatening player.
• F Arturri Lehkonen wasn't as stellar offensively as he was at the summer camp, or as he has been at previous international events. However, he was involved whenever he was on the ice, and was particularly impressive in his own end, an area of his game that has seen serious development over the last year.
• F Martin Reway was one of the top forwards in the round robin portion of the tourney. He really stood out with his puck possession skills, displaying the ability to make quick, creative decisions and generate a lot of chances with his vision and puck control. He's small though, and not a blazing skater, more agile than quick. Reway's stock has trended up over the last year, and he is now an above-average prospect.
• F Jonathan Drouin wasn't perfect, but most of the time he was outstanding with the puck, looking like the clear best prospect on the ice. Other times he got caught trying to do too much, or got into penalty trouble. Drouin is an elite playmaker so the first concern was likely just a sample issue. His strength level ideally needs more work before he makes the NHL jump.
• F Adam Erne slotted originally in USA's top six, but had a disappointing tournament that saw his ice time steadily reduced. He played well physically, and I like him a lot as a prospect, but at the WJC he was behind the pace and didn't create a ton without the help of Jack Eichel or Ryan Hartman. That is not typical for him in the QMJHL.
• F Henri Ikonen started off the tournament well enough, showing some nice spurts of speed and physical effort, but he wasn't all that consistent on the offensive side of the puck. His ice time got cut though towards the medal round.
• G Andrei Vasilevski wasn't the best goalie at the WJC, but he was up there, and arguably remains the top NHL goaltending prospect. He displayed the ability to make tough saves, but does so in a unique way with his great combination of size, hockey sense, technique and reflexes.
• D Griffin Reinhart missed the first three games due to a suspension, but was a rock on the back end after he returned. He's a huge defenseman who skates well for his size, and has great hockey sense. He was surprisingly active on offense and had some good moments with the puck.
• D Adam Pelech was just OK at the tournament. He certainly has some quality defensive skills in terms of his reads, physicality and reach, but his lack of puck skills were evident. His projection for the NHL certainly isn't that of a player in an offensive role.
• D Ville Pokka was great, and was named as one of Finland's top three players. He's only an OK skater and not the biggest guy, but he's so smart. "He's a Steady Eddie," said one NHL scout. Pokka moves the puck really well, has solid hands and understands the game at a high level in his own end too. Once he bulks up, he could be a dangerous player in North America.
• F Josh Anderson showed off some of his positive qualities, such as his frame and great physical game. However, Anderson did next to nothing offensively, and was never really a threat aside from pressuring defenders with his body and protecting the puck.
• F Marko Dano was one of the top scorers in the tournament last year, but he took on a different role this time around. He was on the second offensive line and was somewhat productive, but he was also one of Slovakia's top defensive forwards. Dano is a highly skilled player, but it was interesting to see all the plays he made in his own end and the strength he displayed in puck battles.
• G Oscar Dansk had a good tournament, named the top goaltender by the directorate, although not by the media. He fills the net up well, displaying plus athleticism with his movements. His positioning could still be somewhat improved, but when he's on, he reads the game at a high level.
• F Kerby Rychel didn't do a ton that impressed for Canada. He played with some nice grit and threw his body around, but his ice time got cut as he continued to not generate anything offensively. He's capable of more, so it's not too concerning based on the larger body of work.
• F Markus Soberg missed the first few games due to injury, but displayed some nice speed and skill during the rare times that Norway had the puck. It's hard to know if he can project to the top level at his size, but he has some tools with which to work.
• F Alexander Wennberg had a very strong tournament as an anchor down the middle for one of Sweden's top two lines. Wennberg showed some high-end playmaking skills, while also generating chances with his speed. He was also pretty reliable defensively.
Winnipeg Jets: B+
• F Andrew Copp was named as one of USA's top three players, centering their grind line. Copp's development has really taken off since his days with the NTDP days. He's a high-pace, high-speed player who wins battles, pressures defenders, and has solid offensive instincts as well. He has the ability to be a good two-way forward at the NHL level.
• D Jan Kostalek is seen by scouts as a two-way defenseman, but he was deployed in a defensive role here, and didn't really get power play opportunities. He made stops with his stick and physicality, and tended to have some solid but unspectacular games. I anticipate a much bigger role for him at this event next season.
• D Josh Morrissey was average with flashes of his potential, which is that of a speedy puck-mover with great instincts. Morrissey's lack of strength and his age showed in other instances though, and he was clearly kept away from the opposition's better players.
• F Nic Petan was quiet in the first few games, but after being heavily leaned on for offense, he showed the tremendous puck possession skills he has. He's been a top player in the CHL, and showed that when he gets space to work with he's a dynamic playmaker. Petan's size (5-foot-9, 172 pounds) is a notable issue in his NHL projection, on top of the fact he isn't a high-end skater.
• F Peter Cehlarik was decent at the WJC, but didn't stand out like he did at the under-18 championship and has in league play the past two seasons. With his size and vision, he can be a pretty good player, and he may benefit from the smaller North American ice due to his below-average skating technique.
• D Matt Grzelcyk was one of the top defensemen at the tournament. He was threatening with his high-end speed and vision, showing some of the same tools that made him dangerous while with the USNTDP. Aside from seeming to need another vowel in his name, Grzelcyk isn't the biggest guy, but on the big ice he flourished and showed some moderate effectiveness on the penalty kill too.
• D Linus Arnesson was OK, with good flashes. He's a strong defender who can lay the body pretty well. He also has good feet. He didn't really make much happen with the puck, although he had a good moment or two in that area.
• F Anthony Mantha was Canada's best player. He's so fun to watch, due to his combination of high-end speed and skill in a big frame. He played with confidence, and made a ton of tough offensive plays that many players -- let alone big men -- don't usually execute. He isn't the most physical or the best defensively, but he made scoring chances happen at a high frequency.
• G Jake Paterson took the starting job for Canada after a strong pre-tourney game where he made a lot of tough saves, showing high-end athletic abilities. He lost it to Zach Fucale after poor performances where he didn't give up soft goals, but didn't seem to be tracking the puck well, and the result was goals against that were stoppable.
• F Anton Slepyshev, the Russian captain, was quite impressive at both ends. Even though he still needs to bulk up, he battled well for pucks, created with his puck skills and vision, and played with good energy. He was passed over once, drafted in the third round last year, and could be a pretty good value pick if Edmonton can get him to transfer, as he's currently one of their top forward prospects.
• F Bogdan Yakimov did a fine job centering Russia's third line. He's a big, strong forward who was tough to knock off the puck or keep from driving the net. Yakimov has skill too, but his main issue is that he's a clunky skater.
• G Marcus Hogberg didn't play a ton. When he does play, he shows you great athletic tools for a guy his size, but maintaining his mental focus and working on the fine details of goaltending have been his issues thus far.
• F Curtis Lazar was one of Canada's best players. He did it all. Lazar pressured defensemen with speed, drove the net, made plays with the man advantage, landed quality hits, and played good defense. He's a well-rounded prospect who displayed all his qualities on the WJC stage.
• F Quentin Shore was just OK for the USA, which was somewhat expected. Shore was impressive at the summer camp, but didn't do a whole lot here. He was fine in terms of defensive play, but his lack of speed and pace made him a non-factor.
• D Derrick Pouliot was one of the top defensemen at the tournament. He's a dynamic offensive player, with the ability to escape pressure at a high level, lead rushes and control the puck well at the point. His defense has never been a strong point (and still isn't), but it's improved notably to where he can play heavier minutes.
• F Oskar Sundqvist got his ice time significantly cut when Elias Lindholm arrived for Sweden, although he managed to get a key goal in a medal round game. When he does play, he's a skilled center with size who can grind for pucks but lacks speed. Sundqvist didn't do a ton at this tournament.
• F Pavel Buchnevich had a lot of impressive moments where he was the catalyst for setting up scoring chances for Russia. He has pretty good hands and vision, allowing him to be a dangerous offensive weapon. His lack of strength was an issue at times as he didn't win a ton of battles, and his defense needs a lot of work. However, he stood out for an underage forward.
• D Brady Skjei was one of the USA's top shutdown defensemen, using his elite skating ability to close gaps and break up plays. Skjei also showed more physical play than he's shown in prior international events. He did look uncomfortable at times when handling the puck, with his puck-moving still being a bit of an issue.
• F Hudson Fasching continued his upward spike -- which started in the summer and continued into the season where he's been one of the most impressive NCAA freshmen in recent memory -- with strong play here. He's a prospect reborn after a disappointing draft season. Fasching has a high-end physical game to go along with a great skill level, good speed, and quality defensive skills. He was one of the USA's top players.
• F Valentin Zykov alternated between the 12th and 13th forward for Russia, but when he was playing, he showed some pretty good puck skills and protection ability. His below-average skating was a bit of a problem on the large ice surface.
• F Stefan Matteau displayed some good grinding elements as he was strong on the puck for the USA, excelled in the cycle game and showed fine touch around the high percentage areas. His lack of discipline -- which has been a recurring theme in his career -- also came to the forefront.
• D Steve Santini didn't put up points, getting only one in five games, but he was still very good. Santini showed off impressive mobility, high-end physicality, and defensive instincts. He was one of the top defensive defensemen at the tournament, which is more notable due to the fact he was skating as an underage player at this tourney.
• F Frederik Gauthier barely played, especially in the second half of the tournament. He was used on the fourth line and in some defensive situations, but he didn't look up to the pace and physical intensity of the tournament. He's not a dynamic underage forward, so the result is somewhat expected, but there wasn't a ton of good to extract from his performance, and I expected more.
• F Andreas Johnson was one of the better forwards for Sweden. Earlier this season, I profiled him as a big riser, and he showed why here. Johnson was fast and involved in the play. He displayed good hands in tight, and made quick decisions.
• F Fabrice Herzog played well as a secondary scorer, meaning that he was often on the receiving end of scoring chances instead of generating them. Herzog did well planting himself in front of the net as a large man with good hands. He's not the most gifted skater or playmaker, but he has some desirable attributes for the NHL game, and was one of Switzerland's best players.
Anaheim Ducks: B-
• F Nic Kerdiles was one of the USA's best players and aside from a poor game vs. Canada, was a factor in every match. Kerdiles is a skilled player who led the NTDP in scoring during his under-18 days, but also showed some nice grind and battle elements. Once he bulks up some more, he could be a very interesting NHL prospect.
• F Nick Sorensen was playing in his second WJC, and was slightly above average for Sweden in a third-line role. He's quick, works hard and has above-average possession skills, but he was never a standout in a game, though he did create a number of chances.
San Jose Sharks: C+
• D Mirco Mueller played a little more of an offensive role for the Swiss than he usually does in the WHL, but his game was still primarily in his own end. As a big, mobile defenseman with great defensive sense, he was their top shutdown option. Overall his play was fine, and once he really bulks up he should take the next step in his development.
• F Dan O'Regan was the top line center for Team USA, but was slightly disappointing, as he didn't generate a ton of offense and was more the third wheel for Riley Barber and Nic Kerdiles. O'Regan is a pretty good playmaking center, but you wouldn't know that just from watching this event.
• F Elias Lindholm was just fine in his first game or so in the lineup, but he really hit his stride in the middle of the tournament, being a key player for Sweden. Lindholm was very good at both ends, showing great skill and hockey sense. However, his strength level is lackluster, and he was out-muscled at times.
• F Erik Karlsson fought through injuries to provide a spark plug role for Sweden. He's a quick player with a decent skill level and good effort level. He's provided offense at other levels, but here he was more a speed and pressure type of player.
• D Jaccob Slavin has been a prospect on the uptick the last season and a half. He wasn't spectacular, but he made good decisions in both ends, making the most of his skill set. He was one of Team USA's defensemen that played the fewest minutes, but as a prospect he showed some promise to be a depth NHLer.
• D Robert Hagg was an injury invite to last year's WJC to help run a power play and provide some skill. This year, his role was flipped, as he was a hard-nosed shutdown D for Sweden. Hagg was physical, got tough assignments, and was out there on the penalty kill. He performed well in this role. It will be very intriguing to see how he's used next season, which will likely be an all-situations role.
• F Scott Laughton steadily earned more responsibility from Brent Sutter for Team Canada. He's a reliable defensive forward, who on occasion flashed the offensive skill he displays in the OHL. He wasn't really a consistent offensive threat during the tournament, however.
• F Taylor Leier didn't play a ton, and when he did he was just OK, going pointless during the tournament. He's been impressive in the WHL, and I liked his hustle and quickness at the WJC, but he didn't do a ton in terms of scoring chance creation.
• G Anthony Stolarz only got one start, in a game against Germany that wasn't close. There wasn't much of a chance to get true scouting notes on him from that game, but he got a shutout, so it's hard to be critical as well.
• D Valeri Vasiliev didn't play much, slotting in as Russia's No. 7 defenseman. He was physical and made some defensive stops when he did play, but he's limited with the puck and not a blazing skater.
Dallas Stars: C
• F Radek Faksa was pretty solid defensively for the Czechs, but really didn't do a ton offensively, which has been indicative of where his prospect stock is going. A top 15 pick by Dallas when he had a great first season with Kitchener (OHL), he hasn't looked as creative with the puck in recent years, projecting more as a checker now.
• D Esa Lindell was a pleasant surprise, as he was a top 10 defenseman at the tournament. Lindell got involved in the offensive rushes, moved the puck well, but also showed some solid defensive play. He made stops both with his reads and body. He doesn't wow you, but did a lot of things at an above-average level.
• D Matt Dumba struggled during the tournament, especially given the high amount of minutes he played. He was suffering from an illness during the event, so that is a possible cause. He didn't play at his usual tempo or physical level, or show his true offensive capabilities. Dumba struggled with his decisions and puck management here.
• D Gustav Olofsson was OK in the first few games, but his play picked up in the second half of the event. Oloffson is a very skilled, puck-moving defenseman who showed good puck control and creativity from the point. He's not great defensively, even though he has decent mobility. He also needs more strength to compete at the top level.
• D Will Butcher had a pretty strong tournament for an underage defenseman. He was on USA's second power play unit, displaying top-end offensive instincts to go with his good mobility. Butcher's size hurts him at times in his own end, but he still found ways to make stops.
• D Chris Bigras struggled early on for Canada, making several mistakes and getting beaten to the point where he was essentially benched. I like him a lot as a prospect, as I see the tools to be a mobile, skilled defenseman with good two-way reads, but this simply wasn't his time to shine.
• F Bo Horvat was slightly above average, showing some creativity and good defensive play, but was not a primary factor in games. He's a top prospect who has excelled in the OHL, but he wasn't too dangerous offensively at this tournament, where his average skating didn't do him any favors on the big ice.
Phoenix Coyotes: C-
• G Marek Langhammer was named one of the Czech Republic's top players by the coaches. He made many tough stops when the ice got tilted against his team, showing a good glove hand, quick reactions and quality athletic abilities. His positioning certainly does need work, as he got caught moving around a little frantically at times.
• G Jon Gillies came in as one of the top goalie prospects at the tournament, but while he didn't let in soft goals to put the USA in a hole, he didn't stand out, aside from some isolated moments. Of course, goalie evaluation over a few games can be unreliable, and he showed some good athletic abilities in flashes. But to be clear, these few games wouldn't be classified as Gillies' finest.
• D Ian McCoshen was up and down during the tournament, at times having to have his minutes cut when he was struggling with the pace. He ended the tournament in the No. 6 or 7 defenseman role for Team USA. McCoshen did show some good flashes in both ends -- particularly on the power play -- and as a prospect he's been impressive this season. However, this wasn't his year at the WJC. Next season he'll be leaned on more.
St. Louis Blues: N/A
The Blues did not have any players at this tournament.