After a bit of a dry spell Canada got back on track last year by winning World Junior Gold on home soil.
In this edition of the hotstove we discuss which team has the best chance of dethroning them this year.
Todd Cordell
I think Team Sweden stands the best chance of unseating Canada.
William Nylander is probably the best player in the tournament and he has plenty of help with the likes of Alexander Nylander, Adrian Kempe and Dmytro Timashov, among others, aiding him up front.
The Swedes are also loaded with smart, mobile defensemen that can contribute at both ends of the ice such as Ducks prospects Jacob Larsson and Marcus Pettersson.
From top to bottom the Swedes may be as deep and talented as anyone. I think they can compete with any team in this tournament and wouldn't be surprised if they take Gold when all is said and done.
Peter Tessier
The easiest guess is to say the host country in this case Finland simply because of the 'home ice' effect. The Finns have a good squad but it could be any of the northern countries such as Sweden or Russia as well who come to challenge each year.
Often this tournament comes down to a junior level star power and who can find a niche to shine in. My feeling is that it comes down to goaltending and what country has the best run of goaltending when it matters and that would be in the elimination games. Take your pick because as the 800 lb gorilla every team will want to knock of Canada and that can be exhausting to fend off.
James Tanner Sweden because William Nylander is probably the best player in the world not currently playing in the NHL.
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