In this edition of the hotstove we predict the gold medal winner at this year's World Juniors.
Todd Cordell
There are a lot of good teams but I still think Canada is the cream of the crop.
With the likes of Mitch Marner, Dylan Strome and Mathew Barzal, among many others, goal scoring should not be an issue for Canada and they have arguably the best goaltender in the tournament in Mackenzie Blackwood. He will miss Canada's first two preliminary round games due to suspension but Canada will have him when the games are meaningful.
Their defense isn't stellar but I think their offense and goaltending - assuming Blackwood starts when he returns - is more than good enough to make up for any short comings.
When all is said and done I expect Canada to win their second gold in as many years.
Jason Lewis This is going to be a great tournament. There is a ton of talent on these rosters so it should be a great watch.
While the U.S. and Canada are both fielding ridiculous rosters, I have to give the nod to the hometown boys. Finland has an equally strong stage, they are going to be playing in front of their home fans, and it is on international ice where the U.S. and Canada have both struggled in the past.
I think Finland is also going to benefit from the weaker of the two groups. While Russia will field quite a challenge, the U.S. and Canada have to put up with Sweden, an up and coming Switzerland in their group. You shouldn't take the Czechs or Slovaks likely, but USA-Canada-Sweden-Switzerland is a much tougher group than Russia-Finland-Czech-Slovakia. I like Rantanen joining up, and Saarela, Laine, Kapanen, Juolevi and Lammikko are all excellent. I wonder a bit about the goaltending but Kaapo Kahkonen has been solid in Liiga this year. Overall the Finns are fielding a strong roster.
With the N.A. teams historically struggling overseas (Except US in Russia 2013), I can't help but feel like this tournament is Finland's for the taking.