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Thursday was the seventh day of the World Junior Summer Showcase to help determine the rosters for the United States, Canada, Finland and Sweden at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, to be held in Ottawa from Dec. 26-Jan. 5.

PLYMOUTH, Mich. — The San Jose Sharks added the top player available at the 2024 NHL Draft in No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini, but there are a lot more high-end prospects close to joining him.

The Sharks have five players here for the World Junior Summer Showcase: Canada defenseman Sam Dickinson, United States forwards Quentin Musty and Brandon Svoboda, and Sweden defensemen Axel Landen and Leo Sahlin Wallenius.

“It’s beneficial to observe our prospects competing against the top prospects from other teams at events like these, as it provides a clearer understanding of where things stand,” said Chris Morehouse, Sharks’ Director of Amateur Scouting. “We’ve drafted some players who we believe are primed to carve out a role for themselves. Our ultimate aim is to identify as many potential NHL players as possible and continue persevering.”

Selected in the first round (No. 26) of the 2023 NHL Draft, Musty could be the closest among the five to teaming up with Celebrini in San Jose. The 19-year-old, who tied for fourth in the Ontario Hockey League last season with a score of 102 points (43 goals, 59 assists) in 53 games for Sudbury, is a promising talent.

However, Musty takes the most pride in his improvement when the puck is not in his possession.

“On Thursday, he said, “I believe that trying to improve defensively, maintaining composure, and being dependable in my own area and the neutral zone are important. Essentially, I just need to enhance my defensive performance overall.”

While Musty’s size (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and strength meet NHL standards, the prospect of adding another teenage player to the roster could be challenging. This is particularly true when considering Celebrini and center Will Smith, the No. 4 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, who are anticipated to play significant roles within the top nine.

“Musty is making good progress, but we must remember he’s only 19,” said Morehouse. “His performance in training camp will be crucial. He demonstrated his potential at the development camp, showing strength and impressive skills. We’re very optimistic about his future. However, at 19, we need to be patient and let his journey unfold naturally, and wait for Quentin to show us when he’s ready.”

Svoboda, who was the 71st pick in the third round of the 2023 draft, has unexpectedly performed well early in the WJSS, scoring five points, which includes one goal and four assists, in his first three games. This comes after his last season’s performance with Fargo and Youngstown in the United States Hockey League, where he scored 20 points, comprising 12 goals and eight assists, in 40 games.

“He stated, “I believe I made significant progress in my skating and overall confidence. I feel excellent on the ice and I think that’s what’s aiding me in contributing.”

Morehouse was impressed after watching the first two games.

“He appeared confident, looking good there,” he commented. “Exactly what you want to see – him taking a step up in his game.”

All five prospects had the opportunity to spend time with Celebrini at the Sharks development camp last month and are looking forward to joining him in San Jose eventually.

“Musty spoke highly of him, describing him as an exceptional guy who is genuinely nice. He said that his hunger and passion are evident in his daily routine. He added that he’s a humorous individual who brings joy to those around him. Musty also mentioned that his talent is well-known, emphasizing that he’s quite remarkable,” Musty said.

The players at the WJSS are also excited to be a part of the Sharks’ future.

“It’s an excellent organization,” declared Musty. “Despite their challenging year last year, they’ve hired numerous high-caliber and experienced individuals to support the younger team members. I’m thrilled about potentially being part of that in the upcoming years.”

Here are three things learned Thursday:

Kuusla opening eyes

Emil Kuusla believes that if he maintains his health this season, he will not be ignored for the 2025 NHL Draft like he was in the 2024 draft.

The 19-year-old forward has begun well, scoring two goals and assisting one in Finland’s 5-3 victory over the United States on Wednesday. He also displayed his aggressive side, earning a 10-minute penalty for unsportsmanlike behavior during a third-period scuffle near the U.S. goal.

“Kuusla has an exceptional attitude towards the game and his fearlessness in his play impresses me,” said Lauri Mikkola, the coach of Finland, on Thursday.

Staying healthy is crucial for Kuusla (5-9, 170 pounds). Last season, he scored 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 32 games for Jokerit in Mestis, Finland’s second division of pro hockey.

“High hockey IQ, good stick handling, and the ability to produce characterise him,” said NHL Director of European Scouting, Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen. “He’s an incredibly spirited individual who can hold his own against larger opponents excellently.”

Improving his strength could help Kuusla evade injuries and provide NHL scouts with more chances to witness his gameplay. Participating in the World Juniors would also serve this purpose.

“Securing a spot on the team this season is definitely something I’m eagerly anticipating,” Kuusla expressed through a translator on Wednesday. “It would not only be an immense honor but also a very unique experience.”

Sweden finally at full strength

Sweden has had a few eventful days in North America.

Their flight from Stockholm got canceled last Thursday, and upon arrival, six players found their luggage and/or equipment missing.

Before their game against Canada in Windsor, Ontario on Wednesday, coach Magnus Havelid confirmed that all players were able to get on the ice.

“He said, ‘We had to go and purchase gear for some of the guys. I believe we’re short of luggage for five or six of them. We buy everything, and even got loans from USA Hockey and the likes. So, it’s not a problem currently.'”

Goalies Marcus Gidlof (New York Islanders), Olof Glifford (Florida Panthers) and Melker Thelin (Utah Hockey Club), were among those missing gear, as well as defenseman Axel Landen (San Jose Sharks).

“Only my sticks are here,” Landen stated, as he was on the ice breaking in a new pair of skates on Thursday. He doesn’t hold much confidence in getting his gear back.

Havelid stated that he has never experienced this before, but he remains optimistic that all the luggage and equipment will eventually reach them.

“They informed us that everything was on the flight, but when the team manager went to the airport today, there was no luggage,” he said. “However, they are laid-back individuals. We have resolved the issue and now everyone can participate in at least three games.”

Powell, Ruohonen remain friends

Noah Powell and Heikki Ruohonen established a friendly bond when they attended the Philadelphia Flyers development camp as forwards. They were thrilled to unexpectedly meet each other again at a hotel in Plymouth.

There was also a less amicable encounter during the Finland-U.S. game on Wednesday.

In the second period, Ruohonen slammed U.S. forward James Reeder into the curved glass at the end of the Finland bench. In response, Powell delivered a substantial open-ice hit on Ruohonen during the following shift.

On Thursday, every player managed to find humor in it.

“Nothing personal occurred,” stated Ruohonen. “We both play tough. I may not recall the particular shifts, but I do remember we had some clashes. It’s inevitable considering we’re both competitive individuals.”

Ruohonen valued the advice he received from Powell about playing for Dubuque in the USHL. Powell, set to play at Ohio State in the fall, played for Dubuque for the last two seasons which was more significant to Ruohonen.

“Powell said, ‘He is fortunate to have a strong team and an excellent coaching staff for support. He will undoubtedly form a strong bond with any host family he gets because Dubuque is home to only the best families. There’s nothing but praise for Dubuque.'”

Ruohonen has appreciated Powell’s guidance.

“Ruohonen said he was just informed that it’s a wonderful location with superb hockey. He also mentioned that Chipotle is a top choice.”

NHL.com staff writer Jon Lane contributed to this report