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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.

Sharks’ Director of Amateur Scouting, Chris Morehouse, expressed his enjoyment in seeing their prospects compete against other teams’ top prospects at events like this, stating it provides a better understanding of their current standing. He mentioned that the Sharks have drafted players who they believe have the potential to carve out a role for themselves. He emphasized that their ultimate goal is to discover as many NHL players as possible and continue to work hard.

Musty, who was chosen in the first round (No. 26) of the NHL Draft 2023, might be the nearest of the five to join Celebrini in San Jose. The 19-year-old player, who last season tied for fourth place in the Ontario Hockey League with a total of 102 points (comprising 43 goals and 59 assists) from 53 games with Sudbury, is being considered.

But Musty takes the most pride in his improvement when he’s away from the puck.

“On Thursday, he expressed his intention to improve his defensive skills. He emphasized the importance of maintaining composure, being dependable in his own zone and the neutral zone, and enhancing his overall defensive performance,” he stated.

Musty’s stature and strength, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 200 pounds, are on par with NHL standards. However, it might be challenging to include another teenage player on the team, considering Celebrini and center Will Smith, the No. 4 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, are anticipated to fill significant top-nine roles.

“Musty is making good progress, but we must remember that he is only 19 years old. His performance in the training camp will be crucial,” said Morehouse. “He was impressive at the development camp, displaying strength and skill, which excites us. However, being only 19, we need to be patient and see how Quentin evolves when he’s ready.”

Svoboda, who was the 71st pick in the third round of the 2023 draft, has unexpectedly performed well in the early WJSS games, scoring five points in his first three matches. This includes one goal and four assists. Last season, he scored 20 points, including 12 goals and eight assists, in 40 games while playing for Fargo and Youngstown in the United States Hockey League.

“He expressed, “I believe I’ve made a significant improvement in my skating and overall confidence. I feel fantastic on the ice, which I think is aiding my contribution.”

Morehouse was impressed after watching the first two games.

“He appeared well there, exuding confidence,” he commented. “Exactly what you want to see, he’s advancing his game.”

All five prospects had the opportunity to spend time with Celebrini at the Sharks development camp last month, and they are eagerly anticipating joining him in San Jose.

“Musty expressed his admiration, saying, “He is an excellent person who is genuinely kind-hearted. His appetite for success is evident in his daily approach.” Musty further described him as a humorous individual who is enjoyable to be around. In addition, Musty pointed out that his talent in his field is no secret, emphasizing, “He’s truly extraordinary.”

Being part of the Sharks’ future is also exciting for the players at the WJSS.

“Musty expressed his positive view of the organization, stating, “They may have had a challenging year previously, but they’ve recruited numerous high-quality, experienced individuals to guide the younger members. I’m thrilled about potentially being part of this in the forthcoming years.”

Here are three things learned Thursday:

Kuusla opening eyes

Emil Kuusla believes that maintaining his health this season will prevent teams from disregarding him for the 2025 NHL Draft, unlike what happened in the 2024 draft.

The forward, who is 19 years old, has made a strong start, contributing two goals and an assist towards Finland’s 5-3 victory over the United States on Wednesday. He displayed his spirited side as well, receiving a 10-minute penalty for unsportsmanlike behavior during a third-period tussle near the U.S. goal.

“Kuusla’s attitude towards the game is exceptional, and he plays fearlessly, never intimidated by anyone,” said Lauri Mikkola, the coach of Finland’s team, on Thursday.

Staying healthy is crucial for Kuusla, who weighs 170 pounds and is 5-9. Last season, he scored 15 points, including six goals and nine assists, in 32 games for Jokerit in Finland’s Mestis – the second division of professional hockey. He played a total of 32 games.

“NHL Director of European Scouting, Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen, commented on him, saying, ‘He’s incredibly feisty and competes effectively against larger opponents. He has a high hockey IQ, excels in stick handling, and is quite productive.'”

Improving his strength could help Kuusla avoid injuries and provide more opportunities for NHL scouts to watch him play. Participating in the World Juniors could also benefit him in the same way.

“Securing a place in the team this season is definitely something I’m eagerly anticipating. It would be an immense honor and a very unique experience,” Kuusla conveyed on Wednesday, with the assistance of a translator.

Sweden finally at full strength

Sweden has had an eventful few days in North America.

Last Thursday, their flight from Stockholm was canceled. Upon arrival, it was found that six players were missing their luggage and/or equipment.

Ahead of a Wednesday game against Canada in Windsor, Ontario, Coach Magnus Havelid confirmed that all players were able to take to the ice.

“He said, ‘We had to purchase gear for some of the guys. We’re currently missing luggage for five or six of them. However, we’ve been able to buy everything we need and have also received loans from USA Hockey, so that’s not an issue at this moment.”

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 voiced out on Thursday, while he was on the ice, getting accustomed to a new pair of skates. He was uncertain about the return of his gear.

Havelid stated that he has never experienced this before, but he is still confident that all the luggage and equipment will reach them.

“They informed us that everything was on the flight, but the team manager checked at the airport today and found no luggage,” he stated. “However, the team members are quite easygoing. We’ve resolved the issue so now everyone can participate in at least three games.”

Powell, Ruohonen remain friends

Noah Powell and Heikki Ruohonen struck up a friendship when they both attended the Philadelphia Flyers development camp. They were delighted to cross paths 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. On the following shift, Powell retaliated with a massive open-ice hit on Ruohonen.

On Thursday, every player was able to laugh about it.

“Nothing personal,” Ruohonen stated. “We both play a hard game. We’ve had some clashes, but I can’t recall the specific shifts. As competitive individuals, it’s natural that such incidents occur.”

Ruohonen placed great importance on the advice he received from Powell about playing for Dubuque in the USHL. Powell, who is set to play at Ohio State in the upcoming fall, had spent the last two seasons with Dubuque.

“Powell stated, “He has a strong team and an excellent coaching staff to rely on. His relationship with whatever billet family he has in Dubuque will grow close, as there are only wonderful families there. He has nothing but praise for Dubuque.”

Powell’s advice has been greatly appreciated by Ruohonen.

“Ruohonen said he was just told that it’s an excellent location with great hockey. He also mentioned that Chipotle is the preferred choice.”

NHL.com staff writer Jon Lane contributed to this report