Team USA announces 2023 World Juniors roster

With the World Juniors rapidly approaching, Team USA needed to make a final round of cuts to prepare its 25-man roster. With Ryan Leonard, Jack Devine, Shai Buium and Tyler Muszelik sent home, the 25-man roster has been settled. Team USA will begin its tournament taking on Latvia on Dec. 26. The players are as follows:

Goaltenders (3)

• Trey Augustine – 2023 draft eligible
• Kaidan Mbereko – 2023 draft eligible
• Andrew Oke – 2023 draft eligible

Defensemen (8)

• Sean Behrens –  (COL)
• Seamus Casey – (NJD)
• Ryan Chesley – (WSH)
• Luke Hughes – (NJD)
• Lane Hutson – (MTL)
• Luke Mittelstadt – 2023 draft eligible
• Jack Peart – (MIN)
• Ryan Ufko – (NSH)

Forwards (14)

• Jackson Blake – (CAR)
• Gavin Brindley – 2023 draft eligible
• Tyler Boucher – (OTT)
• Kenny Connors – (LAK)
• Logan Cooley – (ARZ)
• Dylan Duke – (TBL)
• Cutter Gauthier – (PHI)
• Noah Laba – (NYR)
• Sam Lipkin – (ARZ)
• Chaz Lucius – (WPG)
• Rutger McGroarty – (WPG)
• Red Savage – (DET)
• Jimmy Snuggerud – (STL)
• Charlie Stramel – 2023 draft eligible

This team is likely to be highlighted by a first line comprised entirely of highly drafted NHL prospects. The trio of top 2022 picks — Gauthier, Cooley and Snuggerud — could be a treat to watch, and the Americans’ depth at forward combined with their talented blueliners — such as Hughes, Hutson and Chesley — should make this team a strong contender for a medal. While the situation in the crease is a bit less stable, the WJC will provide twice-undrafted goalie Mbereko a major stage to showcase why he should be picked next year.