NHL prospects light up day 2 of 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase; Schaefer returns, Mooney impresses, Koivu rebounds
The second day of the 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase at Ridder Arena delivered a packed slate of high-stakes action as national junior rosters for Canada, the United States, Finland, and Sweden continued taking shape.
With the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship set for December 26 to January 5 in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota, every shift mattered. Several
NHL
Draft prospects made their presence known either in their comeback, breakout, or redemption arc.
Matthew Schaefer's Unbelievable Story Of Adversity And Perseverance
Matthew Schaefer
makes strong return for
Team Canada
Matthew Schaefer, the New York Islanders' first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, made his long-awaited return to action in a spirited practice with Team Canada. The 17-year-old defenseman hadn't played since suffering a broken clavicle during Canada's second game at the 2025 World Juniors a freak injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024–25 season.
LJ Mooney, a 5-foot-8 forward chosen by the Montreal Canadiens in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Draft, is refusing to let size define him. Mooney, who played last season for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP), tallied 51 points in 51 games and was a standout at the 2025 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, helping the U.S. secure bronze.
Aatos Koivu
making up for lost time with Finland
Aatos Koivu, son of former Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu, is chasing redemption after missing out on Finland's 2025 World Juniors due to mononucleosis.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Healthy and motivated, the 18-year-old winger is back competing for a roster spot. Last season, Koivu played 32 games with TPS in Finland's Liiga, often facing older, stronger competition.
Aatos Koivu Mixes It Up with James Hagens Several Times in WJSS Opener - Highlights 7-27-25
FAQs
What is the World Junior Summer Showcase?
It's an annual event for Team USA, Canada, Finland, and Sweden to evaluate junior players for the IIHF World Junior Championship.
When is the 2026 World Juniors?
The tournament runs from December 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026, in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Which NHL teams are represented?
Players from the New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, and others are participating.
Why is this showcase important?
It helps national programs evaluate top NHL prospects and finalize rosters ahead of World Juniors.
In Finland's scrimmage against the U.S., Koivu slotted into the top line with Heikki Ruohonen (Philadelphia Flyers) and highly rated 2026 draft prospect Roope Vesterinen. With his skill, experience, and hockey IQ, Koivu is a strong candidate to crack the final WJC lineup this winter.
Also Read:
The NHL's most explosive player, Nathan MacKinnon, is chasing greatness with the Colorado Avalanche
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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