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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.

“Watching our prospects compete against other teams’ top prospects at events like this provides a valuable measure of where things stand,” said Chris Morehouse, Sharks’ Director of Amateur Scouting. “We have some players we’ve drafted whom we believe will seize the opportunity to establish their roles. Our ultimate goal is to discover as many NHL-worthy players as possible and keep pushing forward.”

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

Musty takes the most pride in his improvement when he is away from the puck.

He said on Thursday, “From a defensive standpoint, I believe I need to work on certain aspects such as maintaining composure, being dependable in my own end and in the neutral zone. Basically, I just need to improve my overall defensive game.”

Musty, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 200 pounds, possesses the size and strength that meet NHL standards. However, incorporating another young player into the team could be challenging, especially with Celebrini and centerman Will Smith – the No. 4 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft – anticipated to fulfill major roles within the top nine.

“Musty is making good progress, but we must remember he’s only 19,” said Morehouse. “His performance in the training camp will be crucial. He showed great potential at the development camp, demonstrating strength and impressive skills. We’re quite excited about his future. However, being 19, we need to be patient and let things unfold naturally, waiting for Quentin to let us know when he’s ready.”

Svoboda, who was selected in the third round of the 2023 draft (No. 71 pick), has unexpectedly stood out in the initial stages of the WJSS, scoring five points (one goal, four assists) in his first three matches. This comes after his performance last season where he scored 20 points (12 goals, eight assists) in 40 games for Fargo and Youngstown in the United States Hockey League.

“He expressed, “I believe I have made significant progress in my skating and overall confidence. I feel fantastic on the ice and I think that’s facilitating my contribution.”

After watching the first two games, Morehouse was impressed.

“He appeared well and confident there,” he commented. “He’s advancing in his game, precisely what we’re hoping to see.”

All five prospects had the opportunity to spend time with Celebrini at the Sharks development camp last month and are eager to join him in San Jose in the future.

“Musty praised him highly, stating, “He’s an excellent guy, truly kind and it’s evident that he’s driven by his passion daily. He’s a humorous young man and it’s enjoyable to be in his company. Needless to say, his skills as a player are well-known and exceptional. He’s truly extraordinary.”

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

“It’s an excellent organization,” declared Musty. “I’m aware they faced a challenging year previously, but they’ve ushered in numerous top-tier and experienced individuals to guide the younger ones. I’m thrilled at the prospect of contributing to that in the forthcoming years,” he expressed optimistically.

Here are three things learned Thursday:

Kuusla opening eyes

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

The forward, who is 19 years old, has made a promising start with two goals and an assist in Finland’s 5-3 victory over the United States on Wednesday. He also displayed his fiery temperament by receiving a 10-minute penalty for unsportsmanlike behavior during a third-period melee near the U.S. goal.

“Kuusla has an excellent attitude towards the game and he’s never intimidated by anyone,” said Lauri Mikkola, Finland’s coach, on Thursday. He also praised Kuusla’s style of play.

The main challenge for Kuusla (5-9, 170 pounds) is to maintain his health. Last season, he scored 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 32 games for Jokerit in Mestis, which is the second division of professional hockey in Finland.

“High hockey IQ, good stick handling, and the ability to produce are his strong points,” remarked NHL Director of European Scouting, Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen. “He is a particularly feisty player and is able to compete effectively with bigger guys.”

Kuusla could avoid injuries and provide more opportunities for NHL scouts to see him play by getting stronger. Participating in the World Juniors would also serve the same purpose.

“It’s definitely something I’m excited about this season, striving to make the team. It would be an immense honor and truly exceptional,” said Kuusla on Wednesday, speaking through a translator.

Sweden finally at full strength

Sweden has had a few eventful days in North America.

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

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

“He said, ‘We had to purchase gear for some of the guys. I believe we’re missing luggage for five or six guys. We bought everything and also borrowed from USA Hockey and such. So, that’s not a problem at the 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 stated, as he broke in a new pair of skates on the ice on Thursday. He expressed doubts about the return of his gear.

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

“They assured us that everything was on the flight, but the team manager went to the airport today and found no luggage,” he said. “However, they’re laid-back guys. We’ve managed to sort it out, so now everyone can play at least three games.”

Powell, Ruohonen remain friends

Noah Powell and Heikki Ruohonen struck up a friendship when they attended the Philadelphia Flyers development camp. They were thrilled to bump into 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. Powell retaliated by delivering a significant open-ice hit on Ruohonen during the subsequent shift.

On Thursday, every player managed to laugh about it.

“Nothing personal took place,” Ruohonen stated. “Our games are hard-hitting. I can’t recall the specific turns, but we did have some confrontations as we’re both competitive. It’s only natural for that to happen.”

Ruohonen valued the advice he received from Powell about playing for Dubuque in the USHL. Powell, set to play at Ohio State in the upcoming fall, had spent the last two seasons with Dubuque, making his counsel particularly significant.

“Powell said, ‘He has a solid team and an excellent coaching staff to support him. He will form a strong bond with any host family he gets, as Dubuque is known for having wonderful families. Dubuque has an outstanding reputation.'”

Ruohonen has appreciated Powell’s advice.

“Ruohonen shared, “He just informed me that it’s an excellent location and the hockey is outstanding. And, he mentioned Chipotle as the preferred choice.”

NHL.com staff writer Jon Lane contributed to this report