There was a ton of intrigue around Canada’s roster coming into the tournament. With the QMJHL’s regular season still underway, they wouldn’t send any players. And much of Canada’s top 2004-born talent was bound for the CHL playoffs in the other two leagues.

The Sudbury Wolves and Swift Current Broncos getting eliminated were the first big break. In total, six Broncos and three Wolves were named to Team Canada's roster. Then, the Chicago Steel released star prospect Adam Fantilli and point-per-game scorer Nicholas Moldenhauer. And the biggest news of all: Connor Bedard returned.

By the end, Canada pulled talent from the OHL, WHL, AJHL, BCHL, USHL, and even St. Andrew’s College.

While questions linger about Canada’s goaltending and blue line, this team suddenly got more interesting. With Bedard, Fantilli, Matthew Wood, Lukas Dragicevic, and Kalem Parker, Team Canada has five 2023 draft-eligible players and one player not eligible until 2024. While Bedard and Fantilli will likely dictate just how much success Canada has, there’s no shortage of 2022 draft-eligible players looking to bolster their stock.