For hockey fans, tuning in to the World Juniors offers the perfect dose of excitement during the NHL’s holiday break.
However, the ten-country tournament isn’t all about national pride. It also acts as a showcase for future superstars.
Back in 2004, the IIHF started handing out a tournament MVP award, recognizing the most outstanding player of the event. While some MVPs have gone on to have stellar NHL careers, others have struggled to live up to the hype.
With that in mind, here’s a look back at every World Juniors MVP, ranked by their NHL success:
21. Denis Godla (2015)
NHL Stats: 0 GP
Slovakian goalie Denis Godla never played in the NHL. His MVP performance at the 2015 World Juniors remains the highlight of his hockey career.
20. Jonathan Lekkerimäki (2024)
NHL Stats: 5 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 1 PTS
This young Vancouver Canucks winger has only had a taste of NHL action so far. As a result, the future is still wide open for last year’s MVP.
19. Ryan Poehling (2019)
NHL Stats: 246 GP, 33 G, 41 A, 74 PTS
Poehling has shown flashes of brilliance — like the hat trick he scored in his NHL debut. But the Flyers forward hasn’t really established himself as a consistent NHL contributor since leading the USA to bronze in 2019.
18. Jesse Puljujärvi (2016)
NHL Stats: 377 GP, 51 G, 61 A, 112 PTS
Once a highly touted prospect, Puljujärvi has struggled to meet expectations. The Swedish forward had a handful of productive spurts with the Edmonton Oilers but remains inconsistent at the NHL level.
17. Steve Mason (2008)
NHL Stats: 476 GP, 2.70 GAA, .911 SV%
Mason won the Calder Trophy as a rookie goalie in 2009 but struggled to maintain that level of success, ultimately leading to an early retirement.
16. Alexis Lafrenière (2020)
NHL Stats: 333 GP, 84 G, 85 A, 169 PTS
This former first-overall pick hasn’t had the breakout many expected, but there’s still time. Lafrenière’s best NHL season to date (2023-24) saw him notch 57 points with the Rangers.
15. Casey Mittelstadt (2018)
NHL Stats: 393 GP, 73 G, 146 A, 219 PTS
Mittelstadt has developed into a reliable middle-six forward for the Colorado Avalanche but has yet to reach the star status he achieved at the Junior level.
14. Mason McTavish (2022)
NHL Stats: 180 GP, 42 G, 60 A, 102 PTS
Although McTavish is still early in his career, he has already shown potential as a key offensive contributor to the Anaheim Ducks’ rebuild.
13. Trevor Zegras (2021)
NHL Stats: 235 GP, 59 G, 105 A, 164 PTS
Known for his creativity, Zegras has an abundance of talent, along with some tremendous hands. With that said, he is still just scratching the surface of what he can achieve on the stats sheet.
12. Evgeny Kuznetsov (2012)
NHL Stats: 743 GP, 173 G, 402 A, 575 PTS
Kuznetsov is a skilled centre who played a pivotal role in Washington’s 2018 Stanley Cup win, but his inconsistency ultimately cut his NHL tenure short. He now plays in the KHL.
11. Connor Bedard (2023)
NHL Stats: 103 GP, 31 G, 60 A, 91 PTS
Selected first overall by the Blackhawks in 2023, Bedard has all the makings to become the NHL’s next superstar. Analysts and fans alike will agree that the sky is the limit for what he can achieve in the years to come.
10. Thomas Chabot (2017)
NHL Stats: 466 GP, 64 G, 211 A, 275 PTS
A cornerstone defenceman for the Ottawa Senators, Chabot has been a consistent contributor and leader on a struggling team.
9. Brayden Schenn (2011)
NHL Stats: 976 GP, 265 G, 388 A, 653 PTS
A Stanley Cup champion and a standout performer at the 2011 World Juniors — where he tied Canada’s record for points in a single tournament — Schenn has quietly put together an impressive NHL career.
8. John Gibson (2013)
NHL Stats: 489 GP, 2.90 GAA, .910 SV%
Back in 2013, Gibson backstopped Team USA to a gold medal and showcased his elite talent. While he’s proven to be one of the NHL’s most skilled goalies, his career has often been overshadowed by the struggles of the teams in front of him.
7. Jordan Eberle (2010)
NHL Stats: 1035 GP, 305 G, 508 A, 713 PTS
A steady scorer known for clutch performances, Eberle has had a long and productive NHL tenure in the years that followed his historic World Juniors performance for Canada.
6. Filip Forsberg (2014)
NHL Stats: 733 GP, 296 G, 338 A, 634 PTS
Forsberg has been a key offensive player for the Predators, delivering strong numbers year after year. His most productive campaign (2023-24) saw him net 48 goals and 94 points.
5. Zach Parise (2004)
NHL Stats: 1254 GP, 434 G, 455 A, 879 PTS
The very first World Juniors MVP, Parise was a consistent offensive threat throughout his 19-season NHL career.
4. John Tavares (2009)
NHL Stats: 1029 GP, 427 G, 542 A, 969 PTS
A franchise player with a long history of production and leadership, Tavares remains one of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ most consistent performers.
3. Carey Price (2007)
NHL Stats: 712 GP, 2.51 GAA, .917 SV%
Arguably the best goalie of his generation, Price’s trophy case includes a Vezina, Hart Trophy, and Olympic gold. Unfortunately, his career has been cut short by injuries. But his legacy is secure.
2. Patrice Bergeron (2005)
NHL Stats: 1294 GP, 427 G, 613 A, 1040 PTS
One of the best two-way forwards in NHL history, Bergeron’s Selke Trophy dominance and leadership defined his career. He is a lock for the Hockey Hall of Fame.
1. Evgeni Malkin (2006)
NHL Stats: 1181 GP, 505 G, 820 A, 1325 PTS
With multiple Stanley Cups and plenty of individual accolades, Malkin is a generational talent and easily one of the greatest players of his era.
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