Team USA
Team USA have had the edge over Canada in recent years, and after another win at the Summer Showcase, this is a team that's optimistic and loaded with talent heading into the 2027 World Juniors. As of right now, this is a squad set to be full of Flames prospects, and while they haven't had the best of luck with players from the US in recent times, this years team could represent a key piece of the organization's future.
Outside Chance - Mace'o Phillips
In the third round of the 2025 NHL Draft, the Flames took a shot on physical defenseman Mace'o Phillips, and while he has all the physical tools needed to make it to the NHL, we're yet to see that turn into production on the ice.
After an up-and-down season with the Green Bay Gamblers, Phillips will head to the WHL and the Medicine Hat Tigers this upcoming campaign, and while he didn't play for the USA at the World Juniors Summer Showcase, he was in camp with the team. If everyone is healthy, Phillips is certainly a long shot, but given what many Flames fans witnessed at Development Camp, this isn't a player that we should be giving up on early.
Contender - Jack Hextall, Cullen Potter
Cullen Potter was a name that didn't feature at the 2026 World Juniors Showcase, and that was due to caution around his return from an injury, but with the former first-round pick set to suit up for Michigan State this season, there's no fears that he wouldn't be ready for the tournament if selected. He's no guarantee however, but given what he showed before his injury in 2025/26 (12 goals, 26 points in 24 games), his speed is something the USA will desperately want in their middle-six.
A player with less chance for the US is 2026 first-round pick Jack Hextall, and while he contributed well at the Summer Showcase, the speed of the game often got the best of him, and that may cost him a spot on the roster for now. Next year, he'll likely be a key piece for the US, but this year, even though he can still play a steady role, this forward group is just absolutely loaded, and right now, he's likely at less than 50% of a chance to make it to this years roster.
Lock - Ethan Wyttenbach
A World Juniors Showcase isn't the be-all, end-all, but for a player that led the NCAA in scoring a year ago as a freshman, being the best player at this recent tournament all but guarantees that Ethan Wyttenbach will not only be on Team USA's roster in Edmonton, but he'll also play a key role on their top line.
At this recent tournament, Wyttenbach absolutely dominated, scoring well over two points a game, and given the chemistry he built with Wyatt Cullen, those two could combine to make the best line at the tournament for the United States.
Only time will tell if he can be a difference maker in the NHL, but right now, Wyttenbach has dominated at every level given his opportunities, and if his play continues to evolve as he continues to improve as a playmaker, he could lead this US squad to the Gold Medal Game.
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