The World Junior Summer Showcase has been underway. And the Sharks have six prospects representing them this year. While the Summer Showcase isn’t a guarantee to make the World Juniors for your respective country, it is a good sign that you are on the radar for your country’s roster in December. The players invited are as follows.
Team Canada
Michael Misa - 1st round (2025)
Misa was a shoo-in to be invited; the recent 2nd overall pick dominated in the OHL after being passed over for the world juniors a year ago. This year, Michael Misa is a lock to make the team if he is available, but he very well could be in the NHL next season for the Sharks if he makes the team out of camp.
Joshua Ravensbergen - 1st round (2025)
Ravensbergen was one of the top goalie prospects drafted in this past draft and the highest drafted Sharks Goaltender ever. There is a good chance Ravensbergen makes Team Canada, but the competition is going to be stiff. Carter George, and Jack Ivancovic are both returning from last year's team and are likely the favorites right now for Team Canada. Ravensbergen is going to need a strong start to the season to cement his position for Canada.
Sam Dickinson - 1st round (2024)
Dickinson would be one of Canada’s top defensemen if he were available, but like Michael Misa, the hope is that he cracks the NHL lineup out of camp. If he does not, he will be a key piece for Canada in the World Juniors.
Carson Wetsch - 3rd round (2024)
Wetsch is an interesting option; the big winger is in his last year of eligibility and has represented Canada before at the U-18s. Wetsch hasn’t been filling up the stat sheet in the WHL, but he can put the puck in the net and could play a physical bottom-of-the-lineup role for Canada.
Team USA
Cole McKinney - 2nd round (2025)
Cole McKinney is the lone American prospect invited to the USA for the summer showcase. The recent 2nd-round pick led the NTDP in scoring this past season and is heading to the University of Michigan. McKinney’s two-way game and flexibility could make him an attractive option for Team USA for this year’s World Juniors.
Team Sweden
Leo Sahlin Wallenius - 2nd round (2024)
Wallenius may be one of the most underrated prospects in the Sharks' system, after being bounced around various pro leagues this past season. Wallenius is expected to be a key piece of Sweden’s backend this year, however, and could use that platform to elevate his status within the Sharks' system.