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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.

“Observing our prospects compete against other teams’ top prospects at such events provides me with a better understanding of their standing,” said Chris Morehouse, Sharks director of amateur scouting. “We’ve drafted players we believe will seize the opportunity to establish themselves. Our ultimate goal is to discover as many NHL players as possible and continue working relentlessly.”

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

But Musty is most proud of his improvement when he is away from the puck.

“On Thursday, he stated, “From a defensive perspective, I believe there is a need to improve certain aspects, such as maintaining composure and reliability in my own end and in the neutral zone. Ultimately, I aim to enhance my overall defensive performance.”

Musty’s dimensions (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and power are certainly up to NHL standards, however, it might be challenging to have an additional teenage player on the team along with Celebrini and center Will Smith, the 4th pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, who are both anticipated to play significant roles.

“Musty is making great progress, but we must remember that he is only 19 years old. His performance in the training camp will be crucial,” said Morehouse. “He was impressive at the development camp, showing strength and skill, which has us quite excited about his potential. However, given his age, we need to be patient and wait to see when Quentin himself feels ready,” he added.

Svoboda, who was the 71st pick in the third round of the 2023 draft, has unexpectedly scored five points (one goal, four assists) in his initial three games at the WJSS. This follows his performance last season in the United States Hockey League with Fargo and Youngstown, where he scored 20 points (12 goals, eight assists) in 40 games.

“He stated, “I believe I’ve made significant progress in my skating and overall confidence. I feel fantastic on the ice and I think that’s what’s aiding me in contributing.”

After witnessing the first two games, Morehouse was impressed.

“He appeared well and confident there,” he stated. “He’s improving his game, which is precisely what we desire to see.”

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

“Indeed, he’s an exceptional person, truly kind and his ambition is apparent every day,” Musty stated. “An amusing young man, absolutely enjoyable to interact with. Clearly, by this point, everyone must be aware of his talent. He’s quite extraordinary.”

The players at the WJSS also find it exciting to be part of the Sharks’ future.

Musty spoke highly of the organization, saying, “Despite their challenging year last year, they’ve managed to bring on board a number of high-caliber, experienced individuals. These individuals are there to support and guide the younger members. I’m looking forward to hopefully being a part of this positive change in the next few years.”

Here are three things learned Thursday:

Kuusla opening eyes

Emil Kuusla believes that if he maintains his health this season, he will not be overlooked for the 2025 NHL Draft, unlike what occurred in the 2024 draft.

The 19-year-old forward has kicked off strongly, scoring two goals and making an assist in Finland’s 5-3 victory over the United States on Wednesday. He also demonstrated his aggressive side by earning a 10-minute penalty for unsportsmanlike behavior during a third-period melee close to the U.S. goal.

“Kuusla has a great approach to the game and never exhibits fear towards any opponent,” said Lauri Mikkola, Finland’s coach, on Thursday. He added, “I believe this strongly.”

For Kuusla, who stands at 5-9 and weighs 170 pounds, the crucial thing is to maintain his health. Last season, he accumulated 15 points (comprising of six goals and 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 production ability, he is a highly spirited guy who competes well with bigger players,” said Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen, the NHL director of European Scouting.

Becoming stronger would aid Kuusla in evading injuries and would provide NHL scouts with additional chances to watch him play. Participating in the World Juniors could also achieve the same result.

“Indeed, it would be an immense honor and quite an extraordinary experience,” Kuusla conveyed on Wednesday through an interpreter. “I’m certainly anticipating that for this season, as I strive to make the team.”

Sweden finally at full strength

Sweden has had a few eventful days in North America.

Last Thursday, their flight from Stockholm got canceled. Upon arrival, six players found their luggage and/or equipment missing.

Ahead of Wednesday’s game against Canada in Windsor, Ontario, Coach Magnus Havelid confirmed that all 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 of the team members. We have bought everything necessary and even borrowed some items from USA Hockey, 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 Thursday as he was on the ice, breaking in a new pair of skates. He expressed uncertainty about the return of his gear.

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

“They informed us that all luggage was on the flight, but when the team manager went to the airport today, there was none,” he said. “However, they’re quite relaxed guys. We’ve resolved the issue and now everyone can participate in 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 as forwards. They were thrilled to unexpectedly meet 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 Finland bench’s end. In response, Powell delivered a significant open-ice hit on Ruohonen during the following shift.

On Thursday, each player was able to laugh about it.

“Nothing personal was intended,” Ruohonen stated. “We both play an intense game. I can’t recall the specific shifts, but I remember we had some clashes because we’re both competitive. It’s bound to happen.”

Ruohonen found Powell’s advice about playing for Dubuque in the USHL particularly valuable. Powell, who is set to play at Ohio State come fall, has spent the past two seasons with Dubuque.

“Powell stated, ‘He has a solid team and an excellent coaching staff for support. He’s likely to develop a strong bond with his billet family, given that Dubuque is known for having only exceptional families. There’s nothing but positive things to say about Dubuque.'”

Powell’s advice has been greatly appreciated by Ruohonen.

“Ruohonen said that he was told it’s a great place with great hockey. He also mentioned that Chipotle is a popular spot,”

NHL.com staff writer Jon Lane contributed to this report