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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.

Sharks director of amateur scouting, Chris Morehouse, expressed his delight at seeing his team’s prospects compete against other top-notch prospects at events like this, as it gives him a clearer assessment of the situation. He stated that some players they’ve selected in the draft are believed to be capable of defining their roles. Ultimately, their goal is to discover as many NHL players as possible and keep pushing forward.

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

Musty takes the most pride in his improvement when he is away from the puck.

“On Thursday, he expressed his thoughts about improving his defense skills. He emphasized the importance of working on several areas such as maintaining composure, ensuring reliability in his own end and in the neutral zone. He concluded by stating his aim to enhance his overall defensive performance.”

While Musty’s size (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and strength are on par with NHL standards, integrating another teenage player into the roster alongside Celebrini and center Will Smith, the fourth pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, could prove challenging, as they are both expected to play major roles within the top nine.

“Musty has made significant progress, but we must remember that he is only 19 years old. His performance in the training camp will be crucial,” said Morehouse. “He displayed remarkable strength and skills at the development camp, which has us quite excited about his potential. Nevertheless, he is still only 19. We need to allow this journey to unfold at its own pace and wait for Quentin to indicate when he is ready.”

Svoboda, who was chosen in the third round of the 2023 draft as the 71st pick, has unexpectedly excelled during the early stages of the WJSS. He managed to score five points; one goal and four assists, in his first three games. This comes after his last season performance where he scored 20 points, including 12 goals and eight assists, in 40 games playing for Fargo and Youngstown in the United States Hockey League.

“He expressed, “I believe I’ve made significant progress in my skating and overall confidence. I feel excellent on the ice and I consider that as a factor helping me contribute.”

After seeing the first two games, Morehouse was impressed.

“He appeared quite impressive there, exuding confidence,” he commented. “He’s advancing his game, precisely what you hope to witness.”

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

“Musty described him as a wonderful person who is genuinely kind and motivated. He comes in every day with a hunger for achievement. He’s also very humorous and enjoyable to be around. It’s clear to everyone by now the kind of player he is – truly exceptional,” Musty said.

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

“Musty expressed his admiration for the organization, acknowledging the difficulties they faced the previous year. However, he pointed out that they’ve recruited several high-calibre, experienced individuals to guide the less experienced members. Musty expressed his enthusiasm about the possibility of being part of this transformation in the forthcoming years.”

Here are three things learned Thursday:

Kuusla opening eyes

Emil Kuusla believes that if he remains fit throughout this season, he will not be ignored for the 2025 NHL Draft, contrary to what happened in the 2024 draft.

The forward, who is 19 years old, has started well, scoring two goals and assisting one in Finland’s 5-3 victory over the United States on Wednesday. He also exhibited his aggressive nature with a 10-minute penalty for unsportsmanlike behavior during a third-period brawl near the U.S. goal.

“Kuusla has an excellent attitude towards the game, and his fearless style of play is impressive,” stated Lauri Mikkola, the coach for Finland, on Thursday.

For Kuusla (5-9, 170 pounds), the crucial factor is maintaining his health. Last season, he scored 15 points (comprising six goals and nine assists) in 32 games for Jokerit in Mestis, which is the second division of professional hockey in Finland.

“NHL’s Director of European Scouting, Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen, described him as a highly feisty individual who competes exceptionally well against larger opponents. He further praised his high hockey IQ, proficient stick handling, and impressive production,” said Vuorinen.

If Kuusla gets stronger, he could avoid injuries and provide NHL scouts with more opportunities to watch him play. Participating in the World Juniors would also contribute to this.

“Securing a spot in the team this season is something I’m eagerly anticipating. It would be an immense privilege and an extraordinary experience,” Kuusla expressed on Wednesday through a translator.

Sweden finally at full strength

Sweden has had a few eventful days in North America.

Their flight from Stockholm was canceled last Thursday, and upon arrival, six players found their luggage and/or equipment missing.

Ahead of a Wednesday game against Canada in Windsor, Ontario, Coach Magnus Havelid reported that all players were able to get on the ice.

“He said, ‘We had to go and buy gear for some of the guys. I think we’re missing luggage for about five or six guys. We’ve purchased everything necessary, and also got some stuff loaned 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 on 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 encountered this before, but he remains optimistic that all the luggage and equipment will eventually reach them.

“They assured us that everything was on the flight, but the team manager went to the airport again today and found no luggage,” he said. “However, they’re pretty laid-back guys. We’ve sorted 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 end of the Finland bench. In response, Powell delivered a substantial 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. “Both of us are hard players. Even though I can’t recall specific moments, I do remember we had some clashes because we’re both competitive. It’s inevitable in such situations.”

Ruohonen placed greater importance on the advice he received from Powell about playing for Dubuque in the USHL. Powell, set to play at Ohio State in the fall, was a member of the Dubuque team for the past two seasons.

“Powell mentioned that he has an excellent team and a highly capable coaching staff for support. He stated that he would inevitably form a strong bond with any host family he gets, given that Dubuque is home to only wonderful families. He couldn’t praise Dubuque enough,” was his sentiment.

Powell’s advice has been appreciated by Ruohonen.

“Ruohonen said that he was just informed that it’s an amazing place with fantastic hockey. He also mentioned that Chipotle is the preferred choice.”

NHL.com staff writer Jon Lane contributed to this report