5 young NHL stars we’d like to see play for Team USA at the World Championship
Team USA has dominated the hockey world at the international level, and they can continue to do so by bringing these five young stars.
5 young NHL stars we’d like to see play for Team USA at the World Championship originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Team USA owns the hockey world at the moment, with wins at the Olympics from both men and women, and last year broke its long drought at the World Championship, winning gold for the first time since 1933.
They’ve been able to build their dominance by leveraging the World Championship to their benefit. Last year, they challenged players who missed out on the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off roster to prove they belong by dominating the World Championship. Tage Thompson and Clayton Keller did so.
They guided the Americans to their first gold since 1933, and then won gold at the 2026 Olympics. Additionally, they are now leading their teams in the playoffs. But for youngsters hoping to make the 2028 World Cup of Hockey roster, joining the American squad for the World Championship could do them a lot of good.
Here are five players we’d like to see play for Team USA at the World Championships: Will Smith, RW, San Jose Sharks Due to the brilliance of Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith is almost forgotten when talking about the San Jose Sharks ’ young talents. But Smith had a solid rookie season of 18 goals and 45 points, and followed it up with 24 goals and 59 points in 69 games this season. If Smith does join Team USA, it’ll be Smith’s third time participating in this event.
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