The 2023 World Junior Championships have come and gone. It was an exciting tournament that saw several surprises including a tremendous silver medal run by Team Czechia.
Ultimately, the juggernaut that was Connor Bedard and Team Canada emerged with the gold medal. Meanwhile, Luke Hughes and Team USA was able to lock down a bronze medal in a thrilling 8-7 overtime victory over Team Sweden.
As was mentioned in our preview of the tournament, the New Jersey Devils were well represented. They had five prospects named to rosters and four that actually participated. As the above chart shows, the Devils’ prospects that were at the tournament were one of the most successful groups there. With that being said, let’s recap their performances.
Note, Seamus Casey was on Team USA’s roster but did not appear in a game.
Luke Hughes
The 19-year-old defenseman had a superb tournament. He totaled four goals and one assist in his seven games played as Team USA’s captain. He also scored the above key goal to help his team capture the bronze medal.
As the above chart shows, Hughes was easily one of the best players at the tournament. Especially offensively, as the resulting four goals further describe.
Hughes does have some work to do defensively. Though, this tournament backed up the fact that he is easily one of the best prospects in all of hockey.
Simon Nemec
Like Hughes, the 2022 second-overall pick also captained his team (Slovakia). Simon Nemec was a point-per-game player as he tallied a goal and four assists in five games.
As the above card shows, Nemec excelled in transition during the tournament. He used his smooth-skating abilities to lead as Slovakia’s best player. Another Devils’ prospect who played like one of the best at their respective position.
Petr Hauser
Of all the impressive Devils’ prospects at the tournament, the 2022 fifth-round pick brought back the most prestigious hardware. He was a member of Team Czechia’s fairytale run and contributed three goals and an assist.
Hauser profiles as a shooter and that was on display a few time at the tournament, specially on the goal he scored above. Overall, his play may not have been on par with the likes of Nemec or Hughes (it wasn’t expected to be), but he still had a very strong tournament.
Topias Vilén
The 2021 fifth-round pick is quietly emerging as one of the Devils’ more intriguing prospects. Where ever he plays, he excels (Liiga, training camp and preseason with the Devils). And that was no different at this tournament with Team Finland.
As the above chart points out, Vilen excelled defensively and in transition at the tournament. He was quietly one of the most steady presences on the blue line.
Note, as mentioned, each of the above charts were courtesy of Lassi Alanen on Twitter.