Great news for Rangers and Islanders fans, while your teams are currently battling for last place in the Metropolitan Division, each team has a couple of prospects playing significant roles for Team USA in the annual World Junior Championship.
The Rangers prospects are Boston College teammates Gabe Perreault (23rd overall, 2023 NHL Draft) and Drew Fortescue (3rd round pick, 2023 NHL Draft). Perreault is a left-wing playmaker, who plays a similar style to Artemi Panarin. He has 2 goals, 5 assists through 5 games while playing on Team USA’s top line and power play. Fortescue is a left-handed, stay-at-home defensemen who is a +6 through 5 games.
The Islanders Cole Eiserman (20th overall, 2024 NHL Draft) has 2 goals, 4 assists through 5 games. A freshmen at Boston University, Eiserman is the United States Development Program’s all-time leading goal scorer with 127 goals and is considered pure sniper. Meanwhile, Danny Nelson (2nd round, 2023 NHL Draft) was drafted as a big (6’2”, 216), physical center. However, the Notre Dame sophomore is showing soft hands with 4 goals, 1 assist in 5 games.
Team USA has advanced to the semi-finals this weekend, with a chance to defend last year’s title. As a bonus, you’ll also be able to see James Hagens, the presumptive #1 overall pick in 2025 draft. Hagens is Perreault’s center with Team USA and at Boston College. He has 4 goals, 4 assists through 5 games.
It’s not all good news for local fans, as two of most exciting prospects on Team USA belong to the Washington Capitals. Ryan Leonard (8th overall, 2024 NHL Draft) is Team USA’s Captain and the 3rd member of the Perreault/Hagens line in both the tournament and at college. Leonard plays with a “Tkachuk” edge and has 4 goals, 2 assists through 5 games.
Caps also have defensemen Cole Hutson (2nd round, 2024 NHL Draft), who is the younger brother of the Montreal Canadians standout rookie defensemen Lane Hutson. Cole plays a similar game as the puck always seems to be on his stick. He has 2 goals, 6 assists through 5 games.
All games are broadcast on the NHL Network this Saturday, January 4th Check here for matchups and game times.
