Six Chicago Blackhawks top prospects you need to watch at this years World Junior Championship

PUBLICATION

Sam Walker
December 26, 2023 (9:21 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Chicago Blackhawks have a notable presence in the 2023 World Junior Championship, with several prospects showcasing their talent on the international stage.

While Connor Bedard, the NHL's rookie scoring leader, and defenseman Kevin Korchinski are not part of Team Canada this time, other Blackhawks draftees are making their mark.

Frank Nazar:

Team: University of Michigan, Forward.
Drafted: 2022, first round, 13th overall.
Age: 19 years old, 5-foot-10, 175 pounds.
From: Mt. Clemens, Michigan.
Noteworthy: Nazar has been impressive in the current season with eight goals and 10 assists in 18 games.

Sam Rinzel:

Team: University of Minnesota, Defenseman.
Drafted: 2022, first round, 25th overall.
Age: 19 years old, 6-foot-4, 176 pounds.
From: Chanhassen, Minnesota.
Notable: A freshman with the Gophers, Rinzel has contributed with one goal and 10 assists in 18 games.

Oliver Moore:

Team: University of Minnesota, Forward.
Drafted: 2023, first round, 19th overall.
Age: 18 years old (turns 19 on Jan. 22, 2024), 5-foot-11, 194 pounds.
From: Mounds View, Minnesota.
Insight: Moore, picked 19th overall, has lived up to expectations as a speedy forward, recording two goals and 10 assists in 18 games.

Gavin Hayes:

Team: Flint Firebirds, OHL, Forward.
Drafted: 2022, third round, 66th overall.
Age: 19 years old, 6-foot-0, 178 pounds.
From: Westland, Michigan.
Highlight: Hayes, in his third junior season with Flint, boasts an impressive record with 19 goals and 17 assists in 27 games.
For Team Slovakia, Blackhawks prospects include:

Adam Gajan:

Team: Green Bay Gamblers, USHL, Goaltender.
Drafted: 2023, second round, 35th overall.
Age: 19 years old, 6-foot-2, 180 pounds.
From: Poprad, Slovakia.
Notable: Gajan, named the best goalie in the WJC last year, has been consistent with a 14-4-2 record and a .911 save percentage with Green Bay.

Martin Misiak:

Team: Erie Otters, OHL, Center.
Drafted: 2023, second round, 55th overall.
Age: 19 years old, 6-foot-2, 200 pounds.
From: Banska Bystrica, Slovakia.
Development: Misiak, who played for Slovakia at the previous WJC, has transitioned to North American hockey, impressing with 13 goals and 13 assists in 28 games for the Erie Otters.