THREE NHL Prospects That Have Had Tremendous WJC Tournaments - Mesar, Behrens, Nyman

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It's medal time! With yesterday's first-round knockout stage and the semi-finals tomorrow, we are down to the final four at the prestigious World Junior Classic Tournament. Here are three prospects that have outperformed expectations throughout the tournament:

Filip Mešár, Team Slovakia

What a ride it was for Team Slovakia! A country with a population of only 5.5 million people issued a massive challenge to the major hockey country and hosts, Canada. The Slovaks drove the Canadiens to overtime after overcoming a two-goal deficit. Slovakia put their heart and soul into the game, as depicted by the numerous shot blocks and sacrifice the team showed. But unfortunately, the team fell to Connor Bedard's spectacular goal after an amazing effort.

Filip Meár was surely the best Slovakian forward on the ice throughout the tournament. Mesar, who served as an assistant captain for his home nation, was among the tournament ice-time leaders among forwards, averaging just over 19 minutes per game. Meár was among the team leaders in all categories, including points, assists, and plus-minus. The first-round pick recorded two goals and four assists for six points in five games; the winger also recorded a +2 rating.
 
The Habs' prospect played a massive role in yesterday's quarter-final defeat to Canada. Montreal's prospect was all over the highlights, winning puck battles and setting up teammates for scoring chances. Meár played nearly 20 minutes of ice time and had an assist thanks to good puck protection and a set up to Libor Nemac.
The Montreal organization should be thoroughly impressed with the performance of their 19-year-old prospect. Meár is set to return to Kitchener of the OHL and can suit up for the 2023 IIHF World Juniors if he chooses to.

Sean Behrens, Team United States

The American-born defenseman can be touted as one of the most underrated players in the entire tournament. The native of Illinois has played an underrated role as a two-way shutdown defenseman for an offensively gifted American squad. Behrens is a player that can be utilized in most situations; he is described as your everyday mobile defenseman.
 
There is no doubt that Team USA has some of the best talent, with players such as Logan Cooley, Cutter Gauthier, and Jimmy Snuggerud among the tournament's point leaders.However, with an offensively gifted D-core that includes players like Luke Hughes, Lane Hudson, and even Ryan Ufko, players like Behrens are simply overshadowed.
 
All throughout the tournament, Behrens has showcased his ability to stop and end high-end scoring chances created by his opponents. The American assistant captain is great at breaking up rushes and finding teammates on the breakout. Behrens also plays a smart game, drawing penalties while maintaining a high percentage of Team USA's d-zone exits.
 Behrens is a former second-round selection by the Colorado Avalanche, back in the 2021 draft when the squad selected the defenseman 61st overall. Team USA will need another strong game from Behrens as they take on the Connor Bedard-led, Shane Wright-led Team Canada tomorrow.

Jani Nyman, Team Finland

And last but not least, we have Jani Nyman. No, Nyman didn't put up a ton of points, but the Valkeakoski, Finland, native played a strong two-way tournament for his Finnish squad. Confidence is one of many words that describe the Finnish beast. On a weaker Finland team, Nyman was one of the few forwards who produced when called on. The Seattle draft pick was rewarded throughout the tournament with time on the second line and the first power play unit.
 
Nyman's best offensive characteristic has to be his shot. The second-round pick is a player who isn't afraid to shoot the puck, especially on the power play. Nyman frequently wins puck battles in and around the offensive zone; he likes to use his 6-foot-3 stature to protect the puck and use his speed to defeat defenders. The Fin finished the tournament with five games played, two goals scored, and one assist.
With the game on the line against Team Sweden, Nyman was one of Finland's best backcheckers. As a player not known for his defensive game, Nyman showed the ability to use his strong, smooth stride to break up a play and regain possession for his team.
 
What's next for Nyman? The youngster will return to his Liiga club, Ilves Tampere. Nyman is expected to suit up for Team Finland at the 2023 IIHF World Juniors, where it is likely he will see an increased role and a leadership role.