The U.S. is set to defend its gold medal at the IIHF men's hockey world championship, featuring players like Matthew Tkachuk and Sidney Crosby. Key players from the NHL, including Tage Thompson and Clayton Keller, are also highlighted despite some missing due to injuries.
Key points
The U.S. aims to defend its gold medal at the IIHF men's hockey championship.
Matthew Tkachuk and Sidney Crosby are among the players to watch.
Tage Thompson and Clayton Keller are key players despite some injuries.
The tournament faces promotion challenges due to the NHL playoffs.
Florida Panthers' playoff absence creates new opportunities for players.
The International Ice Hockey Federation's marquee tournament is often a tough sell because it falls in May during the NHL playoffs. Golden goal scorer Tage Thompson is still playing for the Buffalo Sabres and captain Clayton Keller and goalie Jeremy Swayman played in the NHL first round. Swayman also has a child on the way.
Some players need to recover from injuries after grueling seasons and there's no Olympics on the horizon as a carrot to attend.
But that doesn't mean there are no intriguing players at this year's hockey worlds. The Florida Panthers missing the playoffs after back-to-back titles opened some unexpected options for their players' countries.
Here are eight players to watch at the IIHF world championships:
Dec. 29: USA forward Ryker Lee (RW) (17) shoots the puck as Slovakia forward Tobias Pitka (28) defends during the first period.
Q&A
Who are the top players to watch at the IIHF men's hockey world championship?
Key players to watch include Matthew Tkachuk, Sidney Crosby, Tage Thompson, and Clayton Keller.
Why is the IIHF men's hockey world championship difficult to promote?
The tournament is often overshadowed by the NHL playoffs, which occur in May, making it a tough sell.
What challenges are players facing at this year's hockey world championships?
Many players are recovering from injuries after a grueling NHL season, and there is no Olympic competition to incentivize participation.
How did the Florida Panthers' playoff absence affect the IIHF championship?
The Panthers missing the playoffs has opened unexpected opportunities for their players to represent their countries at the world championships.
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Dec. 29: Slovakia goalie Micha Pradel (1) stops USA forward Teddy Stiga (4) on a breakaway during the first period.
Dec. 29: Czechia's Vojtech Cihar is checked by Finland's Emil Hemming.
Dec. 29: Anton Frondell celebrates his power-play goal against Sweden in the third period against Germany. He scored twice in the 8-1 victory.
Dec. 29: Viggo Bjorck (21) also scored twice for Sweden in the game, as did Jack Berglund.
Dec. 29: Sweden's Felix Carell checks Germany's Lenny Boos in the first period.
Dec. 29: Germany's Elias Pul (9) celebrates his tying goal against Sweden with teammate Gustavs Griva. Germany scored on a 2-on-0 break, but Sweden pulled away in the second period.
1 / 7
Hockey's best young stars face off at world junior championships
Dec. 29: USA forward Ryker Lee (RW) (17) shoots the puck as Slovakia forward Tobias Pitka (28) defends during the first period.
1 / 7
Hockey's best young stars face off at world junior championships
Dec. 29: USA forward Ryker Lee (RW) (17) shoots the puck as Slovakia forward Tobias Pitka (28) defends during the first period.
2 / 7
Hockey's best young stars face off at world junior championships
Dec. 29: Slovakia goalie Micha Pradel (1) stops USA forward Teddy Stiga (4) on a breakaway during the first period.
3 / 7
Hockey's best young stars face off at world junior championships
Dec. 29: Czechia's Vojtech Cihar is checked by Finland's Emil Hemming.
4 / 7
Hockey's best young stars face off at world junior championships
Dec. 29: Anton Frondell celebrates his power-play goal against Sweden in the third period against Germany. He scored twice in the 8-1 victory.
5 / 7
Hockey's best young stars face off at world junior championships
Dec. 29: Viggo Bjorck (21) also scored twice for Sweden in the game, as did Jack Berglund.
6 / 7
Hockey's best young stars face off at world junior championships
Dec. 29: Sweden's Felix Carell checks Germany's Lenny Boos in the first period.
7 / 7
Hockey's best young stars face off at world junior championships
Dec. 29: Germany's Elias Pul (9) celebrates his tying goal against Sweden with teammate Gustavs Griva. Germany scored on a 2-on-0 break, but Sweden pulled away in the second period.
He's usually unavailable because of deep NHL playoff runs. But he'll be the USA's marquee player and the lone Olympic gold medal winner on the team. If he helps the USA repeat, he'll be the first American on the triple gold club with Olympic, world championships and NHL titles. He's scheduled to arrive on May 19. Boston's Mason Lohrei and Edmonton prospect Isaac Howard are the returnees. Washington's Ryan Leonard and Boston's James Hagens have chemistry from Boston College and the world junior championships.
He joined after the Penguins were eliminated by the Flyers. He's a triple gold club member already and played in last year's tournament. That super team featuring Nathan MacKinnon, Crosby, Celebrini and others was stunned by Denmark in the quarterfinals. Crosby will be an alternate captain.
He missed the 2025-26 NHL season after injuring his ACL during his first day in training camp. This will give him an opportunity to suit up for his country after he missed the Olympics. His NHL teammate, Anton Lundell, will also play for Finland.
