It’s almost the holiday season again, and for hockey fans, this means another iteration of the World Junior Championships. What does that mean for Edmonton Oilers fans? They might be able to see a couple of their prospects on the largest stage for their age group.
Let’s take a look at Oilers prospects who might represent their nation this December.
The lock:
David Lewandowski, Forward, Team Germany
Lewandowski was the 117th overall pick by the Oilers in the 2025 draft and is looking to be a mid-round steal after a hot start this season with the Saskatoon Blades in the WHL.
Lewandowski’s production stands at seven goals, 15 assists, and 22 points across just 19 games. The 6’2” German is on pace for nearly 80 points this year, which is close to double his draft year production of 39.
The fourth rounder has a playstyle that shows both soft and hard skills as a playmaker and power forward.
This skill set is exactly what the German team needs to make a deep run this tournament. Expect Lewandowski to get consistent top six minutes in the tournament and opportunities on their power play and penalty kill.
He won’t be on the plane to Minnesota alone either, as the Saskatoon Blades teammate Dustin Willhoft will likely be part of the team as well. The two Germans may find some chemistry that they bring back to Saskatoon, furthering Lewandowski’s success post-WJC as well.
The unlikely but possible:
Tommy LaFreniere, Forward, Team Canada
The Kamloops Blazers forward, Tommy Lafreniere, was the third round, 83rd overall selection made by the Oilers in the 2025 NHL draft. Much like Lewandowski, the two-way forward is off to a stellar start this season in all three zones as a consistent defensive presence while also netting 21 points across 19 games.
LaFreniere’s main drawbacks before the draft were his offensive instincts and shooting. These are two elements he has worked hard this season to improve, and it shows as he’s netted 12 goals across just 19 games, and is on pace for a 40 goal season.
This blend of scoring, compete, and defensive responsibility makes him an intriguing option for Team Canada. Unlike Lewandowski, Team Canada has plenty of depth options to choose from. It is quite unlikely that LaFreniere gets the call over more high-profile players for the Canadian squad this year.
If the Blazers forward keeps building this momentum, expect the LaFreniere to be a serious option for Canada’s 2027 World Junior roster.
Aidan Park, Forward, Team USA
The quality two-way forward was selected in his draft plus one year by the Oilers in this most recent 2025 draft. Much like the prior two names on this list, Park is also off to a strong start in the NCAA with the Michigan Wolverines.
In just 12 games so far, the Hermosa Beach product has produced seven points in his freshman season. More importantly, Park’s complete game has an extremely high motor, high-end defensive awareness, and displays good shooting mechanics and tendencies.
This combo of skills and effectiveness in all three zones makes him a candidate for Team USA. Much like LaFreniere, the American squad this year has lots of forward depth, likely pushing Park off their radar.
There’s always the national team possibility, however unlikely, as Park plays for one of the most high-profile NCAA programs. Expect him to enjoy his holiday break over extra hockey though.
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The World Junior championships
Despite what Edmonton Oilers prospects are appearing in the tournament, it’s building up to be another classic. The host cities for this year’s tournament are Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. The tournament runs from December 26 to January 5.
Who do you think will bring home the gold? Let us know in the comments below.
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