Which Toronto Maple Leafs prospects could make the World Juniors?

The annual World Junior Hockey Championships is around the corner. Training camps are opening in just a few weeks so I decided to see which Toronto Maple Leafs prospects have a chance to represent their country at the World Juniors

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Sam McCue, Canada

McCue was drafted in the seventh round by the Leafs this past June and after returning to the OHL's Owen Sound Attack, he has hit the ground running scoring 14 goals and 21 points through 20 games.

He plays a gritty style of hockey, which gives him a different element that separates him from other Canadian junior hopefuls. He can play up-and-down a lineup, offering the squad versatility as he can play a grinding bottom-six role or a more chippy net front game higher in the lineup. McCue doesn't seem likely to make the team but I would not be surprised if he makes the camp.

Victor Johansson, Sweden

Although there are plenty of players logging consistent time in leagues above Johansson, like the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and Hockey Allsvenskan, his early play this year should put him at least in consideration. This is especially true with about half of last year's Swedish blueline being ineligible to return.

Although he was called up to play for Leksansds of the the SHL for two games, he has spent the majority of the season with their J20 team. He currently ranks third in J20 Nationell scoring for defencemen, with 20 points in 24 games, making his potential call seem unlikely, at least for this year.

Ben Danford, Canada

Despite being a first round pick by the Maple Leafs this past June, it seems highly unlikely that the Oshawa Generals captain is even in consideration for the Canadian World Juniors squad. His bread and butter is his defensive game, which is sound but usually a player needs to show more proficiency on the offensive side of the ice, even on the backend. As of right now, Danford has only eight points in 20 games putting him 48th among OHL defenders in scoring. Hopefully, with some offensive improvements, Danford can be in consideration for next year.

Overall, this year looks to be a decent year for Maple Leafs World Juniors representation with key players like Easton Cowan and Miroslav Holinka set to play big roles for their respective countries. There is also an outside chance that we could see one or two more players joining their future Leafs teammates in Ottawa for the World Junior championship.

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