2025 World Juniors Group B preview: Sweden eyes elusive gold, NHL draft standouts, key predictions and more

The 2025 World Juniors kick off on Thursday in Ottawa, with a stacked field across a number of teams.

In particular, Group B standout Sweden will be looking to take home the elusive gold medal, with a strong Czechia side aspiring for a medal. Similarly, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, and Switzerland will look to have strong tourneys.

So, here’s a look at the 2025 World Juniors Group B preview ahead of the tournament’s opening.

2025 World Juniors Group B previews

Sweden leads the pack

Sweden leads the pack in Group B of the 2025 World Juniors with Czechia in a position to advance in second. Barring an upset, Sweden and Czechia could finish the group one-two.

Meanwhile, Slovakia should also have a strong tournament, likely finishing third. It’s worth pointing out that Slovakia could go toe-to-toe with Czechia, duking it out for second place.

Unless one of Czechia or Slovakia defeats Sweden in the round-robin, the winner of the Czechia-Slovakia showdown will finish second.

As for Kazakhstan and Switzerland, there’s no ruling out either club could pull off an upset. Switzerland has become a strong hockey nation over the last few years. As such, Switzerland could be the tournament dark horse, possibly pulling into second place with key wins over Czechia and Slovakia.

NHL draft standouts

Team Sweden will feature key players drafted by NHL clubs. Defenseman Rasmus Bergqvist (Montreal Canadiens), winger Felix Unger Sorum (Carolina Hurricanes), and netminder Melker Thelin (Utah Hockey Club) will be players to watch.

Additionally, St. Louis Blues top prospect Otto Stenberg, San Jose Sharks center David Edstrom and Vancouver Canucks blue liner Tom Willander will look to shine in the tourney. Victor Eklund is the top undrafted player for Sweden and could leap into the first-round conversation with a good showing.

As for Slovakia, two standouts from the USHL, defenseman Luka Radivojevic and goalie Samuel Urban, will be on the radar.

For Czechia, winger Vojtech Cihar, blue liner Tomas Galvas and center Richard Zemlicka will be the focus of attention as they look to improve their draft stock.

Team Switzerland boasts Elijan Neuenschwander (goalie) and Daniil Ustinkov (defense) as potential draft candidates.

Lastly, Team Kazakhstan’s most-watched player of the 2025 World Juniors will be Asanali Sarkenov, who plays right wing for Spokane of the WHL.

Key predictions

Team Sweden is the overwhelming favorite to win the group. With a roster full of NHL-caliber players, it’s tough to envision them not finishing atop the group.

The biggest game on Thursday will be the Slovakia-Sweden showdown. The winner of that matchup will set the tone for the group. With an upset win, Slovakia could put itself in the driver’s seat of Group B. The Sweden-Czechia tilt on New Year’s Eve will likely decide the group as both teams would most likely sit one-two in the standings.

Lastly, the Slovakia-Czechia showdown on Sunday will likely decide second place in Group B. Fans should keep an eye on Switzerland. If it can beat one or two of Czechia, Sweden and Slovakia, it could squeak itself into the medal round of the 2025 World Juniors.

Ultimately, the final standings for Group B could look like this: Sweden, Czechia, Switzerland, Slovakia and Kazakhstan. A bold prediction is Switzerland will finish third, ahead of Slovakia.