Sabres Prospects Getting Prepped For World Junior

The 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase concluded in Windsor, ON on Saturday, with Team USA throttling Team Canada 7-2. 2026 top pick Daxon Rudolph is expected to make Canada's roster for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championships in Alberta in December, and played in two of the three games, registering an assist in the 5-3 loss to the Swedes.

2025 draftee and goalie prospect Samuel Meloche got the start against Sweden on Wednesday and allowed four goals on 21 shots in the loss. Meloche is battling Lucas Beckman and William Lacelle as the backup to Jack Ivankovic. Beckman gave up all seven goals on 24 shots in the loss to Team USA, while Lacelle gave up three goals on 26 shots in a 5-3 win over Finland.

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The determining factor will likely be who plays better this upcoming season. Meloche will be heading back to the QMJHL to play for the Saint John Sea Dogs before heading to Northeastern in 2027, while Beckman will play for Cape Breton and Lacelle will be heading to the NCAA this fall to play at Nebraska-Omaha.

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2025 draftee Melvin Novotny played in five games for Sweden, posting assists in wins over Team USA and Finland. The 19-year-old forward is coming off a 57-point season in the USHL and will embark on his NCAA career as a freshman at UMass-Amherst.

2025 top pick Radim Mrtka is eligible for the WJC with his 20th birthday and on Sunday was named to Czechia's roster for the upcoming Five Nations U20 Tournament in Finland later this month. The 19-year-old played for his country at the 2026 World Junior and should be a shoo-in if the Sabres release him to play this December.

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