2 Panthers prospects to keep an eye on at the 2026 IIHF World Juniors Championships

The NHL players enjoyed a three-day Christmas break from Dec. 24 to Dec. 26 with no matchups, on-site training, and road trips - just family time and gift unwrapping. On the other side, hockey fans had time to regroup and get ready for a 13-game NHL comeback on Saturday, Dec. 27. But there is always a special category of sports admirers who know what this time of the year means. It’s the best world juniors showtime! 

The 50th IIHF World Junior Championships have started on Dec. 26 and will conclude on Jan. 5, 2026, in Minnesota, with a new winner, or not. Group A includes the United States, Sweden, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Germany and plays at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul. Group B consists of Finland, Czechia, Canada, Latvia, and Denmark, and skates at 3M Arena in Minneapolis. The tournament is known for its entertaining scenarios, high-scoring results, dramatic twists, and character development. It’s also a busy time for the NHL scouts and managers, who start evaluating prospects for future drafts and signings. 

While the U.S-born players have all eyes on them as they defend their back-to-back championship status, the competition is loaded with international talent. The Florida Panthers have wished good luck to two of their prospects: Mads Kongsbak Klyvo and Linus Eriksson. 

The Swedish-born Eriksson was drafted in the second round, 58th overall, in 2024. The 19-year-old center has solid experience representing his national team on numerous international events. In 2024, he was a captain of Team Sweden, capturing a bronze medal at the U18 World Juniors. Eriksson scored two goals for the Tre Kronor (Three Crowns) at the U20 World Juniors last year. 

He currently plays for Timra IK and has two assists and a plus/minus of -6 in 25 games this season. It’s his second year in the Swedish Hockey League, where he is a bottom-six center among more experienced and mature players. Eriksson is still a prospect in development with a good sense of defensive play. Sweden faced Slovakia on the opening day of the 2026 WCH U20.  In a 3-2 win, the Panthers prospect started on the fourth line and recorded one shot on goal. On Sunday, Swedish youngsters defeated Switzerland U20 4-2. 

The Panthers selected a Danish left winger, Mads Kongsbak Klyvo, in the fourth round, 112th overall, in June 2025. The 18-year-old forward has good speed, physical play, and size. He is already 6-foot-2 and over 190 lbs. But he hasn’t played a single game this season in the Swedish top league due to injury. So, his performance at the 2026 World Juniors is a significant opportunity to regain his confidence and demonstrate his current condition. On Dec.26, Klyvo started on the first line against Finland and made one shot. Team Denmark lost 6-2 on the opening night and 7-2 the next day. Mads Klyvo earned a plus/minus of -2 in two games. 

Both forwards have time to mature their game, improve their skills, and, most importantly, transform from junior level into the men’s stage. It’s something that comes with experience and opportunities. The 2026 World Junior Championship is the place to unleash hockey powers.