Six Biggest World Juniors Snubs: Will Canada, USA Regret Cutting Cristall, Misa And Musty?

One of the most discussed things about every World Junior Championship isn’t even something that happens on the ice. It’s about who was snubbed and will not be at the tournament.

Many times, when fans and media criticize a choice, it’s because their favorite player or the prospect from the team they cover didn’t make the team. Sometimes, it’s justified, and other times, it’s fans being fans of their guys, which is understandable.

That said, a few names always leave everyone across hockey scratching their heads.

Let’s look at some of the most notable omissions from the world juniors, which take place in Ottawa from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5, 2025.

Andrew Cristall, LW, Canada

Drafted 40th overall in 2023 by Washington Capitals

In what was his final chance to make the Canadian world juniors squad, the most prolific active scorer in the WHL will not play at the U-20 event.

Cristall has always had a hard time cracking and earning a big role with Canadian international teams, largely because he is a highly skilled offensive left winger who isn’t the biggest or fastest. It’s been an issue for Hockey Canada in the past, with Cristall playing on the fourth line and even a few games as the 13th forward at the U-18s a couple of tournaments back.

Cristall’s averaging 1.88 points per game over the last three years in the WHL. If Canada struggles to score, Cristall’s absence could be considered a massive misstep for the Canadians.

Michael Misa, C/W, Canada

Eligible for 2025 NHL draft

Cristall has gotten much of the attention among Canada’s snubs, but the biggest omission from the team didn’t even get an invite to evaluation camp.

Michael Misa leads the CHL in goals and points, and he sits just behind Cristall in points per game.

It’s not just his scoring that should have earned him a spot, though. He is one of the most complete players in all of junior hockey. His intelligence and commitment to the game’s little details would have made him a natural fit up and down the roster.

He’s been on a tear since being left off the camp roster, with 12 points in four games. Misa could have been one of Canada’s most versatile players.

Related: 2025 NHL Draft Rankings: Ferrari’s Pre-World Juniors Top 64

Quentin Musty, LW, USA

Drafted 26th overall in 2023 by San Jose Sharks

While an injury virtually assured Musty’s absence from the Americans’ preliminary roster, rumors prior to camp suggested he wouldn’t be there regardless.

The year started with Musty refusing to report to the Sudbury Wolves in the OHL, hoping for a trade. The team never granted him his request, and he joined the team to start in November. He was producing at a high level until the injury.

After a 102-point campaign last year, when he was one of the league’s best players, an invite seemed like a given. The injury helps take away the sting a bit, but the fact that USA Hockey decided to pass on Musty is questionable.

Dominik Badinka, D, Czechia

Drafted 34th overall in 2024 by Carolina Hurricanes

Dominik Badinka was left off Czechia’s roster despite having a very good season in the Swedish League. He would have seamlessly slotted in as a top-four defender and likely would have been leaned on in all situations.

There have been whispers that Badinka and the Czech national team are on shaky terms, with some of the issues stemming from his departure from Czechia to play in Finland and Sweden. While there are Czech players on the roster who have left for Finland and Switzerland, there seems to be tension with Badinka.

If Czechia looks shaky on the blueline, they could regret not taking Badinka, who could have been arguably their top blueliner and has three points in 22 games with Malmo.

Eemil Vinni, G, Finland

Drafted 32nd overall in 2024 by Edmonton Oilers

For quite a long time now, Eemil Vinni has been a prominent name for Finland. This year has been a bit of a trying time for the young Finn, with one game in the Liiga, one game in the second-tier Mestis and seven games for HIFK Jr. Because of that, it might be the first year in quite a while where he isn’t pulling on the Finnish national jersey.

All of Finland’s goalies for the world juniors are having good seasons, but Vinni’s international experience could have been something the team leaned on because it’s often where he’s looked his best.

Related: World Juniors: The Lowdown On Sweden And Finland’s Rosters

Noah Dower-Nilsson, C, Sweden

Drafted 73rd overall in 2023 by Detroit Red Wings

The Swedes are bringing quite a strong roster, but not seeing Noah Dower-Nilsson on the roster raised eyebrows.

They may feel like they have enough centers who play a similar role at a higher level, but having Dower-Nilsson as a depth option would have been sneaky good. He’s always looked good at the international level, and he’s been quite solid in the SHL this year, with six points in 18 games.

Only time will tell whether Dower-Nilsson should have been on this Swedish squad, but the depth and strength all over the roster may make it a moot point.

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Related: Canada Announces 2025 World Juniors Roster: Reaction, Full List And Cuts