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The traditional Hlinka Gretzky Cup is one of the most prestigious tournaments for players Under-18. This year, 16-year-old Canadian forward Michael Misa, the possible top pick in the 2025 NHL draft, will play the tournament. He follows in the tradition of other players who have gone on to become stars after playing the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Let´s take a look back at the biggest names that have appeared at the HGC in recent years.
Alexis Lafreniere
The traditional youth tournament often features future draft top picks. After names like Nathan MacKinnon and Rasmus Dahlin, Alexis Lafreniere also came to the stage. The Canadian forward played the HGC in Red Deer, Canada, 2018, when he was even the captain of the Maple Leafsand the tournament´s most productive player (5+6). The overseas talent still had plenty of time before the draft then, waiting until two years later. After that, the New York Rangers drafted him right out of the first spot and he has already played 243 games for Rangers.
Juraj Slafkovský
The rising star of Slovak ice hockey played at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup two years ago. Back then, Slafkovský, who was playing for TPS Finland, was extremely productive, scoring nine points in five games and the Slovaks went on to win a sensational silver medal. Last year, Slafkovsky became the no. 1 NHL draft pick and he has already played 39 games for Montreal in NHL.
Lucas Raymond
The right winger from Sweden has already played two full seasons in the NHL. This year, he was also one of the best scoring players for the Red Wings, who selected him as the 4th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. He also played for Tre Kronor at the World Championships in Riga and Tampere this year. Raymond participated in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup three years ago, scoring five goals in five games and taking silver with the Swedes.
Cole Perfetti
Another possible future NHL star. The Canadian took silver at the Junior World Championship and even helped to win gold at the senior stage! 2019, Perfetti played the HGC in Breclav, he scored 12 points (8+4) and still holds the tournament´s shared record for most goals scored. The young forward has been steadily making his way into the Winnipeg Jets´ lineup, scoring 30 points this year.
Leo Carlsson
The Swedish offensive prospect was undoubtedly one of the most prominent names of last year´s tournament. Leo Carlsson participated in the Junior World Championship and even played at the senior Worlds with Tre Kronor. Anaheim took him as the 2nd overall pick in this year´s NHL draft.
Dalibor Dvorský
The young Slovak forward was the the Hlinka Gretzky Cup´s top goal scorer two years ago. Dvorsky regularly shines on the international stage, and this year he was selected by St. Louis in the 1st round of the NHL Entry Draft. He will continue to develop his talent in Oskarshamn, Sweden.
Eduard Šalé
Šalé is one of the best Czech players of the year 2005. The former Kometa Brno winger even played twice at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and each time he was one of the key Czech players. Last year, Šalé helped advance to the semi-finals with four goals and two assists. In this year´s NHL draft, he was eventually selected by Seattle from the 20th position.