Well, that didn’t take long. After just three on-ice sessions and a single preliminary game, Team Canada has made the bulk of its roster cuts ahead of the 2026 World Junior Championship. On Thursday, Hockey Canada announced the release of three players from its camp: F Jake O’Brien (Seattle Kraken) F Marek Vanacker (Chicago Blackhawks) D Jackson Smith (Columbus Blue Jackets) All three players dressed in Canada’s opening tune-up game against Sweden on Wednesday, using the limited opportunity to make their final case before decisions were made. According to The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler, Canada is still expected to release one goaltender before its final roster is officially announced. For Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes, the early cuts indicate that his spot on the roster is unofficially safe. With multiple forwards removed from contention and no indication that Cootes is among the remaining bubble players, he has likely secured a spot on Team Canada. One variable still worth monitoring is Berkly Cat
