2025 World Juniors: Capitals prospects to watch, from Leonard & Hutson to Mateiko

The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship has officially begun and the Washington Capitals are well represented.

Ryan Leonard is the star of a host of Washington prospects heading to Ottawa to represent their countries, and although Andrew Cristall has been cut from Team Canada, several other nations have Capitals prospects to watch.

Find out more about all of the Washington names participating in the tournament here.

Team USA

Ryan Leonard is the top name to watch in the tournament as he wears the “C” for Team USA after a stellar start to his sophomore year at Boston College.

Leonard, who was taken eighth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, scored 12 goals and contributed seven assists for nine points in 16 games to open the year with the Eagles.

In addition to Leonard, Cole Hutson, who the Capitals took at No. 37 overall last summer, will man the blue line for the Americans. The younger brother of Montreal Canadiens star Lane Hutson is having a standout season as a freshman at Boston University, scoring four goals and 10 assists for 14 points and 46 penalty minutes in 16 games.

Team Switzerland

Washington will also see Leon Muggli take to the ice for his country as he represents Switzerland.

Muggli, a 2024 second-round pick, is a shutdown defender who is also capable of providing some offense. The 6-foot-1, 176-pound blueliner has one goal and four assists and 37 penalty minutes in 21 games for EV Zug of the Swiss League.

The most impressive thing about Muggli is his hockey IQ and his ability to compete and play with grown men in the Swiss league. Overall, he compares well to Gustav Forsling, Josh Morrissey and other NHL stars due to his stance, running style and style.

Team Latvia

The Capitals have high hopes for Eriks Mateiko, and this season he has lived up to expectations – and more – in his third junior season.

In 23 games so far with the Saint John’s Sea Dogs of the QMJHL, Mateiko has scored 14 goals and five assists for 19 points and is well on track for a career year. The 1.80 meter tall, 90 kilogram center plays a confident game, and his vision, his playing talent and his running technique make him a force to be reckoned with.

DC got a glimpse of what he can bring to the table in training camp and they’ll be looking for it

Team Czech Republic

18-year-old Petr Sikora, who plays in the Czech league, has made a statement with his impressive play. He plays bigger than his 5-foot-10, 150-pound frame and isn’t afraid to get physical and bold when he needs to.

Sikora has six points in 21 games with Trinec Ocelari HC so far.

Washington selected Sekora 178th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Team Slovakia

Finally, 2024 seventh-round pick Miroslav Satan Jr., the son of NHL legend Miroslav Satan, will be on the ice for Slovakia.

The 6’3″ forward is a force to be reckoned with on the forecheck, and his ability to steal the puck away from opponents, his size and his intelligence make him a strong all-around player. There are areas of his game that he continues to work on, but the potential is great and that’s why the Capitals went back into the draft last summer to get him.

He is playing in the USHL this year with the Sioux Falls Stampede and has three points in 19 games as he adjusts to the North American style of play.