We could see 5 NY Islanders prospects at the World Junior Championship

As the calendar turns to December, we are only a few weeks away from the 2025 World Junior Championship. This year's version will take place in Ottawa, ON, with games underway beginning Dec. 26, and the Gold Medal match being held on Jan. 6.

NY Islanders prospects Danny Nelson and Quinn Finley were part of the gold medal-winning Team USA last year, as the Stars and Stripes look to make it a repeat.

With a depleted prospect pool in recent memory, we could potentially see more Islanders prospects on the ice than we have previously. Here are some of the names to watch out for.

Team USA

Danny Nelson played a checking role in last year's march towards the gold medal but could see a somewhat more elevated role this year. Will Smith of the San Jose Sharks could very well be given the green light by his team to play in the WJC, making him the bonafide top-line center, reincarnating the line that has been so successful, playing between Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perrault. Potential first overall pick in 2025 and Long Island native James Hagens is projected as the second-line center, with Nelson leading the third line. If Smith doesn't make the trip to the Canadian capital, Nelson could be bumped to the second line.

Nelson has been a standout at Notre Dame this season, second on the team in goals with six, and fourth for the Fighting Irish in points with 11 through 16 games.

If Nelson does play on the second line, he could be joined by the Islanders' top prospect Cole Eiserman. Eiserman has been one of the top freshmen in the nation, leading the Boston University Terriers in goals, and tied for seventh in the country with nine tallies. His shot will be one of Team USA's biggest assets, as he has the potential to lead the tournament in scoring.

Zach Schulz, the Islanders' 6th-round pick in 2023, needs some work to do if he's to find himself on the USA roster. The former captain of the USNTDP and current Wisconsin Badger is probably on the outside looking in right now, but could potentially be the team's seventh defenseman.