2025 World Juniors: Capitals Prospects To Watch, From Leonard & Hutson To Mateiko

The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championships are officially underway, and the Washington Capitals are well represented.

Ryan Leonard headlines a plethora of Washington prospects heading to Ottawa to represent their countries, and though Andrew Cristall was snubbed from Team Canada, several other nations have Capitals up-and-comers to watch.

Here's more on all of the Washington names participating in the tournament.

Team USA

Ryan Leonard is the top name to watch at the tournament, as he is wearing the "C" for Team USA after an outstanding start to his sophomore year at Boston College.

Leonard, who went eighth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, has scored 12 goals and added seven assists for nine points through 16 games to open the year with the Eagles.

In addition to Leonard, Cole Hutson, who the Capitals traded up to draft 37th overall this past summer, will man the blue line for the Americans. The younger brother of Montreal Canadiens star Lane Hutson is having a standout freshman season with Boston University, picking up four goals and 10 assists for 14 points through 16 games, along with 46 penalty minutes.

Team Switzerland

Washington will also get to see Leon Muggli take the ice for his country, as he'll represent Switzerland.

Muggli, a 2024 second-round pick, is a shutdown defenseman who is also able to provide some offense. The 6-foot, 176-pound blueliner has a goal and four assists, along with 37 penalty minutes, in 21 games with the Swiss League's EV Zug.

The most impressive thing about Muggli is his hockey IQ and ability to keep up and play with grown men over in the Swiss league. Overall, his poise, skating and style make him a good comparable to Gustav Forsling, Josh Morrissey and other NHL stars.

Team Latvia

The Capitals have high hopes for Eriks Mateiko, and so far this season, he's been living up to expectations — and then some — in his third junior season.

In 23 games so far with the QMJHL's Saint John's Sea Dogs, Mateiko has 14 goals and five assists for 19 points and is on pace for a career year. The 6-foot-4, 201-pound center plays a confident game, and his vision, playmaking ability and skating make him a force to be reckoned with.

D.C. saw glimpses of what he can bring to the table in training camp, and they will be looking

Team Czechia

Playing over in the Czech league, 18-year-old Petr Sikora has been making a statement with his impressive play. He plays bigger than his 5-foot-10, 172-pound frame, not afraid to get physical and gritty when need be,

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

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

Team Slovakia

Lastly, 2024 seventh-round pick Miroslav Satan Jr., the son of NHL legend Miroslav Satan, will take the ice for Slovakia.

The 6-foot-7 forward is a force to be reckoned with on the forecheck, and his ability to strip opponents of the puck, size and smarts make him a strong all-around player. There are areas of his game that he continues to work on, but the potential is high, and that's why the Capitals traded back into the draft this past summer to take him.

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