Fantasy Hockey World Juniors Watch Part 2: Zayne Parekh, Anton Frondell and More

Hey folks. Part 2 of our World Junior Championship fantasy watch shifts attention to players whose ice time, skill translation, and performance can provide early insight into NHL readiness and fantasy potential. While Part 1 covered the prospects and next obvious number one draft pick, this section highlights an emerging defensemen who will shape the fantasy landscape as early as this year, as well as a few forwards who have yet to skate in the NHL but are cornerstones of each of their respective NHL hockey club's futures.

This part is all about seeing which prospects step up under pressure, handle top roles, and demonstrate the tools to translate their game to the professional level - giving dynasty, keeper, and redraft managers an early look at the next wave of NHL talent.

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Zayne Parekh - Team Canada

Parekh may not have set the NHL on fire yet, but he's quickly emerging as one of Calgary's brightest future Flames. With a smooth, puck-moving game and the vision to quarterback a power play, Parekh is the kind of defenseman who can spark offense from the blue line. His time at the World Juniors gives him a chance to stoke the spotlight, showing just how quickly he can turn up the heat against elite competition.

Parekh has been building momentum with every step of his career. From strong junior performances to international showcases, he's steadily igniting attention with his passing, skating, and ability to jump into the rush. 

Team Canada will be counting on him to handle top pairing minutes and powerplay opportunities, and fantasy managers should be watching closely for signs he can flare into a top-tier contributor once he reaches the Flames' lineup.

While he hasn't fully exploded onto the NHL scene, the potential is undeniable. Strong showings at the World Juniors could fuel a breakout narrative, heating up dynasty and keeper values and giving redraft managers a glimpse at the firepower he brings. Parekh is the kind of young blueliner who can spark a team and light up a fantasy roster when the timing is right.

Anton Frondell - Team Sweden

Frondell can do it all. Taken third overall by Chicago in the 2025 draft, he made a strong impression at Blackhawks camp and is widely viewed as a cornerstone of the team's youth movement alongside franchise forward Connor Bedard and his unofficial wingman, Frank Nazar. While his minutes in SHL play have been somewhat inconsistent, Frondell should be entrusted with a top role for Sweden at this year's World Juniors, giving him a chance to showcase his skill against the world's best under 20 talent.

On the ice, Frondell is a complete player. He's strong on his skates, battles effectively for the puck, and has the speed and vision to make plays at full pace. Add in a shot that can threaten from anywhere in the offensive zone, and you have a forward who can impact the game in multiple ways. His quiet confidence and hockey IQ are very much in line with the typical Swedish player, allowing him to influence play without needing to dominate the spotlight.

From a fantasy perspective, Frondell is a player to watch for both dynasty and keeper managers. Strong performances at the World Juniors could accelerate his path in Chicago's rebuilding roster, solidify his top-line role, and give managers an early glimpse of the type of impact he can have alongside Bedard and Nazar. He's a versatile, high-upside forward whose game translates well to professional play and can quickly affect fantasy value once he hits the NHL.

James Hagens - Team USA

Hagens was selected seventh overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2025 draft, and while he briefly lost his grip as the top rated draft-eligible player last year, he closed the season on a high note with Team USA's second consecutive gold medal. Anchoring Team USA's top line and playing on the first powerplay unit, Hagens proved he can handle top minutes and deliver under pressure. He finished the previous tournament with five goals and nine points, showing the offensive upside that makes him a player to watch for the future.

Hagens hasn't skated in the NHL yet, but his skill set is already evident. He's a dynamic forward with playmaking ability, a nose for the net, and the hockey IQ to drive his line effectively. This year's World Juniors gives him a chance to continue proving he can adapt to a slightly different Team USA roster and maintain top-line production. How he performs here could be a defining factor in his path to the NHL and his early role with the Bruins.

From a fantasy perspective, Hagens is a high-upside watch in dynasty and keeper formats. Strong showings at this tournament can accelerate his trajectory, solidify his role as a future top contributor, and give managers early insight into his NHL readiness. Regardless of how Sweden or the other top teams finish, Hagens is poised to remain a central figure in the next wave of American talent and a player whose performance could move fantasy boards quickly.

Will Horcoff - Team USA

Horcoff is hard to overlook both for his size and his skill. Taken 24th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2025 draft, he's shown steady development and is now turning heads in the NCAA with Michigan, where he's producing at an elite rate and standing out as one of the top goal-scorers among under-20 talent. Further, he has some pedigree behind him being the son of former NHL player Shawn Horcoff.

A 6-foot-5 forward, Horcoff combines speed, puck-handling, and a willingness to play hard - making him a versatile contributor in both transition and the offensive zone. At the World Juniors, he's expected to see key minutes, including powerplay opportunities, giving him a chance to show how his size and skill translate against top-tier international competition.

From a fantasy perspective, Horcoff is a prospect to monitor closely. Strong performances here can boost his profile, give dynasty and keeper managers an early look at his NHL readiness, and reinforce his potential as a high-upside scorer once he makes the jump to professional play. He's a forward whose combination of size, skill, and scoring ability makes him a long-term fantasy asset.

Fantasy Takeaways

For dynasty and keeper managers, these World Junior performances are worth close attention. Each player carries meaningful upside, and strong showings here can accelerate their draft stock, NHL readiness, and long-term fantasy value.

Parekh could emerge as a top pairing defenseman for Team Canada and a cornerstone for his NHL franchise. 

Frondell offers elite two-way skill and scoring ability, projecting as a high-upside or top-six forward alongside Chicago's young core.

Hagens has top line experience and goal scoring pedigree for Team USA, making him a potential early-impact forward for Boston, on a team that desperately needs depth.

Horcoff combines size, speed, and finishing ability, giving fantasy managers a look at a versatile forward who can translate his game quickly to the NHL.