The 2027 World Juniors just got a new gold medal contender.
While they’re allowed to compete in the 2027 World Junior Championship according to the ruling, the International Ice Hockey Federation (who governs international events) hasn’t made a decision whether they’ll be involved in the upcoming tournament.
If they are, expect Team Norway to be bumped from the tournament as they won their relegation game against Team Denmark in the 2026 WJC. If that’s the case, Russia would join Group A, a group that features Team Canada, Team Czechia, Team Switzerland, and Team Latvia.
Team Russia returning means there are six legitimate gold medal contenders, three in each group. Only one Calgary Flames’ prospect, Alan Shaikhlislamov, is eligible to participate for Russia’s national junior team.
The IIHF has a meeting on Monday, at which point they’ll start figuring out the repercussions of the CAS ruling.
Red Wings suspend Dylan Larkin
Larkin requested a trade from the Original Six team this past off-season, with no trade materializing. He carries a full no-move clause, but has given the Red Wings a 10-team trade list that includes the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, New Jersey Devils, and six other teams based in the United States.
There was a similar situation earlier this year, as American netminder Connor Hellebuyck requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets. He didn’t attend their training camp and was suspended. Once that suspension ended, he was traded to the Devils last week.
Larkin has spent his entire career with the Red Wings after they selected him 15th overall in 2014. Over 818 career games, Larkin has 278 goals and 649 points. However, he’s played just five postseason games, all back in the 2016 postseason. There, he scored a goal and picked up 18 penalty minutes. Larkin also won the gold medal with Team USA at the 2026 Olympics.
The Red Wings have missed the playoffs for 10 consecutive seasons, struggling in March for each of the last four seasons to end up missing it.
Cynthia Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for DFO Calgary, DFO Edmonton, and Blue Jays Nation. She can be followed on Twitter @CynthiaRDelaney. Sponsored by bet365:
