It appears at least one Edmonton Oilers’ prospect will participate in the 2026 World Juniors. Toward the end of November, Team Germany released their preliminary roster for the coming tournament. Oilers’ fourth-round pick, David Lewandowski, was on the roster and is expected to make the team. The 18-year-old has had a strong start to his 2025-26 season with the Western Hockey League’s Saskatoon Blades, scoring eight goals and 28 points in 27 games, with 20 penalty minutes. Lewandowski leads the team in goals as the Blades currently sit fifth in the WHL’s Eastern Conference thanks to a 14-13-2 record.
This isn’t Lewandowski’s first rodeo at the U20 tournament. Last season in Ottawa, the winger scored two goals in five games in the tournament, as Team Germany defeated Team Kazakhstan to stave off relegation.
That said, it’s going to be tough sledding for Team Germany at the 2026 World Juniors in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. They’re in Group A, which also features Team USA, Team Sweden, Team Slovakia, and Team Switzerland. This will be Team Germany’s seventh consecutive WJC.
Speaking of Team USA, another Oilers prospect, Asher Barnett, was named to their preliminary roster. Barnett was selected in the fifth round in the 2025 draft, and he has eight assists in 19 games with the University of Michigan as a freshman. The left-shot defenceman is much less of a lock to make the roster than Lewandowski. If these two players make their respective rosters, it’ll be the second consecutive tournament that the Oilers have had two prospects attend, having Paul Fischer represent Team USA and Beau Akey represent Team Canada in the 2025 tournament. The Oilers didn’t have a representative at the 2024 tournament.
Moreover, former Oilers prospect Sam O’Reilly is heading to Team Canada’s camp, with their preliminary roster being announced on Monday morning. He was traded for Ike Howard during the summer and has put together a solid season for the London Knights, scoring 12 goals and 27 points in 27 games. The tournament begins Dec. 26, and the gold medal will be awarded on Jan. 5. Team USA has won the last two gold medals and is looking for its first three-peat in tournament history. Since 2013, either Team Canada, Team USA, or Team Finland has won the gold medal. The last time one of those three teams didn’t win gold was in 2012, when Team Sweden won, preceded by Team Russia the season before.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Oilersnation, FlamesNation, and Blue Jays Nation. Follow her on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.
PRESENTED BY SOUTHVIEW ACURA
At Southview Acura, luxury isn’t just what you drive, it’s how you’re treated. Family owned and operated, we’re proud to offer an exceptional selection of new and certified pre-owned Acuras, backed by a service experience built on trust and precision. Whether it’s your first visit or your next, our team is committed to excellence every step of the way. Visit Southview Acura today, where luxury meets reality.
