Columbus Blue Jackets Send Six to 2025 IIHF World Championships in Sweden, Denmark

Six members of the Columbus Blue Jackets organization are participating in the 2025 IIHF World Championships held in Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark. Head coach Dean Evason leads Team Canada, supported by assistant coach Steve McCarthy, with forwards Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson also representing Canada. Defenseman Zach Werenski plays for the United States, while prospect Samuel Knazko represents Slovakia. Evason, who recently completed his first season as Blue Jackets head coach with a 40-33-9 record, has a rich history with Team Canada, including captaining them to gold in 1997. Fantilli and Johnson are young forwards with notable NHL and international experience, while Werenski is a Norris Trophy finalist and franchise-leading defenseman. The tournament serves as a critical step as teams build toward the 2026 Winter Olympics, with NHL players expected to participate.