11 sons of former NHLers playing in the 2026 World Juniors
Sometimes, the athletic family genes are undeniable.
That’s certainly the case for a handful of players competing at this year’s World Juniors.
Fans might recognize some of the players’ names at this year’s tournament based on who their parents were.
Other sons of former NHLers can be harder to spot. Thankfully, we have you covered.
Canada
1. Tij Iginla, LW
Easily the most recognizable name among sons of former NHLers at this tournament, Tij Iginla has some pretty big shoes to fill.
The son of Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla has gotten off to a decent start in this tournament, scoring a third-period goal against Czechia in Canada’s opening game.
In Tij we trust! 🇨🇦
La fiabilité d’Iginla! 🇨🇦#WorldJuniors | #MondialJuniorpic.twitter.com/vK12H1u1H4
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) December 27, 2025
Iginla is competing in his first World Juniors after becoming the Utah Mammoth’s first-ever draft pick at sixth overall back in 2024. His dad helped Canada win World Juniors gold back in 1996.
2. Cole Beaudoin, C
The only other player on Team Canada to have a father who played in the NHL is also a Mammoth prospect.
Cole Beaudoin’s father, Eric Beaudoin, played 53 career games in the NHL with the Florida Panthers. The Beaudoin family moved to Europe when Cole was just four months old, as his dad continued his hockey career in Europe.
The youngest Beaudoin is competing at his second World Juniors and was named assistant captain for this year’s squad.
United States
3. Will Horcoff, C
Although he was drafted 24th overall in the 2025 draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Will Horcoff has been one of the most impressive prospects in hockey this season.
The son of longtime Edmonton Oilers centre Shawn Horcoff has 19 goals in 20 games for the University of Michigan in the NCAA.
Shawn Horcoff and Jarome Iginla had lots of battles for Edmonton and Calgary, respectively, back in their day. Could we get another Horcoff/Iginla battle between the USA and Canada at this year’s World Juniors?
4. Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen, D
Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen is the only player on this list to have his mom play in the NHL.
Back in 1992, Manon Rheaume made history as the first and only woman ever to play an NHL game, when she suited up in a preseason contest for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Her son Dakoda went undrafted in 2025 but made the USA World Juniors squad with a strong showing at the University of Michigan. Although Dakoda represents the states, his Quebec-born mother helped Canada win two World Championship gold medals in 1992 and 1994.
5. Max Plante, C
So far, Max Plante has followed in his dad’s footsteps to a tee.
His father, Derek, played at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where Max currently plays. Derek also donned the USA jersey at the World Juniors back in 1991.
The eldest Plante went on to play over 450 NHL games, largely with the Buffalo Sabres. Max is on track to do the same after being drafted in the second round by the Detroit Red Wings in 2024.
Max Plante puts @usahockey on the board and the crowd goes wild 🙌 #WorldJuniors #IIHF pic.twitter.com/NuBkRetnej
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) December 26, 2025
Sweden
6. Eric Nilson, C
Sweden is tied with the USA this year as both countries have three players on their squads who had parents play in the NHL.
Eric Nilson’s dad should be recognizable to Flames fans, as his father, Marcus, spent the last four seasons of his NHL career with Calgary. He was originally acquired by the Flames at the 2004 trade deadline and helped them reach Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
7. Jack Berglund, C
Philadelphia Flyers prospect Jack Berglund is playing a big role for Sweden at this year’s World Juniors following last year’s disappointment. He was initially named to the previous year’s team, but couldn’t play due to a pre-tournament injury.
This year, he’s captaining Sweden’s squad.
Berglund will look to follow in the footsteps of his dad, Christian, who spent three years in the NHL, split between the Panthers and New Jersey Devils.
8. Sascha Boumedienne, D
Sascha Boumedienne’s father, Josef, has been heavily involved in hockey, even after his post-playing career.
His dad spent four seasons in North America, bouncing between the AHL and NHL. Most of his 37 career games were played with the Washington Capitals.
Josef was most recently the general manager for Sweden at the 4 Nations tournament.
Finland
9. Aatos Koivu, RW
Alongside Iginla, the Koivu name is arguably the most recognizable on this list.
Aatos Koivu’s dad, Saku Koivu, spent 10 seasons as captain of the Montreal Canadiens.
Saku’s son was drafted by the Habs in the third round of the 2024 NHL Draft.
10. Kasper Pikkarainen, RW
It wasn’t quite as noteworthy as the Koivu draft story, but the Pikkarainen family also had a neat moment happen later in the third round of the 2024 draft.
Kasper Pikkarainen was drafted in the third round, 85th overall, by the New Jersey Devils in 2024. Ironically, his father, Ilkka, was also drafted by the Devils in 2002. Ilkka played 31 career NHL games for New Jersey, all of which came during the 2009-10 season.
Slovakia
11. Luka Radivojevic, D
Although he remains undrafted, this is Luka Radivojevic’s second stint with Slovakia’s World Junior team.
His dad, Branko Radivojevic, spent six seasons in the NHL, split between the Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, and the Minnesota Wild.