Teams Poised for Improvement at 2028 World Cup of Hockey

The 2028 World Cup of Hockey is set to take place in February, marking the first event since 2016. With a two-year gap following Team USA's gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, discussions are underway regarding which teams may show the most improvement.

Eight countries are expected to compete: Canada, the United States, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Czechia, Slovakia, and Germany. Each team's potential for growth is being assessed based on factors such as key player injuries and the introduction of new talent. For instance, Sweden could benefit from the return of Leo Carlsson and Jesper Wallstedt, while Canada hopes for better injury luck and the emergence of new players like Matthew Schaefer.

Finland's chances hinge on the return of Aleksander Barkov, who missed the 2026 Games, while Czechia looks to build on its goaltending depth. Slovakia is seeing a rise in talent, and Germany's established stars like Leon Draisaitl and Moritz Seider are expected to play pivotal roles. As the tournament approaches, teams are strategizing to maximize their chances of success.