As the excitement builds for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships kicking off this Friday in Minnesota, the Buffalo Sabres are making headlines with three of their young prospects earning spots on Team USA. The final roster cut on Wednesday saw the American squad reduce their lineup to 25 players, with noted exclusions including forward Jacob Kvasnicka and defenseman Blake Fiddler. This year marks a significant event for Team USA, as they aim for their third consecutive World Junior title on home ice, following their previous triumphs.
Leading the charge for Team USA is forward Brodie Ziemer, who has been named captain. This prestigious role highlights Ziemer’s leadership skills and commitment. He joins fellow Sabres prospects Adam Kleber and Luke Osburn, who are also expected to play critical roles in the upcoming tournament. Ziemer and Kleber were integral members of Team USA’s gold medal-winning squad that triumphed over Finland in a nail-biting 4-3 overtime victory last January in Ottawa. Ziemer, a third-round pick for the Sabres (71st overall), will likely be featured prominently on the top line, bringing experience from past tournaments.
Kleber, selected by the Sabres in the second round (42nd overall), has been projected to be a key defender for Team USA. His stay-at-home defensive style is expected to pair well with Washington Capitals prospect Cole Hutson, solidifying the team’s back end. In a pre-tournament matchup against Germany, Ziemer displayed his offensive prowess by contributing a goal and two assists, a promising sign of his potential impact on the tournament.
Another Sabres prospect, Luke Osburn, makes his mark on the squad after an impressive season where he racked up 41 points—10 goals and 31 assists—in 55 games for the Youngstown Phantoms. Recognition for his skill peaked when he was named the USHL Defenseman of the Year. In the pre-tournament game, Osburn showcased his abilities by quarterbacking the power play, setting up Ryker Lee for Team USA’s second goal. His role is expected to grow as he navigates the tournament, likely serving on the second power play unit.
The presence of these young talents is significant for the Sabres, as they not only contribute to Team USA’s hope for victory but also signify the promising future of the franchise. Coupled with this trio, the Sabres roster will also include Radim Mrtka, the team’s first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Mrtka, selected 9th overall, will represent Team Czechia. The 18-year-old showed great potential after a brief stint in Rochester, returning to the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds where he has netted 16 points (1 goal and 11 assists) in 14 games this season.
With the tournament just a few days away, anticipation is mounting not only for the performance of Team USA but also for the showcase of young prospects from various nations. The contributions of Ziemer, Kleber, and Osburn exemplify the Sabres’ forward-thinking approach in building a competitive roster through the development of their young players.
For further updates on the tournament and the performances of these young athletes, fans can follow the latest developments on social media platforms like X and Instagram, where insights and analysis will be shared closely as the games unfold.