Zach Lansard has been named to Team Canada鈥檚 roster for the 2026 IIHF U18 Men鈥檚 World Championship, following an impressive season with the Regina Pats. The 17-year-old forward is gaining traction among NHL scouts, currently ranked 62nd by TSN for the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft. During his regular season, he played all 68 games and collected a career-high 56 points, marking a significant improvement from last season鈥檚 performance. Lansard's already notable development was showcased at the WHL Top Prospects Game and continued into the playoffs, where he scored three goals in five games. The championship begins on April 22, featuring preliminary matches against teams like Slovakia and Finland before the finals on May 2.

By the Numbers
  • Lansard recorded 56 points (24 goals, 32 assists) in 68 regular-season games.
  • He improved from 19 points (7 goals, 12 assists) in his rookie season.
Yes, But

Despite his rising status, Lansard鈥檚 draft rank could shift as team performances and individual statistics continue to evolve throughout the rest of the season and into the championship.

State of Play
  • The IIHF U18 Men鈥檚 World Championship is set for April 22 to May 2 in Slovakia.
  • Canada will face Slovakia, Latvia, Norway, and Finland in the preliminary round.
What's Next

Moving forward, Lansard will aim to bolster his draft stock during the championship while contributing to Team Canada's success on the international stage.

Bottom Line

Lansard's selection for Team Canada and his strong performance this season place him in a prime position as a potential second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, making him a player to watch closely.