Arizona Coyotes prospect Barrett Hayton will captain Canada’s world juniors squad as it looks to get back on the podium following an early exit last year, the team announced Wednesday.
Hayton, the fifth-overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, will wear the “C,” while Joe Veleno (Detroit Red Wings), Ty Smith (New Jersey Devils) and Ty Dellandrea (Dallas Stars) will be assistants.
Hayton has recorded a goal and three assists in 14 games with the Coyotes this season.
The 19-year-old from Peterborough, Ont., was part of the Canadian squad that lost in overtime in the quarterfinals to Finland at last year’s world junior hockey championship in Vancouver and Victoria. He had four assists in five games at the event.
Canada’s roster features 18 NHL draftees — including 10 first-round selections — as well as five players eligible for the 2020 NHL draft. There are also five returnees from last year’s team.
Canada kicks off its tournament on Boxing Day against the United States.
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