How the Maple Leafs have fared through the opening week of 2026 IIHF World Championship

Good morning to The Leafs Nation’s readership, we hope you’re enjoying the long weekend. If you’re anything like us, you’ve been enjoying the start of summer, working your way through Drake’s epic ICEMAN, or generally been outside. We completely understand if you haven’t paying attention to the IIHF World Championship. Here’s how the Maple Leafs have fared through the opening week of the IIHF World Championship.

John Tavares, Oliver Ekman-Larsson playing central roles for Canada, Sweden

John Tavares and Oliver Ekman-Larsson were arguably the Maple Leafs’ two most consistent players during the 2025-26 campaign. It’s little surprise that their stellar form carried over to the international circuit. Tavares was one of Canada’s first commits to the team and is taking his role seriously as one of the veteran leaders of the team, while his hockey intelligence stands out against excellent competition.

Tavares scored the game’s opening goal in a 5-3 victory over Sweden converting on a feed from Robert Thomas. He was active and engaged throughout the contest, standing out as one of Canada’s best players. Tavares wasn’t nearly as involved in Canada’s 6-0 win over Italy, partly out of necessity. He’s been in great form to start the tournament.

Ekman-Larsson is captaining a Swedish team that is sending a mix of veterans, along with two draft-eligible forwards in Ivar Stenberg and Viggo Bjorck. He was one of Sweden’s best players during the loss to Canada, and scored during the first period of a 6-2 victory over Denmark.

Tavares and Ekman-Larsson each have a goal and two assists through games for their respective countries. Although Macklin Celebrini has quickly emerged as the tournament’s top storyline and best player, expect the Maple Leafs’ veterans to continue to play focal roles throughout the tournament.

Joseph Woll loses opening game start to Switzerland

Joseph Woll was appointed as the United States’ No. 1 goaltender entering the tournament, but it began inauspiciously. Switzerland upset the United States 3-1, where Woll allowed three goals on 19 shots. It doesn’t appear that Woll is in any danger of losing his starting job, but we’ll be monitoring how he progresses throughout the event, as the United States look to bounce back from its opening day nightmare.

Maple Leafs’ prospect Tinus Luc Koblar is heating up

Koblar is still considered a project for the Maple Leafs, but he’s always boasted strong offensive instincts. The next step is for Koblar to continue to string a series of stellar games against top competition, while continuing to fight for high-danger looks.

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