As the 2026 IIHF World Championship prepares to drop the puck in Switzerland on May 15, the Nashville Predators will have a strong presence on the international stage. From a captain chasing gold on home ice to a teenage prospect catching the eye of Team Canada, here's a look at the four Predators representatives set to compete.
Leading the charge is Predators captain Roman Josi, who will suit up for host nation Switzerland. This marks his ninth World Championship appearance and his 18th time representing his country overall. Josi is no stranger to high-stakes international hockey—he recently played for Switzerland at the 2026 Winter Olympics, tallying four points in five games as the team finished fifth. With the tournament on home soil for the first time since 2009, Josi and the Swiss are hungry for their first-ever Gold Medal in the Championship division. They've come close before, claiming five silvers and six bronzes since 1930, including a silver at the 2025 tournament. On the season, Josi posted 55 points (13 goals, 42 assists) in 68 games for Nashville, proving he's still a force at both ends of the ice.
In net, Justus Annunen will make his World Championship debut for Finland. The young goalie hasn't represented his country since the 2020 World Junior Championship, so this is a big moment for his international career. After a slow start to the NHL season, Annunen found his rhythm down the stretch, finishing with a .907 save percentage and a 2.64 goals-against average over 28 games. He also notched the Predators' only shutout of the season—a 43-save gem in a 5-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks on April 7. Annunen will be looking to follow in the footsteps of fellow Finn and Predators teammate Juuse Saros, who posted a stellar .940 save percentage at the Olympics earlier this year, helping Finland capture the bronze medal.
Up front, veteran center Ryan O'Reilly will represent Canada for the second straight year. Known for his two-way excellence and leadership, O'Reilly brings a Stanley Cup-winning pedigree and a calming presence to any lineup. His experience will be invaluable as Canada looks to reclaim gold.
Perhaps the most intriguing story is Jack Ivankovic, the Predators' 2026 second-round pick. The teenage goaltender, who spent this past season at the University of Michigan, is reportedly joining Team Canada for the tournament. It's a remarkable opportunity for a young prospect to learn from some of the best players in the world and gain invaluable experience on the international stage.
With a mix of seasoned stars and rising talent, the Predators are well-represented at this year's World Championship. Whether you're cheering for Josi's quest for home-ice gold, Annunen's debut, or Ivankovic's emergence, there's plenty of reason to tune in.