> At a Glance
> – Jack Berglund led Sweden to a 4-2 win over Czechia for gold at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship
> – The Flyers’ 2024 second-round pick finished the tournament with 10 points and a plus-9 rating in seven games
> – Six Philadelphia prospects total played in the tournament
> – Why it matters: Berglund’s dominant performance and leadership signal a strong future for the Flyers’ prospect pool
Rick Tocchet had barely seen Jack Berglund in person, yet the Swedish center made it impossible to ignore him. Berglund captained Sweden to an undefeated gold-medal run, topping Czechia 4-2 in the final and showcasing the exact qualities Philadelphia hopes to see in its pipeline.
Berglund’s Commanding Tournament
The 6-foot-4 center recorded three goals and seven assists, pacing Sweden with 10 points and finishing a tournament-best plus-9. He added two assists in the championship game alone.
Tocchet, juggling his NHL duties, still tuned in and liked what he saw:
> I’ve watched him a little bit more and more. I like the fact that he has a ‘C’ on his chest.
Teammate Denver Barkey watched from afar and came away impressed:
> When he first came to dev camp, the thing that kind of blew me away was how well he moves for such a big man… He has been their heartbeat, in my opinion.
Flyers Prospects Across the Board
Philadelphia had six prospects in action. Standout totals:
- Porter Martone (2025 sixth overall): 9 points (6 G, 3 A) for bronze-winning Canada
- Heikki Ruohonen (2024 fourth-rounder): 9 points (3 G, 6 A) to lead Finland
| Player | Country | Pts | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Berglund | Sweden | 10 | Gold |
| Porter Martone | Canada | 9 | Bronze |
| Heikki Ruohonen | Finland | 9 | TBD |
Leadership Resonates in Philly
Beyond the numbers, coaches value Berglund’s presence. Tocchet has spoken with staff who rave about the Swede’s room impact.
> I’ve talked to some people, apparently he is that leader in the room… The leadership part really excites me.
Barkey echoed that sentiment, noting Berglund finishes checks and contributes at both ends of the ice.
Key Takeaways
- Berglund captained Sweden to seven wins and a gold medal
- Flyers prospects combined for 28 points across the tournament
- Leadership from Berglund and Martone aligns with Philadelphia’s culture push
Philadelphia’s pipeline gained shine this winter, and Berglund’s performance gives fans a glimpse of tomorrow’s core.
