Casey Mittelstadt wows in Buffalo at World Juniors

ans of the hometown Buffalo Sabres were treated to several highlight reel scoring plays from one of the organization’s most coveted prospects during the recently completed 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Casey Mittelstadt tied for the tournament lead in scoring with 11 points — four goals and seven assists. The University of Minnesota freshman from Eden Prairie, Minn., was the offensive catalyst for the bronze medal-winning United States.

"I have high expectations for myself. Coming into this tournament, I expected myself to be one of the better players," said Mittelstadt.

Mittelstadt, Buffalo’s first-round pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, scored one of the highlight goals of this year’s world juniors in a game against Slovakia. His trademark backhand toe-drag went viral and had scouts and fans alike in awe.

"Being here with my teammates and getting to play on home soil was absolutely amazing," said Mittelstadt.

Only Canada’s Brett Howden had a better plus/minus of any forward in the tournament. No matter who his linemates were, Mittelstadt made those around him better.