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Auston Matthews leads 2016 WJC’s top NHL draft prospects

USA's Auston Matthews scored a goal and three points in five games at the 2015 WJC. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
USA's Auston Matthews scored a goal and three points in five games at the 2015 WJC. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

All eyes will be on Team USA centre Auston Matthews at the 2016 world junior championship in Finland. He’s entering the tournament regarded as the clear-cut top prospect of the 2016 NHL draft class.

The 6-foot-2, 194-pound Matthews has looked anything but an 18-year-old freshman in Switzerland’s National League A this season. He has scored 14 goals and 25 points in 22 games with the ZSC Lions while showcasing his soft hands, elite strength, smooth stride and top-notch hockey sense.

“His overall package is extremely impressive,” says NHL Central Scouting’s Thomas Roost, who is based in Switzerland. “He is very strong on the puck, makes great plays, skates very well, excellent hands, and he is very successful in corner-battles and along the walls. I guess he also improved his shooting compared to one year ago. In my eyes he is still the favorite for No.1 overall.”

It seems the Scottsdale, AZ., native is poised to be one of the most dominant players in the tourney; however, when taking into account it is a short string of games, a tough night or two could have a big impact on the outcome of his overall showing.

“We can expect high-end performances of a pretty complete player and it would surprise me if he wouldn't be one of the dominating tournament players,” says Roost. “However, in a tourney of just 10 days or so, anything can happen, a bad week of a superstar as well as an over-performing week of an average player. But basically, yes, I do expect a great player with some world-class flashes especially with the puck on his stick.”

Beyond Matthews, here is a look at half a dozen other draft prospects to watch in the tournament.

Julien Gauthier, wing, Canada (Val-d’Or Foreurs, QMJHL) – With a 6-foot-4, 224-pound frame, Gauthier is known for being a big-bodied forward who possesses a high-end shot and a quick stride. He’s nearly at a goal-per-game pace in the QMJHL, as he’s netted 29 goals and 37 points in 30 games with the Foreurs. The Pointe-aux Trembles, QC., native appears to be poised to don a sweater by the 16th selection in Buffalo.

Matthew Tkachuk, wing, USA (London Knights, OHL) – Just like his father, former NHL great Keith Tkachuk, the St. Louis, MO., native has a knack for finding the back of the net, possesses good size (6-foot-1, 195 pounds) and is a natural born leader. His strong play with the Knights this season, which includes 14 goals and 59 points in 29 games, has put him in the running to be the second forward selected in the draft behind Matthews.

"He looked like his old man out there," U.S. national junior coach Ron Wilson told NHL.com. "He has a nose for the net and fights and claws to get there; he's tenacious, just like his dad."

Alex DeBrincat, centre, USA (Erie Otters, OHL) – Even though most scouting services feel he won’t be selected with a top 15 selection this June, DeBrincat has the potential to be one of the most electrifying forwards in the tournament. He’s continued to find a way at every stage to overcome the obstacles that come with possessing a 5-foot-7, 161-pound frame. While showcasing his elite speed, solid shot and impeccable offensive instincts, he’s racked up 33 markers and 56 points in 30 games with the Otters after netting 104 points last year.

Jesse Puljujärvi, wing, Finland (Karpat, SM-Liiga) – The 6-foot-3, 196-pound Puljujärvi, who has netted five goals and 12 points in 31 games with Karpat, is regarded as a consensus top five prospect in the draft. His big frame, elite offensive abilities and smooth stride enabled him to make the jump up to the Finnish pro ranks as a 16 year old last year.

“He has great size and reach and he’s a mobile power wing with great hands and offensive instincts,” Central Scouting’s Goran Stubb told BTN in a 2014 interview. “He has the same scoring instincts and skill set as (Florida Panthers winger Aleksander) Barkov.”

Patrik Laine, wing, Finland (Tappara Tampere, SM-Liiga) – Laine’s stock has been on the rise this season, as he’s gone from a projected mid first-round pick to a potential top five selection. He not only uses his imposing 6-foot-4, 209-pound frame to his advantage by playing a physical game, but he also possesses an appealing combination of soft hands, a solid shot and good vision. He’s transitioned well to the pro game in Finland this year, notching eight goals and 16 points in 24 games with Tappara Tampere.

Alexander Nylander, wing, Sweden (Mississauga Steelheads, OHL) – Nylander is regarded as one of the top 10 talents in the draft, much like his brother, Toronto Maple Leafs pick William Nylander, was in 2014. He’s a slippery skilled forward who has an enticing blend of offensive prowess, elite speed and the ability to finish. He has tallied 21 markers and 49 points in 33 games in his rookie season with the Steelheads.

Kelly Friesen is a Buzzing the Net columnist for Yahoo! Sports. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen