The Top NHL Draft Prospects to Watch at the 2016 World Junior Championships

The World Junior Championship is populated by a large group of draft-eligible players. Although the stars of the two-week event are often 19 and already drafted, each year offers fans a look at the cream of the draft crop for the following June.

This year, the best players in the tournament have the potential to be difference-makers. At the very top, fans can see yet another elite U.S. player, and other countries have splendid talent on display, too.

Here are the nine-best draft-eligible players who will appear at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championships. Players are ranked according to Craig Button of TSN and his latest rankings, and the list is dominated by Team USA this Christmas.

9. Alex DeBrincat, RW, USA

Where Is He Playing? Alex DeBrincat plays for the Erie Otters of the OHL. His outstanding totals this year are being compiled without Connor McDavid, who was his linemate last season. 

What Will His Role Be at the Tournament? According to Mike Morreale of NHL.com, DeBrincat is getting a look at the U.S. camp on the top line with Auston Matthews and Matthew Tkachuk. That is a feature line that carries a lot of expectations.

Where Will He Be Drafted? TSN draft guru Button ranked him No. 24 overall in November, but the impressive offense should see DeBrincat's number rise as the season wears along.

8. Julien Gauthier, RW, Canada

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Where Is He Playing? Julien Gauthier is having a fantastic season for the Val d'Or Foreurs. He is currently just shy of a goal per game this season. 

What Will His Role Be at the Tournament? Gauthier is 6'4'', 224 pounds and has tremendous hands, meaning fans should expect to see him a lot on the power play. He will also have a feature role at even strength, perhaps providing a physical element to a line with some of Canada's small, skilled forwards.

Where Will He Be Drafted? He ranks No. 16 overall on Button's November list and appears to be a lock for 2016's first round. Prospects with skill and size always have high value, so he could sneak his way higher before draft day.

7. Kieffer Bellows, LW, USA

Where Is He Playing? Kieffer Bellows is having a strong season for the U.S. National Development Team. He is the son of famous former NHL player Brian Bellows, and he was the subject of an article from Joe Yerdon at NHL.com recently. 

What Will His Role Be at the Tournament? Like most of the kids on Team USA this year, Bellows has exceptional skill. He is also aggressive and forces the play, perhaps giving him an edge on some prospects with fewer dimensions to their game. The more jobs he can cover, the more playing time for Bellows. 

Where Will He Be Drafted? Bellows is one of a small legion of American prospects near the top of this year's draft. Button of TSN has him No. 11 overall in his latest ranking.

6. Alexander Nylander, RW, Sweden

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Where Is He Playing? Alexander Nylander is enjoying an outstanding year with the Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL. He is among the leading scorers in the league despite being a rookie. 

What Will His Role Be at the Tournament? Nylander will likely play with his brother, William, who is a Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick and a star in the AHL. Sweden will need the Nylander boys to fill the net during a tournament they could win.

Where Will He Be Drafted? Button of TSN ranked him No. 7 overall in November and there is a chance the younger Nylander will be chosen before his brother. (William Nylander was chosen No. 8 overall in 2014.)

5. Clayton Keller, F, USA

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Where Is He Playing? Clayton Keller is a trending prospect who plays for the U.S. National Development Team. He is an impact player at that level and one of the purest talents available in this year's draft. 

What Will His Role Be at the Tournament? Keller should get ample power-play time and should also be a difference-maker at even strength. The World Junior Championship is a showcase for the older kids, but there is a chance Keller steals the show—he has the talent to do it.

Where Will He Be Drafted? Button of TSN ranks Keller No. 6 overall in his latest ranking, and that is probably in the range of where he will go at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

4. Patrik Laine, LW, Finland

Where Is He Playing? Patrik Laine is an effective player for Tappara Tampere of the Sm-Liiga, Finland's top pro league. He has posted impressive offensive numbers this year. 

What Will His Role Be at the Tournament? Finland is the host country, and expectations will be high as there are some impact players who will represent the home side. Laine should receive feature minutes in an offensive role. 

Where Will He Be Drafted? Laine is a trending prospect and someone to follow closely during the tournament. TSN's Button ranked him No. 4 overall in his November ranking.

3. Matthew Tkachuk, LW, USA

Where Is He Playing? Matthew Tkachuk is flourishing in junior hockey for the London Knights of the OHL. He is currently posting an average of two points per game and is having a monster season. 

What Will His Role Be at the Tournament? Mike Morreale of NHL.com wrote about him this week and Tkachuk playing on a line with Matthews. That would be an outstanding development for the young winger.

Where Will He Be Drafted? Tkachuk is an impact prospect and will likely be chosen inside the top five overall at the 2016 draft. Button of TSN has him No. 3 overall in his latest ranking.

2. Jesse Puljujarvi, RW, Finland

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Where Is He Playing? Jesse Puljujarvi is playing well in a men's league in Europe and tracking as an impact prospect. Currently scoring well for Karpat of the Sm-Liiga—Finland's top league—this is one of the best prospects from Finland in a long time.

What Will His Role Be at the Tournament? Puljujarvi has a complete skill set and should play a major offensive role for Finland. Look for him to impact the power play during the World Juniors. 

Where Will He Be Drafted? Button of TSN ranks Puljujarvi No. 2 overall so far, and it is likely the Finn will be off the board very early. His size—6'3'', 198 pounds—added to the fact he plays pro hockey should make Puljujarvi one of the most prominent players in the tournament.

1. Auston Matthews, C, USA

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Where Is He Playing? Auston Matthews is playing pro hockey for Zurich of the Swiss League. He has been scoring at an outstanding rate and is increasing his draft value.

What Will His Role Be at the Tournament? Despite being one of the youngest players in the tournament, Matthews will play a major part in the success of Team USA, especially in an offensive role.

Where Will He Be Drafted? Button of TSN ranks Matthews No. 1 overall in the 2016 draft, and that is extremely unlikely to change. He is a very valuable young player and will be a franchise cornerstone for an NHL team the moment the lottery balls stop tumbling.