Top 2016 draft prospects top Finland WJC camp roster

Forwards Jesse Puljujarvi and Patrik Laine and defenseman Olli Juolevi, each projected to be first-round picks at the 2016 NHL Draft, head a list of 27 players invited to Finland's selection camp for the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship in Helsinki, Finland.

Puljujarvi, a 6-foot-3, 203-pound right wing, has five goals and 12 points for Karpat in Liiga, Finland's top professional league. Laine, a 6-4, 206-pound right wing, has eight goals and 13 points for Tappara in Liiga. Juolevi (6-2, 179) has four goals, 23 points and a plus-23 rating in 27 games with London of the Ontario Hockey League.

All three players received A ratings from NHL Central Scouting in its November players to watch list.

Forwards Mikko Rantanen (Colorado Avalanche) and Kasperi Kapanen (Pittsburgh Penguins) were not on the initial roster for camp, which starts Dec. 13 at Vierumaki Training Centre, but coach Jukka Jalonen expects to have both players in time for the start of the tournament, according to the IIHF website.

FINLAND WJC SELECTION CAMP

GOALTENDERS: Kaapo Kahkonen, Blues, FIN (Minnesota Wild); Emil Larmi, Peliitat, FIN-2 (2016 draft eligible); Veini Vehvilainen, JYP-2, FIN-2 (2016 draft eligible).

DEFENSEMEN: Olli Juolevi, London, OHL (2016 draft eligible); Miro Keskitalo, Hermes, FIN-2 (2016 draft eligible); Jesper Mattila, Ilves Jr., FIN-JR (2016 eligible); Niko Mikkola, KalPa, FIN (St. Louis Blues); Sami Niku, JYP, FIN (Winnipeg); Vili Saarijarvi, Flint, OHL (Detroit Red Wings); Robin Salo, Sport, FIN (2017 draft eligible); Eetu Sopanen, Peliitat, FIN-2 (2016 draft eligible); Joni Tuulola, HPK, FIN (Chicago Blackhawks); Urho Vaakanainen, Blues, FIN (2017 draft eligible).

FORWARDS: Sebastian Aho, Karpat, FIN (Carolina Hurricanes); Kasper Bjorkqvist, Blues Jr., FIN-JR (2016 draft eligible); Roope Hintz, HIFK, FIN (Dallas Stars); Antti Kalapudas, Karpat, FIN (2016 draft eligible); Patrik Laine, Tappara, FIN (2016 draft eligible); Juho Lammikko, Kingston, OHL (Florida Panthers); Miro Makinen, Jukurit, FIN-2 (2016 draft eligible); Julius Nattinen, Barrie, OHL (Anaheim Ducks); Jesse Puljujarvi, Karpat, FIN (2016 draft eligible); Sebastian Repo, Pelicans, FIN (2016 draft eligible); Aleksi Saarela, Assat, FIN (New York Rangers); Miska Siikonen, Pelicans, FIN (2016 draft eligible); Jonne Tammela, KalPa, FIN (Tampa Bay Lightning); Patrik Virta, TPS, FIN (2016 draft eligible).