Patrik Laine likely to represent Finland at World Championship

Patrik Laine's draft crusade will have an additional chapter.

The surging No. 2-rated draft prospect is likely to represent Finland at the World Championship next month in Russia, Jouni Nieminen reports.

Laine has been invited by the coach but the final roster will not be set until early next week.

Auston Matthews - the top-rated prospect all season - will also partake in the tournament, representing the United States.

Laine has already enjoyed success on the international stage this season. He scored seven goals and added six assists in seven games at the world junior tournament, helping Finland win gold.

Nieminen's report comes one day after Laine won MVP honors for his leading Tappara Tampere to the Finnish club championship. He scored 10 goals and 15 points in the playoffs, adding to his impressive 33-point regular-season output.