Kakko will join Finland at World Championship

Blue-chip prospect Kaapo Kakko will suit up for Finland at the 2019 IIHF World Championship beginning May 10 in Slovakia.

Kakko is projected to be a top lottery pick at the 2019 NHL Draft in June along with Jack Hughes of the United States. Finland is scheduled to play the Americans on May 13, setting up a showdown between hockey's two most highly touted prospects.

The 18-year-old phenom is no stranger to the international spotlight. Kakko played hero at the world juniors in January, potting the game-winner in the dying minutes of the gold-medal game against the United States.

In 45 games this season with TPS Turku of the Finnish Elite League, the 6-foot-2 winger collected a team-high 22 goals to go along with 38 points.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Henri Jokiharju and Florida Panthers winger Juho Lammikko are the only NHL players currently on Finland's roster.