Q&A with top prospect Patrik Laine

3:38 PM ET

ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA — Patrik Laine has done nothing so far at the World Championship to derail the debate over whether he or American Auston Matthews should go No. 1 in the 2016 NHL draft. If anything, that debate has only intensified. With all eyes on him in Russia, the 18-year-old Laine has scored six goals and tallied 10 points through six games while helping Finland to an unbeaten record.

Laine spoke about the draft, Matthews, his game and more with ESPN.com following Finland’s optional practice at Yubileiny Sports Palace in Russia on Monday. Finland plays Canada on Tuesday in what could be a preview to the gold medal game in Moscow.

ESPN.com: Did you expect to get as much attention as you have in the last few weeks while at the worlds?

Laine: Not quite. It’s been a good tournament so far, higher than my expectations before the tournament. It’s now nice to play against Canada and hope we’re going to win.

ESPN.com: Did you know you’d be receiving so much individual attention about the NHL draft?

Laine: I think when you play well it’s obvious, and you’re going to have those things around. You just want to have to deal with them and handle them. It’s pretty good and stuff.

ESPN.com: What’s the question you’ve been asked the most here? I’m sure you’ve been asked about Auston Matthews a lot.

Laine: Yeah, they’re asking a lot of Auston questions, but maybe more about the draft.

ESPN.com: Have you had a …

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