Karnaukhov, Kylington invited to World Junior camps, Tuulola not invited

Two more Calgary Flames prospects are in contention for roster spots at the upcoming World Junior Championship tournament, while another has not been invited to try out for his national team.

Pavel Karnaukhov has been named to Russia’s preliminary roster and Oliver Kylington has been named to Sweden’s preliminary roster, while Eetu Tuulola was not invited to Finland’s camp.

Kylington, 19, was one of two Flames second round selections in 2015, along with fellow Swede Rasmus Andersson. Now in his second full season with the American Hockey League’s Stockton Heat, he’s been strong offensively and reportedly has really tidied up his defensive game. 

He was passed over for a World Junior invite last year, but will likely be released by the Flames organization for the tournament under the terms of the NHL/Sweden transfer agreement. (The agreement is weird and technical, but the gist is if Kylington wants to go and Sweden invites him, the Flames have to release him for the tournament.)

Karnaukhov, 19, was Calgary’s fifth round pick in 2015. After two seasons with the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen as an import, he returned home this fall to play in Russia. He’s currently bouncing around CSKA Moscow’s organization and has played here and there between their KHL club, the MHL club and their VHL club. He’s been a point-per-game player on their junior team, but hasn’t produced a ton in either of the pro levels yet. 

Born in Belarus but considered a dual citizen, him suiting up for Russia in an IIHF tournament will lock in his hockey citizenship from here on out – meaning he’ll only be able to play for Russia for the rest of his international career.

Tuulola, 18, was Calgary’s sixth round pick in 2016. He’s currently with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips as an import after playing in Finland to this point. He’s been good, albeit inconsistent, and that inconsistency (and some time lost to an early-season injury) probably kept him off Finland’s roster this year. He’ll likely be in the mix for a World Junior roster spot next winter.

Dillon Dube has been invited to Canada’s World Junior camp, while USA Hockey will announce their camp roster later this afternoon.