It's an immensely talented but limited prospect pool for Peter Chiarelli and Stan Bowman to scrutinize in their construction of the novelty North American roster for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

Like in choosing any team there will be difficult decisions, but with a couple hundred players to pluck from, narrowing it down to 16 proved quite simple.

Here are the stars rising fastest, and those we believe will be named to Team North America's initial roster on March 2.

Forwards

Sean Couturier, Philadelphia Flyers

Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres

Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames

Jonathan Huberdeau, Florida Panthers

Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings

Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche

Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

Sean Monahan, Calgary Flames

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Edmonton Oilers

Brandon Saad, Columbus Blue Jackets

North America's roster boasts seven players in the top 75 of league scoring. This doesn't include McDavid, whose 4.01 points per 60 minutes is tops in the NHL.

The 23-year-old Couturier will be relied on to play a paramount two-way, Patrice Bergeron-type role for the young stars. He's the team's lone pivot with a shutdown pedigree.

Alex Galchenyuk, Mark Scheifele, and Max Domi would have to be considered front-runners for the final three spots, but Boone Jenner might be the right type of player to fill a niche.

LW C RW Dylan Larkin Connor McDavid Nathan MacKinnon Johnny Gaudreau Sean Monahan Brandon Saad Jonathan Huberdeau Sean Couturier Jack Eichel ?? Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ?? ??

Defensemen

Aaron Ekblad, Florida Panthers

Shayne Gostisbehere, Philadelphia Flyers

Dougie Hamilton, Calgary Flames

Seth Jones, Columbus Blue Jackets

The league's fourth-most efficient scorer among defensemen with 0.84 points per game, Gostisbehere has rocketed from relative unknown to a lock for this roster.

Morgan Rielly and Jacob Trouba are clear favorites to claim two of three remaining spots in the defensive rotation. Colton Parayko, Matt Dumba, and Noah Hanifin are among those who'll challenge for for the seven slot.

LD RD Shayne Gostisbehere Aaron Ekblad ?? Seth Jones ?? Dougie Hamilton ??

Goaltenders

John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks

Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets