The selection camp is the first step to naming the 23-player roster for the United States in the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo from Dec. 26-Jan. 5. For many, it will be their last opportunity to represent the United States at the Under-20 tournament.

COLUMBUS -- There's a good chance several of the players competing for roster spots at USA Hockey selection camp at Nationwide Arena and the OhioHealth Ice Haus this week will be playing big roles for their respective NHL clubs within the next two seasons.

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy and Arizona Coyotes forward Clayton Keller are each currently playing a fulltime role in the NHL after winning a gold medal representing the United States at the 2017 WJC in Toronto and Montreal.

"The only thing that could trump [winning a WJC gold medal] would be winning the Stanley Cup but what a feeling that was to be able to do that with such a great group of guys," McAvoy said. "We'll have that forever. One of the biggest takeaways from that tournament was playing in the spotlight and playing in the hostile environment against Canada and against Russia; not a lot of people were rooting for us."

Here are six players likely to play for the United States at the 2018 WJC who could also be starring in the NHL within the next two seasons.

Logan Brown, C, Windsor (OHL): He has the size (6-foot-6, 220 pounds) and presence in the offensive zone that are beneficial at the NHL level, and likely will center the top line for the United States at the 2018 WJC. Brown, 19, chosen No. 11 in the 2016 draft by the Ottawa Senators, had one assist in four NHL games this season before being returned to the Ontario Hockey League. He possesses an NHL-caliber shot and has 24 points (13 goals, 11 assists) in 15 games for Windsor.

Video: MTL@OTT: Brown tips in his second goal of the game

Joey Anderson, RW, University of Minnesota Duluth (NCHC): Anderson (5-11, 190), selected in the third round (No. 73) of the 2016 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils, can play anywhere in the lineup. He had 37 points (12 goals, 25 assists) and a plus-11 rating in 39 games as a freshman at Minnesota Duluth and has nine points (four goals, five assists) and a plus-5 rating in 13 games this season. Anderson, 19, who skated with Keller and Colin White (Ottawa Senators) for the United States at the 2017 WJC, impressed Devils management at rookie camp in July. "He's a relentless, tireless worker, with more skill than people give him credit for," said Paul Castron, Devils director of amateur scouting. He will serve as captain for the 2018 United States National Junior Team.

Casey Mittelstadt, C, University of Minnesota (NCHC): He's already one of the most talented players in college hockey as a freshman at Minnesota. Mittelstadt (6-1, 201), chosen No. 8 in the 2017 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, has the skill set, speed and vision to beat high-end players 1-on-1. The 19-year-old will be a dynamic offensive threat in the U.S. lineup during the tournament and will thrive in the spotlight as one of the top players in the tournament playing in the NHL city where he hopes to have future success.

Kailer Yamamoto, RW, Spokane (WHL): Before being returned to the Western Hockey League, the 19-year-old had three assists in nine games for the Edmonton Oilers, who controlled 60.69 percent of all shots attempted with Yamamoto was on the ice. Yamamoto (5-8, 154), chosen in the first round (No. 22) of the 2017 NHL Draft, is capable of sticking in the NHL next season because of his relentless motor and vision to locate space for himself to receive passes to make plays. He has 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) in 13 games for Spokane.

Video: Kailer Yamamoto on rookie season, upcoming WJC

Adam Fox, D, Harvard University (ECAC): Fox (5-11, 181) might have been considered undersized five years ago, but not today. The right-hand defenseman, chosen in the third round (No. 66) of the 2016 draft by the Calgary Flames, can transport the puck with ease, making a seamless transition. He has an exceptional skill set and intelligence with the puck to contribute in all three zones. Fox, 19, earned ECAC Hockey and Ivy League rookie of the year honors last season and led all defensemen in the nation in points per game (1.14). He has nine assists in 10 games as a sophomore this season.

Kieffer Bellows, F, Portland (WHL): Bellows (6-0, 199) said he is learning what he needs to do to be successful at the next level in his first season with the Winterhawks under coach Mike Johnston. He has 40 points (19 goals, 21 assists) and a plus-22 rating in 31 games for Portland. Johnston, who was coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2014-15, has focused on Bellows' play in the defensive zone and puck protection on offense. Chosen in the first round (No. 19) of the 2016 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders, Bellows, 19, is a power forward with a goal-scorer's mentality.