“We’re not ruling him out.”

That was Team North America co-GM Peter Chiarelli’s response back in March when asked about the possibility of naming top NHL prospect Auston Matthews to the World Cup of Hockey 2016 roster.

“He’s right in that next group.”

Well, it’s almost time to name “that next group,” as the final 23-man rosters are due May 27. So, naturally, the question is being circulated heavily once again.

“It’s tough for us as a group to get by the fact that he will not have any NHL competition [before the deadline],” Chiarelli said in March. “That’s an obstacle that will be there.”

Even without that NHL experience, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman thinks the opinion on Matthews cracking Team North America’s roster is changing thanks to his impressive play at the World Championship currently happening in Russia.

“Earlier this year, when I checked on Auston Matthews making the under-23 team, I was told ‘not very likely,'” Friedman explained during Saturday’s Headlines. “I think that’s changing. He’s played very well at the World Championship.”

The NHL-ready centreman has collected six goals and three assists in nine games played at the tournament in Russia, including a three-point game against Belarus in round-robin play and the shootout winner against the Czech Republic to get Team USA to the semifinal. He scored there, too, in the team’s eventual 4-3 loss to Canada.

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Matthews’ goal total has him tied with Canada’s Taylor Hall for third place in tournament goals. (Likely No. 2 pick, Patrik Laine, is tied for first place with seven goals.)

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The competition will be tough, with young NHLers like Alex Galchenyuk, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Max Domi, Jacob Trouba and Shayne Gostisbehere left off the intial 16-man roster for the Young Guns.

In Friedman’s opinion, the tournament’s location might help Matthews’ cause, too.

“There is a marketing aspect to this. He’s the likely No. 1 pick to Toronto, the tournament’s in Toronto.

“I think it’s a possibility now.”