Kaapo Kakko believes the Devils could pick him over Jack Hughes.

Every year around the National Hockey League Entry Draft there is always talk about which picks might drop, which picks might climb, and most importantly of all who will become the 1st overall pick in that years draft. Although the top pick is usually a consensus number 1 there is often at least a conversation regarding the players who are expected to go in the in the 1 and 2 slots respectively and why one could end up leap frogging the other. 

For a perfect example of this type of behavior you need look no further at the year that both Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Auston Matthews and Winnipeg Jets star forward Patrik Laine were drafted into the National Hockey League. Although it was clear to everyone, including the Winnipeg Jets themselves, that Matthews was always going to be the top pick in the draft there was some talk about Laine ending up the top pick in the draft. No serious talk mind you, but there was talk, and there is talk of that nature once again this year. 

Although young forward Jack Hughes has been the consensus 1st overall pick on most mock drafts for the 2019 NHL Entry Draft for as long as I can remember, a new challenger is approaching. Kaapo Kakko has been ranked as the number 1 player in this draft class born outside of North America by just about every scout in the business but Hughes as the number 1 ranked North American player has always been viewed as simply being better. Their recent performances at the current International Ice Hockey Federation's World Championship tournament may be changing that perception however.

Recently Kaapo Kakko spoke to the National Hockey League's own Aaron Vickers via a translator and made it clear that he himself believes that he could be the top pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

"This is a big thing for me for the draft," Kakko said via NHL.com. "I think I can be the first (pick)."

It's hard to argue with his confidence, only 1 player has more goals than him at the tournament currently and everyone who is above or tied with him is currently an NHL player. As for the aforementioned Jack Hughes he has not come anywhere close to Kakko's level of performance, recording just a single point over the course of the tournament thus far. Kakko though says he is not concerned with how Hughes is playing

"I've played well," Kakko said. "I haven't paid much attention to Jack Hughes and his game, but I'm confident I've been able to let everyone see my skills and the level of my game. It's not going to be an easy choice for the teams."

Has his performance at the World Championship done enough to convince you? Or would you still go with Hughes at number 1?