Projecting the top men's scorers at PyeongChang 2018

By now, if you haven't come to terms with NHL players not competing at PyeongChang 2018, you probably never will.

And while there is no denying the fact that the tournament's appeal is not on the same level it would have been if the world's best were allowed to take part, there are still plenty of consummate hockey professionals set to put on a show next week.

Even though the "Olympic Athletes from Russia (OAR)" team boasts the obvious advantage of a roster loaded with NHL-ready talent, a number of lesser-known names from different nations still have the ability to light the lamp on the regular and take the tournament by storm.

Here's a look at the players we think will be the leading scorers in South Korea, broken down by group:

Group A

Linden Vey, W - Canada

The 2009 fourth-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Kings saw his NHL high in goals top out at 10 when he notched 24 points in 75 games for the Vancouver Canucks during the 2014-15 season. Although those numbers aren't eye-popping, he still possesses the pedigree to be an offensive threat for the Canadians.

Vey, a 26-year-old Saskatchewan native, sits fourth in KHL scoring with 17 goals and 35 assists in 50 games this campaign for Barys Astana and has become increasingly comfortable playing on the bigger ice surfaces of Europe.

The 2010-11 WHL scoring champ owns the necessary offensive abilities to be a difference-maker for Team Canada at PyeongChang 2018.

Jiri Sekac, W - Czech Republic

Montreal Canadiens fans might not be in full agreement of Sekac's inclusion in this list, but that doesn't mean he can't still be an offensive contributor in a wide-open tournament.

One hundred and eight NHL contests saw only 10 goals for the Kladno native, but over the last two seasons for AK Bars Kazan of the KHL, Sekac has tallied 28 goals and 39 assists in 95 games.

The Czechs may struggle to score as a group, but if Sekac can form some offensive chemistry with former NHLers in Roman Horak and Martin Erat, don't be shocked if the 26-year-old winger is among the tournament leaders at the end of the month.

Group B

Ilya Kovalchuk, W - OAR

This entire section could have arguably been filled solely with the Olympic Athletes from Russia, but there is no debating Kovalchuk remains a dangerous offensive weapon who could jump right back into the NHL at any moment.

Kovalchuk stepped away from the NHL in 2013 to return to his native Russia to play for SKA Saint Petersburg, but that hasn't stopped him from being a consistent goal scorer with the type of soft hands general managers in North America are still courting.

The 2001 first overall draft pick has 120 goals in 262 games since taking his talents back to Russia, and his familiarity with his teammates and the larger ice surface should lead to Kovalchuk racking up points regardless of the crest on his jersey.

Nikita Gusev, W - OAR

Another Russian-born player who could easily be filling the scoresheet in NHL arenas, Gusev also plies his trade for SKA Saint Petersburg.

Gusev finished fourth in KHL scoring a season ago with 71 points in 57 games and sits only one point adrift of teammate Kovalchuk for this year's lead with 62. The Vegas Golden Knights acquired Gusev's rights from the Tampa Bay Lightning (the team that drafted him in the seventh round of the 2012 NHL Draft) this summer, so his North American appeal is still very much real.

With that and his scoring ability in mind, Gusev is most definitely an offensive talent that will be among the tournament's best.

Ryan Donato, C - United States

Part of the group of NCAA stars making the trip to South Korea for Team USA, Donato is a player to watch at PyeongChang 2018.

The Boston Bruins' 56th overall draft choice has put up yet another strong season for the Harvard Crimson, tallying 31 points, including a ridiculous 20 goals in 19 games.

Donato has taken his talent to the next level in each of the past three seasons, and he is just starting to scratch the surface of his offensive potential.

Along with fellow NCAA standouts Troy Terry and Jordan Greenway, Donato will be counted on by head coach Tony Granato to shoulder the offensive load for Team USA.

Group C

Rasmus Dahlin, D - Sweden

This list would not be complete without the unanimous projected first overall pick for the upcoming 2018 draft, Swedish blue line prodigy Dahlin.

Dahlin continues to turn heads in pretty much every arena he plays in with his sneaky fast skating ability and tremendous puck-handling skills. The 6-foot-2 teenager should feast during this tournament, utilizing his experience on the international ice along with his all-world vision to capitalize on the lesser-talented squads in Group C such as Germany and Norway.

At only 17 years old, Dahlin is already worth the price of admission.

Eeli Tolvanen, W - Finland

Another gem of a find by Nashville Predators general manager David Poile, Tolvanen is proving to be a serious steal as a 30th overall draft pick.

Tolvanen has been one of the bigger surprises in the KHL this season, registering 17 goals and 17 assists for Finnish side Jokerit while establishing himself as a legitimate pro with NHL potential.

The Finns' biggest strength lays in net with Mikko Koskinen and Karri Ramo forming a formidable duo, but the team might struggle to score enough goals to get past the likes of Russia, U.S.A, and Canada in the medal round which could hinder Tolvanen's offensive output.

Regardless, he is an NHL-level talent with the ability to fill the back of the net.