Luca Cunti (TB), C, Chicago Steel
The Steel's offensive attack began to go directly through Cunti after the departure of Andy Miele and Luca's game has thrived because of it .. simply fun to watch skate, as he is so smooth with his effortless acceleration and the ability to stop on a dime .. his world-class skill is undeniable even though he can be invisible for long stretches of time .. a creative, playmaking type that displays good instincts on the powerplay by sending crisp passes through the opposition's penalty kill box while his teammates are keeping everything to the perimeter .. puck control is outstanding, as he is a slippery puckhandler that can slow the game down to his liking .. began to backcheck harder, ventured into traffic areas with more regularity late in the season, and was often able to stay on his feet while taking a check .. along with his glaring lack of consistency, Cunti will need to prove his toughness and passion for the game at higher levels of play.

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Another player with very good timing, Sprunger had both goals in a win over Belarus and an assist on the game-winner in Switzerland's upset over Sweden.

Luca Sbisa, D
SCOUTS WERE impressed with Sbisa's decision to leave a far more lucrative and less physically demanding spot in Switzerland to play in the Western League. He adapted well to the North American game with Lethbridge, but faded as the year progressed. He had 15 points in his first 18 games, but just 18 in his last 46. Not to worry, say the scouts. "I think everybody really likes he cam eover here to learn the game," one scout said. "He's a great skater and moves the puck very well." With the likes of Mark Streit helping NHL teams be less skittish about Swiss defensemen, Sbisa is getting a break previous players didn't. There is the perception Swiss players aren't as driven because they can go home to lucrative careers if the NHL doesn't work out. "Not this kid," a scout said. "He came to the WHL and never flinched."
NHL Translation: Two-Way defenseman

Roman Josi, D
THIS WILD CARD of an offensive defenseman is getting some serious attention from NHL Scouts. Playing for Bern in the Swiss League, Josi is slotted as a middle second round pick, but one scout said he wouldn't be surprised to see a team go off the board and take him much higher than he's rated. "From what I've heard about hiim, he might get taken a little earlier," one scout said. Josi is not very big by NHL standards, but scouts like his skating, skill level, puck skills and competitiveness. "He's a great skater and he moves the puck really well," one scout said. "He just has average size, which might scare you off a little bit, but he's pretty good." At 6-foot-1 and 183 punds, Josi has to get stronger, but he'll never be a big shutdown guy anyway. His best assets are his offensive ability and his penchant for moving the puck well.
NHL Translation: Offensiv defenseman

FALLING

Lukas Stoop, D
Davos HC
Height: 6.01 Weight: 187
Was somewhat disappointed with overall play at the U-18 tournament as we expected a little bit more. He lacks defensive zone consistency and needs to improve decision-making from own end. Very inconsistent, tried to do too much on his own. Still shows tremendous potential, but really needs some support and better defensive focus with the puck. Still has much more upside than downside