2009-2010 NHL Top Prospects Guide

 Luca Sbisa Update 

At Chiller Instinct, we provide invaluable information on players of all ilk and fabric. In line with our annual September release of our Top 30 NHL prospects for the coming season, we thread this together to bring you a further timeline of Sbisa’s season thus far. See CI’s definition of a prospect.

10) Luca Sbisa  Anaheim Ducks

At length last season with the Flyers and this one with the Ducks, Sbisa displayed that he belongs in the NHL. Anaheim’s top defensive prospect has matured and has seen a truly unique blend of action over the past three seasons.

Proving that generating offense in the WHL is not a problem, Sbisa posted 33 points (six goals) in his rookie year and finished with 66 career points (14 goals). NHL Central Scouting Director E.J. McGuire had this to say about Sbisa in 2008, "Luca is a poised and, sometimes, too poised a defenseman. One would say that a lot of times his calmness with the puck is misinterpreted as either slowness or laziness; that’s not the case with Luca. He is a smart player who moves the puck at the right time and carries the puck correctly, supports the rush and is adjusting very well to the North American game."

He was returned back to the WHL despite optimistic showings in his first 47 pro games (all NHL). While most junior players caught up on their studies, relaxed or took a vacation during the Olympic break, the former Zug Junior star was representing his country again. This time it was on the grandest stage of all, the Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Although he did not score a single point in either international competition, the Ozieri, Italy-born Swiss representative turned the heads of those in ‘the know’. The courageous teenager had a broken and lacerated finger late in the tournament on a blocked shot defending against the U.S. Team. "For such a young player he played very well. He didn't look out of place at all," said Anaheim General Manager Bob Murray. "I also thought he showed great heart and determination playing with his injury yesterday.” The Swiss captured fourth place in the World Juniors, which in itself was celebrated; the Olympic result was also encouraging despite an eight place finish. The 6’2”, 195 pound defender had a great effect on both placings.

Later traded from the Lethbridge Hurricanes to the Winterhawks, he now skates the puck fluidly up to World Junior team-mate Nino Niederreiter and the rest of the Portland forwards. With the regular season wrapped-up, the ‘Hawks will be tested by division rival, the Spokane Chiefs. Just how they contain the dynamic duo of Mitch Wahl and Kyle Beach (both recently named to WHL All Star teams) in the first round of the playoffs will go a long way to deciding Portland’s fate.

Murray has caught scorn for his fluctuating remodeling of Anaheim’s defense and the Ducks’ poor showing this season. Those same skeptics should keep in mind that Murray’s shiftiness produced a fine campaign last season. Perhaps the greater picture is in mind here with less pressure to win in Southern California; the development of this young defenseman shines bright.

All statistics are current up to 19 March.

20 March 2010 / Robin Keith Thompson