from Adam Kimelman of NHL.com,
The players, coaches and executives at the World Junior Summer Showcase know that summer hockey results have little bearing on how a season could unfold.
"It's summer," United States coach Bob Motzko said. "All the athletes here, you're not in midseason shape."
However, many players stood out during the eight days of games and practices at USA Hockey Arena and made strong first impressions in their goal of playing at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, which will be held Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in Buffalo.
Here are NHL.com's top 10 players from the World Junior Summer Showcase, in alphabetical order:
Lias Andersson, F, Sweden (New York Rangers)
Andersson scored three goals in five games, including two in a loss to the U.S. on Wednesday. He played a role at the 2017 WJC but has the look of someone who wants to be a leader in 2018.
"Lias was here last year and he was good but he didn't make the same impression he does now," coach Tomas Monten said. "Lias is a player that leaves everything on the ice every time. That's a big key factor for your team. We need the leadership, that kind of work ethic on the ice."
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