San Jose Sharks defensemen: Grades to start the 2013-14 NHL season

Marc-Edouard Vlasic

Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

2013-14 Season Stats: 7 GP, 2 G, 4 A, plus-9, 6 SOG

Analysis: If Tomas Hertl has been the biggest surprise for the forwards in San Jose, then Marc-Edouard Vlasic has been equally as surprising for the defense. Typically pegged as a stay-at-home defender, Pickle has erupted for six points in his first seven games. He’s on pace for 70 points and a plus-105 finish, so clearly this output isn’t sustainable.

Still, his developing offensive game has been a boon for San Jose this season, and he’s one of the guys the Sharks will lean on heavily until Dan Boyle returns.

Grade: A+