Marc-Edouard Vlasic
Grade: B-
One of the best shut-down defensemen in the league, Marc-Edouard Vlasic noticeably did not meet a high level of expectations out of the gate. His lackluster plus/minus rating of -6 on the team did not exactly help his case. It was the first time Vlasic possessed a negative differential since the 2007-2008 campaign.
Vlasic did sustain an awkward wrist injury in a game against Colorado shortly after the new year and missed a couple contests. He recovered and made much more of a significant impact during the second half after his sluggish start.
Vlasic notched a pair of pivotal goals in Game 6 against the Avalanche, giving the Sharks a fighting chance in the dying moments to advance to the WCFs in enemy territory.
No. 44 collected three goals and 25 points in 72 games, but his expertise came through in the defensive zone, breaking up entry passes and negating odd-man rushes with his long reach and quick reflexes.
Vlasic will continue to improve shutting down the top lines next season. Although he struggled at times, he’s one player who prides himself in giving his team a chance to win through his defensive repertoire.