With the team on fuego and the mid-season just a few games behind, good timing to do a midway review of how our players are doing individually.
Forwards
Caufield - A
He's picked up from where he left this year as far as his overall game. The scoring is back and he's even added a physical element to his game. Our most consistent player this year.
Suzuki - A-
Suzuki continues to show he can be relied on. Only knock on him is his start of the season. A very complete player that we are lucky to have.
Evans - A-
Evans has been our best role player this year. He's going to cost a lot of moolah.
Heineman - B+
Exceeded my expectations going into the season. Really smart player who's positioning makes a difference on his line.
Laine - B
His comments knock down his grade, still pissed by that. But just a pure sniper. He's surprised me with his board play and little plays to extend plays in the O-zone.
Slafkovsky - B- (trending for B+)
His game has been largely inconsistent this year. Been driving this point home all season but would like more shots from him.
Dach - B- (trending for B)
A tale of two seasons which was to be expected. As looked good in the last dozen or so games. Playing with Newhook and a revolving door of linemates isn't an easy task so hats off to him.
Armia - B-
Just a beast at what he does. No more Armia on the PP please. I'd bring him back on a short term deal if he's willing to take a discount.
Anderson - B-
Hats off to him for embracing his new role and utilizing all his tools. This is the most consistent he's been as a Hab.
Gallagher - B-
Started off hot. Has expectedly cooled off. I'd trade him over Anderson if possible at this point.
Dvorak - C+
I don't like the guy but he's been playing his role well playing with Anderson and Gally.
Newhook - C+ (trending for B-)
He's played better recently. Still struggling to find his identity as a player but he seems to be adding layers to his game to exploit his speed more and seems to challenge or go to the middle of the ice more often.
Pezzetta - D+
A jersey filler. But not one's that's NHL worthy IMO.
Defense
Guhle - A
Our best defenseman this year. This dude is going to be a gem. He can be a Vlasic and has not put himself in has many bad spots lately. Has been a total beast since returning back to his natural side.
Hutson - A
I thought about putting an A- but it'd be a disservice as how well he's played. THere have been some stretches where his play dipped but the dude is just SO GOOD. Nuts that he's performing this good in his rookie season. Sign him ASAP.
Matheson - B+ (trending for A-)
A tale of 2 seasons. Like I wrote yesterday, before Carrier move he was facing 2nd hardest minutes in the league. Since then he's now ranking 150 ish across the league. Massive difference and it shows in his play. He's been surprisingly solid on the right side.
Carrier - B+
Still don't understand this move by Trotz. Just a smart player who's excellent at killing plays.
Xhekaj - B
It's remarkable how much Arber has cleaned his game after a disastrous start of the season. Props to him.
Savard - B-
Took a step back but still an excellent PKer. Has formed a great duo with Xhekaj and stabilizes the D corps.
Struble - C+
Started off pre-season very well. Seems to have struggled keeping his game consistent and confidence is rocky but understandable since his leash has been short with management. Curious what the future for him is with this organization.
Barron - C-
His start of the season was decent. Had added a physical element to his game but then the wheels came off and the Trouba hit ended any chance of him becoming a regular in the line-up. Completely set him back.
Goalies
Montembeault - B
Has had some very strong stretches but also some tougher nights. Still needs to prove that he can be workhorse and the debate of is he a 1A or 1B is still pertinent with this season's sample.
Primeau - F
Worst goalie in the league.
Dobes - A- (still too early to say)
Been impressed by his level of confidence and I expected worse positioning based on his style and tools.
