Using C as "meets expectations", B as "doing well", and A as "amazing"
TJ Brodie: B. I like Brodie and hope he continues to develop. He's fast, has good offensive instincts, and is showing he can see the game at a level you want from an offensive D. The biggest concerns are his size, which will hamper his defensive effectiveness, and the occasional questionable pass out of his own end. A few times, him and Wideman have caused a fire drill by trying to do just a little too much.
Dennis Wideman: B+. I bought into the notion that Capitals and Bruins fans sold me that he'd be a disaster defensively. So far, he's proven them wrong. Wideman does not look out of place and has provided so many offensive tools for the Flames that all the mocking of the signing (so far) has been worth it.
Marc Giordano: D. Rough year for Giordano. Hasn't looked the same since the start of last year (October 2012). Getting beat out of corners, doesn't pinch as well or as hard, can't make the nice paces he used to...probably a reasonable #3 defenceman, but is looking out of place as a top pairing player.
Jay Bouwmeester: B+. The Bouwmeester we were all expected has finally showed up to play. He looks poised at even strength and that speed is bringing another dimension to the offensive game. When he hits, he looks even better. Tough to judge his PK work and I can't identify the problem yet.
Chris Butler: D. I can't imagine how, but him on the 3rd pairing has looked worse than him on the 1st. He's making bad decisions, losing physical match ups, and, while fast, can't get anything done after picking up the puck.
Cory Sarich: C. Exactly what you expected out of him...hits hard, looks like Pardy when skating, and handles the puck like a grenade. One of those players you don't mind as a 6/7 swap out depending on what you need more: grit or speed.
Derek Smith: C. Nothing special. Last year set me up to expected a player who looks good against weak competition, but that hasn't shown up yet. Fast enough and has good offensive instincts.
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