News:Marc-Edouard Vlasic will not need surgery for the hairline fracture in his left foot, as the injury will be able to heal on its own in three-to-six weeks, CSN Bay Area reports.
Analysis:Marc-Edouard Vlasic was able to play through his foot injury thanks to pain-killing injections. With ample time to heal, his foot should be fine by training camp.
Sharks' Vlasic (Foot) Played Through Hairline Fracture
News:Marc-Edouard Vlasic said following the Tuesday's Game 7 loss to the Kings that he had been playing with a hairline fracture in his right foot since Game 4, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: In order to remain active for the final half of the series, Marc-Edouard Vlasic was required to freeze the nerves in his foot before being cleared to play in games. With a full offseason to recover from the injury, his foot should be in tip-top shape for training camp.
News:Marc-Edouard Vlasic had a goal, three shots, and a plus-1 rating Thursday.
Analysis:Marc-Edouard Vlasic took a tough hit Thursday, but returned to the game and scored a huge goal for San Jose. It wasn't enough though, as San Jose lost in the closing minutes of the game. With two points in six games during the playoffs, don't look to Vlasic for big fantasy numbers.
News:Marc-Edouard Vlasic had an assist in the Sharks playoff opener Wednesday, playing a team-high 23:21.
Analysis: The Sharks are going to depend on Marc-Edouard Vlasic throughout the playoffs. He may not produce much for fantasy owners — he only has nine points in 68 career playoff games — but he'll play some good minutes.
News:Marc-Edouard Vlasic had an assist in 18:20 on ice in Sunday's loss to Dallas.
Analysis:Marc-Edouard Vlasic is not the scoring defenseman that he has been in previous years. He's putting up points at the slowest rate of his career, averaging less than a point every six games.
News:Marc-Edouard Vlasic has been fined for slashing Minnesota's Dany Heatley at the end of Wednesday night's contest, according to the Associated Press.
Analysis: Heatley ended up getting hurt from the incident, but the league says that happened during the scrum and wasn't a direct result of Marc-Edouard Vlasic's actions. As for Pickles, he won't miss any time and will be back out there Friday against the Flames. Note that the Sharks do play the Wild again on April 18, so that might be a very cheap source of penalty minutes if you're looking ahead.
News:Marc-Edouard Vlasic slashed the Wild's Dany Heatley on the arm at the very end of Wednesday's game, the Associated Press reports. ''If he's going to slash me, I'm going to defend myself and just swing back and unfortunately I got him,'' Vlasic said. ''I didn't want to hurt him."
Analysis:Marc-Edouard Vlasic got a game misconduct and major penalty for the action. After once being a reasonable offensive threat from the blue line, Vlasic is no longer that player, with just six points in 35 games heading into Wednesday night. The Sharks might miss if he's suspended, but chances are you won't.
News:Marc-Edouard Vlasic signed a five-year extension with San Jose on Wednesday, NHL.com's Dan Rosen reports.
Analysis:Marc-Edouard Vlasic hasn't developed much of a game on offense yet to this point, but it's understandable why San Jose would want him back after skating to a plus-62 rating over the first six years of his career.
News:Marc-Edouard Vlasic, who suffered a right leg injury in Saturday's World Hockey Championships game, was pronounced "done for the tournament" Sunday, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis: "It's tough to lose a good young player like Marc-Edouard," Team Canada general manager Kevin Lowe said. "He's a very mobile defender who will be hard to replace." Marc-Edouard Vlasic had just 23 points (4G, 19A) this season, but he played in all 82 contests and recorded a plus-11 ratio.
News:Marc-Edouard Vlasic took part in warm-ups Tuesday and is expected to play, David Pollack of the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis:Marc-Edouard Vlasic appears to be going with a full cage while he recovers from being injured in the third period of Sunday's loss to Detroit.
News: Two games after tallying four points against Detroit, Marc-Edouard Vlasic had three assists against Colorado on Sunday.
Analysis: Yes, Marc-Edouard Vlasic has seven points in his last three games, but he only has 11 on the season. Maybe he'll get back to performing like he did in 2008-09 when he had 36 points, but right now this could also be a fluke.
News:Marc-Edouard Vlasic scored his second goal of the year and assisted on three more in the best game of his career Thursday in a win over the Red Wings.
Analysis: Always a slick puck-mover, Marc-Edouard Vlasic has never put up any kind of spectacular offensive totals, but perhaps those times are changing now. At just 24 years old, he certainly has room to be finding his offensive game. Still, he only had four points in his first 15 games of the year before doubling his output Thursday, and he doesn't get much power-play time with Dan Boyle and Brent Burns in town.
News:Marc-Edouard Vlasic netted his first goal of the young season in Monday's 3-2 loss to the Ducks.
Analysis: Last season it took "Pickles" just over two calendar months to record his first goal, so lucky for him he won't have that same distraction in the early stages of this new campaign. Still, his yearly point totals have fallen in the teens over the past two seasons, so you likely will only find him useful in deep fantasy leagues.
News:Marc-Edouard Vlasic was the only Shark to score in the team's 3-1 preseason loss to the Coyotes on Saturday.
Analysis:Marc-Edouard Vlasic had missed some time at the beginning of training camp with a viral infection, so the Sharks must be glad to see him make an impact before the regular season opens.
News:Marc-Edouard Vlasic (viral infection) should be on the ice for one of three preseason games on tap for the Sharks this weekend, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: This is just a heads up in case you've been concerned about the status of "Pickles" in exhibition play.
News:Marc-Edouard Vlasic (illness) was able to take to the ice for practice Wednesday, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis:Marc-Edouard Vlasic had been under the weather, which reportedly caused him to miss the first three days of training camp. Still, according to the Mercury News, he won't play in Wednesday night's preseason game against Anaheim.
Sharks' Vlasic Misses Start Of Training Camp With Illness
News:Marc-Edouard Vlasic was not available for the first day of training camp Saturday as he is dealing with flu-like symptoms, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis:Marc-Edouard Vlasic, who is entering his sixth season in the NHL, remains an important member of a Sharks blue line that got deeper over the offseason. However, the arrival of offensive-minded defenseman Brent Burns could equate to less scoring chances for Vlasic this year. Still, Vlasic has never averaged less than 20 minutes of ice time in any given season and is a solid bet to land on the right side of the plus/minus rating for the fourth straight year.
News: Vlasic went plus-3 and put up a goal and an assist Monday night against the Kings.
Analysis: Vlasic only has 18 points on the year, but one must realize that he didn't record his first point until December 9 because of a miserable start. He is still best used in deep fantasy leagues, but Vlasic picked one of the best times to heat up -- the fantasy hockey postseason.
News: Vlasic generated a goal and an assist in Thursday's 6-0 win over Dallas.
Analysis: Vlasic's two-point night gives him 16 combined scores and helpers for the season, the same total he finished with in 2009-10. Still, that's nothing to get too excited about in most fantasy circles.
News: Vlasic logged over 23 minutes of ice time in his return from a lower-body injury Saturday against the Coyotes.
Analysis: Vlasic only missed one game due to this minor ailment. Of greater concern is that "Pickles," as he is affectionately called, has only generated four points since February 1.
News: Vlasic (lower body) has pronounced himself healthy for Saturday night's game on the road in Phoenix, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: "I feel good," Vlasic said. "You might be seeing me." Justin Braun reportedly could be the odd man out if Vlasic does in fact take to the ice.
News: Vlasic is dealing with a lower-body injury that forced him out of Thursday night's shootout loss to the hometown Kings. He is listed as day-to-day, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: Said coach Todd McLellan, "he's got some bumps and bruises that he's dealing with." Vlasic is not a recommendable fantasy option as he has strung together just 14 points in 73 games. The injury, although seemingly minor, only hurts his value.
News: Vlasic (neck) played 17:19 and finished with a minus-1 rating in Thursday's win over the Wild.
Analysis: He took a puck to the throat in a scary incident Tuesday in Dallas, but Vlasic was OK to handle a workload close to his usual 19-20 minutes of ice time and should be fine going forward as well.
News: Vlasic, who took a puck to the throat Tuesday against the Stars, is apparently fine following an overnight stay in Dallas and a precautionary trip to the hospital, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: "I saw the replay and it looked pretty scary, but it's just a bruise," Vlasic said Wednesday. The blueliner then went on to add that he won't miss any action as a result of Tuesday's mishap. "Everything's negative, everything's good. I won't miss any game time, that's for sure."
News: Vlasic took a puck to the throat after he blocked a shot in Tuesday's game against the Stars, the San Jose Mercury News reports, adding that he continued to play following the incident but spent the night in a Dallas hospital for precautionary reasons.
Analysis: Obviously it's a good sign that Vlasic was able to continue playing after the freak accident, but fantasy owners would be wise to see if he checks out okay before plugging him back into any lineups. The Toothed Teal face the Wild on Thursday, so check back for an update on Vlasic before the puck drops in that game.
News: Vlasic, who had recently been bothered by an upper-body injury, appeared in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Red Wings.
Analysis: Vlasic picked up just over 17 minutes of ice time in the game. Ever since he posted 36 points in 2008-09, his offensive numbers have been on the decline, so take this into account before picking up or re-activating Vlasic in fantasy leagues.
News: Vlasic (upper body) will be a game-time decision Tuesday against Detroit, the Sharks' official site reports.
Analysis: With Kent Huskins already ruled out, the Sharks will be a little thin on the blue line if Vlasic is unable to go. Hopefully, head coach Todd McLellan will reveal Vlasic's status before the opening faceoff.
News: Vlasic (upper body) practiced Monday and should be ready for Tuesday's tough contest in Detroit, the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Analysis: The return of Vlasic, still just 23 years old and in his fifth campaign with the Sharks, gives coach Todd McLellan the luxury of sitting fellow blueliner Kent Huskins to tend to some minor "bumps and bruises." It will still be crowded in the defensive zone as the Sharks are expected to dress seven. Vlasic's minutes might take a bit of a hit as he returns.
News: Vlasic (upper body) missed the Sharks' 4-0 win over the Avalanche on Saturday.
Analysis: Based on this report by the San Jose Mercury News, we expect newcomer Ian White to patch up the blue line as long as Vlasic is held out.
News: Vlasic left Thursday's win over Washington in the first period with an upper-body injury.
Analysis: No word on quite what happened or how long he'll be out yet.
News: Despite a slow start to the season, Vlasic is on pace to match the 16-point mark that he turned in last year.
Analysis: Sixteen points is nothing to get excited about in the fantasy realm, but the numbers do suggest that Vlasic is starting to find his offensive game lately. Remember, the young defenseman didn't record his first point this season until December 9 despite playing every night.
News: Vlasic provided an assist in Saturday's 1-0 win over the Kings.
Analysis: Interestingly, Vlasic is on pace to match the 16 points that he had last season despite no points in October or November. Blueliners typically get more leeway to put up points in fantasy hockey, but Vlasic simply isn't putting up desirable figures.
News: Vlasic provided a game-winning goal and an assist in the Sharks' 4-1 win over the Blues on Saturday.
Analysis: He's still far from being recommendable in fantasy leagues, but for what it's worth, Vlasic has four points total in the last five games.
News: Vlasic assisted on both of teammate Ryan Clowe's goals as the Sharks beat Chicago, 2-1, Saturday night.
Analysis: Three points in two nights won't erase his season-long scoring drought before this weekend. We suggest that you consider this game to be a positive sign, but not a portent of bucketfuls of points in the near future.
News: Vlasic, who had been pointless on the season (27 games), finally found the back of the net in Thursday's 6-3 loss to Buffalo.
Analysis: The last time Vlasic lit the lamp during the regular season prior to this game was April 6, 2009. He has a long way to go before becoming relevant in fantasy circles, but the score has to be a huge weight lifted off his shoulders. Perhaps this game will kick Pickles' offensive game into gear.
News: Despite averaging 21:34 of ice time -- second most on the Sharks -- Vlasic remains pointless on the season (22 games).
Analysis: This is particularly surprising since Sharks coach Todd McLellan's overall system arguably works at its best when Vlasic and the rest of the rearguard corps pitch in with a high degree of offense. Plus, with Rob Blake retired, the thought was that Vlasic would need to step up his game, but obviously he's not getting the job done with the puck. It's best to leave "Pickles" alone in fantasy leagues until he can find his game.
News: Vlasic could be paired with Dan Boyle for Monday's contest against the Kings, the Sharks' official site reports.
Analysis: Douglas Murray is out with a lower-body injury, opening the door for Vlasic to assume a bigger role with Boyle. Said Vlasic, "I've played with Boyler before and when a D man goes down, you need to change the partners up. The last game, Dougie was out and I was playing with Boyler. He's more offensive than Wallin, but that doesn't mean I have to change my game. I'll play the exact same way." Vlasic has been unable to record a point in any of the 15 games that he's suited up for this season, but perhaps the pairing with Boyle will pump some life into his game.
Sharks' Vlasic: Still Searching for First Point of Season
News: Vlasic is the only Shark without a point despite having played in all 11 games to date.
Analysis: Vlasic is averaging 19:36 of ice time this season, but none of his 16 shots on goal have set off the siren. Making matters worse, his lack of assists is an additional concern, considering he had set the bar high with 30 of them back in the 2008-09 regular season. The Sharks have now been shut out in consecutive contests, so they could surely use an extra boost from Vlasic and company.
News: Vlasic has gone pointless in all seven of the Sharks' contests this season.
Analysis: Vlasic has cooled off considerably since 2008-09, when he played in all 82 games and had 30 helpers. The 23-year-old rearguard has been getting over 20 minutes of ice time lately but Vlasic and other Team Teal defenders have not sparked much offense with Rob Blake in retirement.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic returned to the lineup on Sunday against the Oilers and played for the first time since sustaining a knee injury on Jan. 28. He had no points in 20:40 of ice time and finished at minus-2. He did take three shots on net.
Analysis: What was expected to be a minor injury turned into nearly a two-month ordeal for Vlasic. Well, he worked hard to get back into the lineup and now he gets to help San Jose down the stretch. We are not sure what kind of impact he will make in Fantasy since Vlasic has had a disappointing campaign.
News: The San Jose Sharks have placed defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic on injured reserve with a lower body injury. The move was made before the Sharks returned from the Olympic break to take on the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night. Vlasic had missed the previous eight games with the injury.
Analysis: Vlasic is probably out until at least mid-March with this issue, so be sure to bench him in deeper formats.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic has a tweaked knee and is not currently skating. He will not need surgery.
Analysis: Vlasic is probably out until at least mid-March with this issue, so be sure to bench him in deeper formats for Fantasy Week 20 (March 1-7). When healthy, Vlasic is capable of contributing a point total in the mid-30s, but has been a disappointment in 2009-10.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic (lower body) remained out of action Saturday against the Sabres.
Analysis: Vlasic has been a disappointment in 2009-10 and he could do with the Olympic break to think things over. He will have some Fantasy value in deeper leagues when healthy again, and is worth keeping an eye on in all formats.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic (lower body) did not play on Thursday against the Red Wings. His absence has reached seven games.
Analysis: The Sharks have one more road game on Saturday against the Sabres before the Olympic break, but it would be shocking to see Vlasic return since he could use the two off weeks to rest. Vlasic is looking for a strong finish in what has been a disappointing campaign. But until Vlasic shows some consistency, he has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic (lower body) did not play on Wednesday against the Blue Jackets. His absence has reached six games.
Analysis: There is still no word if Vlasic will play in the team's final two games before the Olympic break. San Jose has been hopeful he would join the road trip. Perhaps this time off is a good thing since Vlasic hasn't played up to par offensively in 2009-10. He has become a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic (lower body) did not return to the lineup on Monday against the Maple Leafs. He has missed the last five games.
Analysis: The Sharks have three more road games until the Olympic break and are hopeful Vlasic will play during that time. Perhaps this time off is a good thing since Vlasic hasn't played up to par offensively in 2009-10. He has become a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic (lower body) missed a fourth straight game Saturday as San Jose visited Nashville.
Analysis: The Sharks do expect Vlasic to join them on their road trip, which ends Feb. 13 in Buffalo. Vlasic has sunk to being a low-end Fantasy option when healthy since his offensive game has suffered in 2009-10.
News: San Jose D Marc-Edouard Vlasic (lower body) did not return to the lineup on Thursday against the Blues. He missed a third straight game.
Analysis: Vlasic did not travel to St. Louis on Thursday, but the Sharks do expect him to join them on their road trip, which ends Feb. 13 in Buffalo. Vlasic has sunk to being a low-end Fantasy option when healthy since his offensive game has suffered in 2009-10.
News: San Jose D Marc-Edouard Vlasic (lower body) could not play Tuesday vs. Detroit. He is day to day.
Analysis: Vlasic has only 13 points in 54 games this season, but had scored in three straight contests before this injury popped up. If he could get a little more consistent, he has the offensive game to be a viable Fantasy defenseman in 12-team leagues, but for now should be avoided in all but the deepest of formats.
News: The Sharks' official web site reports that D Mark-Edouard Vlasic (lower body) will not play Tuesday vs. Detroit.
Analysis: Vlasic has only 13 points in 54 games this season, but had scored in three straight contests before this injury popped up. If he could get a little more consistent, he has the offensive game to be a viable Fantasy defenseman in 12-team leagues, but for now should be avoided in all but the deepest of formats.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports defenseman Dan Boyle (upper body) practiced on Monday, while fellow blueliner Marc-Edouard Vlasic (lower body) did not. Nothing further was discussed on their injuries. The Sharks list both as questionable for Tuesday against the Red Wings.
Analysis: Vlasic seems a little more doubtful than Boyle since he didn't practice Monday, but San Jose isn't listing him as doubtful just yet. Vlasic has a three-game point streak going, but he is a low-end Fantasy option when healthy as his offense has been inconsistent in 2009-10 after a breakout 2008-09 season.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic (lower body) missed Saturday's win over the Wild.
Analysis: Vlasic is a low-end Fantasy option when healthy as his offense has dwindled in 2009-10 after a breakout 2008-09 season. Keep tabs on Vlasic's progress leading up to Week 18 (Feb. 1-7).
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic was at the doctor's office on Friday getting checked out for an unspecified lower body injury that kept him out of the second and third periods of a 4-3 loss on Thursday against the Blackhawks. "I wouldn't anticipate this being a long one unless there's a surprise," coach Todd McLellan said of Vlasic's injury.
Analysis: We were shocked when Vlasic only played for seven minutes on Thursday and now we know why. Vlasic has a three-game point streak going, but he is a low-end Fantasy option when healthy as his offense has dwindle in 2009-10 after a breakout 2008-09 season. Keep tabs on Vlasic's progress leading up to Week 18 (Feb. 1-7).
News:The Sports Xchange reports Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic appeared for 7:25 of ice time over 10 shifts in the first period on Thursday against the Blackhawks, but did not skate another shift for the rest of the game. He managed an assist and plus-1 rating, but there is no word yet on if he was injured.
Analysis: Thursday was the first time all season Vlasic played less than 10 minutes, so we wouldn't be surprised if the Sharks eventually announced an injury. Vlasic has a three-game point streak going, so it's not like poor play was the reason he was benched. Or maybe it was and we just have to wait to hear from coach Todd McLellan. Keep tabs on Vlasic's progress leading up to Week 18 (Feb. 1-7). Vlasic is a low-end Fantasy option when healthy as his offense has dwindle in 2009-10 after a breakout 2008-09 season.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic snapped a long goal drought on Thursday against the Ducks by finding the back of the net on the power play for the first time in 36 games. Vlasic's last goal came on Nov. 1 at Carolina. It wasn't only a goal-less drought he snapped, but Vlasic also collected his first point in 20 games as his last one (an assist) came Nov. 27 at Edmonton. Vlasic's only other goal at home this season came on Oct. 8 against Columbus.
Analysis: Vlasic has been very disappointing in 2009-10 for Fantasy owners. He really burst onto the scene in 2008-09 when he posted 30 assists and 36 points in his first season under Todd McLellan. We were hoping he would continue his progress in 2009-10, but he has taken a step back. Vlasic is still logging a ton of playing time, but he is definitely a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic failed to record a point and finished at plus-1 on Wednesday against the Capitals. He doesn't have a point in eight games, but he is plus-6 in his last five games.
Analysis: Vlasic has been very disappointing in 2009-10 for Fantasy owners. He really burst onto the scene in 2008-09 when he posted 30 assists and 36 points in his first season under Todd McLellan. We were hoping he would continue his progress in 2009-10, but he has taken a step back. Vlasic is still logging a ton of playing time, but he is definitely a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Sunday's game against the Hurricanes. Vlasic's goal in the third period came on an odd-man rush to put San Jose up 4-1. It was his second goal and first in 11 games.
Analysis: Vlasic really didn't have an outstanding October, so it's good to see him tally in the first game of November. Vlasic has some offensive potential, but he is a better passer than scorer. He plays a solid two-way game and is best used as a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy blueliner.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at minus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Blackhawks. Vlasic's goal on a shot that hit Brent Seabrook and deflected in got the Sharks to 4-3 in the second period. It was his sixth goal and first since Feb. 19.
Analysis: Vlasic had all of three points in his first 11 March games before busting out Wednesday. He has a career-high 35 points in 2008-09 and has done well transitioning under coach Todd McLellan. Vlasic plays in all facets of the game for San Jose, but since he isn't an elite scorer, look to him more as a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic tallied two assists and finished at plus-2 during Sunday's game against the Avalanche. It was his first points in nine games. Vlasic is up to 28 assists on the season.
Analysis: The 21-year-old defenseman has had a career season in 2008-09, his first under Todd McLellan. He is doing well on offense and defense, but since he is still not an elite scorer, we are looking at Vlasic as more of a No. 4 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic scored and assisted in Thursday's win over the Kings.
Analysis: Vlasic has had a fine season under first-year coach Todd McLellan. He has already set new career highs in goals (five), assists (24) and points (29) with a bunch of games to go. Vlasic is a decent No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy forward to start with favorable matchups.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic scored a power-play goal during Thursday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Hurricanes. Vlasic notched his fourth goal 7:16 into the second period and gave San Jose a commanding 3-1 lead at the time. It was his first score since Dec. 2.
Analysis: Vlasic has had a fine season under first-year coach Todd McLellan. He is two assists shy of tying his career-high (23) and one point shy of tying his career-high for points (26). He also has a career-best plus-18 rating. Vlasic is a decent No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy forward to start with favorable matchups.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic assisted twice in Saturday's win over the Red Wings.
Analysis: Vlasic is having a career year so far and should end up scoring in the 40s. That makes him a No. 4 Fantasy defenseman in all formats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports after scoring 74 points in 66 games during his final year of junior hockey, Marc-Edouard Vlasic figured to be an offensive force from the blue line at some point during his NHL career. That time may have come. It took Vlasic only 26 games this season to establish a three-year best in terms of points. His three-assist night on Thursday gave the 21-year-old 17 points, three more than his previous best of a modest 14 last year.
Analysis: Vlasic, who has two goals and seven assists in his last nine games, said getting more time on the power play and just having more experience add up to an increase in production. "Over the years, I've gotten more confidence holding on to the puck more, shooting more," Vlasic said. "It's just been going well for me." Sharks coach Todd McLellan is pleased with Vlasic's contributions in a system that gets defensemen to be more active on the offensive end without losing their defensive posture. "Talk about complete players, he's as complete as there is," McLellan said. "I way underestimated his ability to impact the game and his skill level all around -- passing, positionally, physically." Vlasic has developed into a solid No. 4 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic totaled three assists and finished at plus-1 during Thursday's 3-2 win against the Blue Jackets. He has two goals and five assists in his last six games.
Analysis: Vlasic has had four multi-assist games in 2008-09 and his offensive game has really flourished under first-year coach Todd McLellan. He is one goal away from setting a new career-high in goals and 10 assists from reaching new heights in that area. Vlasic has developed into a solid No. 4 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic scored a power-play goal in Tuesday's win over Toronto, and now has five goals on the season.
Analysis: Vlasic is well on his way to having a career season with San Jose and is worth using as a No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy defenseman while the Sharks are on fire.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic tallied two assists and a plus-1 rating in 24:48 of ice time Monday against the Blackhawks. He now has nine assists on the season and three in his last four games.
Analysis: Vlasic got off to a fast start with one one and six assists in his first eight games. He has slowed down dramatically ever since, but it's not time to give up on the third-year player. He is still well on his way to having a career season with San Jose and is worth using as a No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic had a pair of assists and finished at minus-3 in 24:48 of ice time Saturday against the Flyers. He now has a pair of two assist games this season.
Analysis: Vlasic is currently skating in the team's first pairing with Rob Blake. He will likely be a top-four defenseman for most of the season and could experience great success under first-year head coach Todd McClellan. For now, Vlasic is a low-end Fantasy option with decent upside.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic capped the scoring with his first goal of the season during Tuesday's 5-2 win against the Blue Jackets. Shortly after Patrick Marleau's second goal, Joe Thornton stole a sloppy Columbus exchange behind its own net and got the puck to Vlasic in front for his first goal. He also finished at plus-4 in 24:34 of ice time.
Analysis: Vlasic now has three points and a plus-7 rating in his first four games this season. Vlasic is currently skating in the team's first pairing with Rob Blake. He will likely be a top-four defenseman for most of the season and could experience great success under first-year head coach Todd McClellan. For now, Vlasic is a low-end Fantasy option with decent upside.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic had a pair of assists and finished at plus-3 during Saturday's game against the Kings.
Analysis: Vlasic is currently skating in the team's first pairing with Rob Blake. He will likely be a top-four defenseman for most of the season and could experience great success under first-year head coach Todd McClellan. For now, Vlasic is a low-end Fantasy option with decent upside.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that new Sharks head coach Todd McLellan has released his first depth chart for the 2008-09 season. The first two lines are comprised of Patrick Marleau and Ryane Clowe as wingers on the top line with Joe Thornton in the center, and Joe Pavelski has drawn the role of second-line center with Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo as his wingers. On defense, Marc-Edouard Vlasic is with Rob Blake, and Christian Ehrhoff is playing alongside Dan Boyle.
Analysis: Vlasic landed a four-year extension in late August and now the pressure is on for him to meet expectations. Vlasic had two goals and 12 assists while playing in all 82 regular-season games for the Sharks last season, just his second full NHL campaign. He was third on the Sharks with 85 blocked shots while playing more than 21 minutes per game. Vlasic is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy defenseman and potential sleeper for 2008-09. His numbers have to improve before he becomes a must-have Fantasy option.
News: Defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic agreed to a four-year contract extension with the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday, keeping one of the club's best young players with the Sharks through the 2012-13 season. "Marc-Edouard is one of the top young defenseman in the game, and we are excited to have him in the fold for the next several years," Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said. "He has a tremendous future with this franchise, and we look forward to watching his continued development."
Analysis: Vlasic, who made the NHL's all-rookie team after the 2006-07 season, will be a key part of the Sharks' revamped defense under new coach Todd McLellan. San Jose acquired veteran defensemen Rob Blake, Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich while jettisoning Craig Rivet and Matt Carle after the club lost in the second round of the playoffs for the third straight season. Vlasic had two goals and 12 assists while playing in all 82 regular-season games for the Sharks last season, just his second full NHL campaign. He was third on the Sharks with 85 blocked shots while playing more than 21 minutes per game. Vlasic is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy defenseman and potential sleeper for 2008-09. His numbers have to improve before he becomes a must-have Fantasy option.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic tallied a goal and an assist Tuesday in a 5-4 OT loss to the Coyotes. Vlasic only had one point in his previous 14 games.
Analysis: Vlasic turns 21 next week and appears to have a bright future ahead of him in the NHL. Until he starts putting up some more points, however, he should be ignored in everything but deeper keeper formats.
News:Marc-Edouard Vlasic put the Sharks ahead early in the third period with his first goal of the season on pass from Joe Thornton. Though Vlasic has developed steadily into one of the NHL's most promising young defensemen, he hadn't found the net since last Feb. 28, 2007 against Nashville.
Analysis: Vlasic is nothing more than a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defender in larger Fantasy formats.
News: The Sharks assigned four players to the minors on Friday, including defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic, but said it was only to give them playing time during the NHL All Star break. Joining Vlasic in Worcester will be right wing Devin Setoguchi, center Tomas Plihal and goaltender Thomas Greiss.
Analysis: Vlasic is nothing more than a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defender in larger Fantasy formats.
News: Twenty-year-old D Marc-Edouard Vlasic appeared in his 100th career game Wednesday night against Dallas.
Analysis: Vlasic showed a lot of promise as a rookie last season, totaling 26 points and a plus-13 in 81 games, but he has just three assists and no goals this season. He is best used as a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defender in larger Fantasy formats.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic was held off the stat sheet Friday against the Ducks, but was penalized for holding in the second period and spent two minutes in the penalty box. Vlasic has been held scoreless in his last six games and has just three assists in 16 games.
Analysis: Vlasic showed a lot of promise as a rookie last season, totaling 26 points and a plus-13 in 81 games. He is best used as a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defender in larger Fantasy formats.
News: Ds Kyle McLaren and Marc-Edouard Vlasic each picked up assists in Wednesday's game against the Canucks. McLaren picked up a major penalty and minus-1 rating, while Vlasic logged two shots on goal and a minor penalty.
Analysis: Vlasic is a solid No. 4 or 5 Fantasy defenseman in leagues of 12 or more teams and long-term keeper formats. McLaren does not have much Fantasy appeal and is far more valuable to his real team since he doesn't produce a whole lot of offense.
News: RW Milan Michalek, LW Pat Rissmiller, C Joe Thornton and D Marc-Edouard Vlasic all picked up an assist in Sunday's game at Dallas. Rissmiller has a plus-1 rating while the other three had a minus-2.
Analysis: Vlasic has managed three assists over the past six games, but he also has a poor minus-10 rating during the stretch. His Fantasy value is limited to leagues of 12 or more teams.
News: Sharks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic missed the first game of his career Saturday night because of an upper-body injury suffered Thursday night in Los Angeles. Vlasic, a 19-year-old rookie who made the team out of training camp despite having another year of junior eligibility remaining, did not play in the third period of the 5-2 win over the Kings.
Analysis: Vlasic is having a solid rookie season with two goals, 11 assists and a plus-7 rating. When healthy, he is a solid low-end Fantasy defender.
News: Marc-Edouard Vlasic, the Sharks' 19-year-old defenseman, tied it with 18 seconds left in the second period of Thursday's game against the Coyotes on a power play, tapping home Smith's shot to snap a personal eight-game scoreless streak.
Analysis: Vlasic remains useful only in the largest of Fantasy leagues, especially for help in the plus/minus category.
News: The San Francisco Chronicle reports Marc-Eduoard Vlasic officially told San Jose general manager Doug Wilson that he will not play for Canada in the World Junior Tournament in Sweden starting on Dec. 26.
Analysis: Vlasic has been a valuable part of the San Jose defensive corps so far during the early going. However, he is a little more useful to his real team than Fantasy owners, except for those in long-term keeper leagues.
News: Marc-Edouard Vlasic, who has been everything but a defensive liability, is starting to pick it up on the offensive end as well. He has one goal and five assists over the past nine games after managing just two assists in the first 16 games.
Analysis: Vlasic has not looked lost in the NHL despite the fact he is still a teenager. While he still has more value in keeper leagues, he is worth a look in larger weekly Fantasy formats right now while hot.
News: Marc-Edouard Vlasic, the San Jose Sharks' promising 19-year-old defenseman, has earned a roster spot with the club. General manager Doug Wilson decided Monday to keep Vlasic with the Sharks instead of sending him back to the Quebec Remparts, his junior team for the last three seasons. Vlasic helped to lead coach Patrick Roy's team to the Memorial Cup last summer, but the Sharks believe he's ready for bigger challenges after playing well in San Jose's first eight games. "He's got an amazing amount of poise," Wilson said before his club faced the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night in the opener of a five-game road trip. "He moves the puck very well. He does the right thing almost every time he's on the ice. He's mature beyond his years."
Analysis: Vlasic scored 73 points for the Remparts last season after the Sharks selected him in the second round of the 2005 draft. He made the Sharks' opening-night roster this fall with an outstanding training camp, beating out a handful of more experienced defensemen. Vlasic is scoreless in eight NHL games with a minus-1 rating, but his statistics don't reflect the Sharks' growing confidence in him. The teenager has played in every situation, contributing steady passing and solid hits while playing nearly 20 minutes per game -- third-most among San Jose's defensemen. He's someone to consider in larger keeper leagues.
News: Josh Gorges and Marc-Eduoard Vlasic were scoreless in Monday's game at Calgary.
Analysis: The two defensemen are not worth using in any Fantasy league right now.
