Colorado Avalanche Final Season Grades, M-Z

Cody McLeod: C. McLeod had a good start to the season with three goals in October, but after an eye injury sidelined him a few games, McLeod's offense completely dried up as he finished the year with only 18 points. McLeod isn't expected to score per se, but more was expected from a player who scored 15 goals last season. It doesn't help that he tied for a team worst minus-15.

Peter Mueller: A. If one were to rate his entire season, Mueller would probably finish with a C thanks to his horrid play in Phoenix. But if we just look at his 15 games with Colorado, in which he produced nine goals and 20 points, it's impossible not to give him an A.

Ryan O'Reilly: B. O'Reilly was the only player drafted in last year's second round to crack the NHL, and had a solid rookie campaign with 26 points and a +4 rating. What's disappointing is that 11 of those points came in October.

Kevin Porter: C. Porter provided solid penalty killing and was pretty solid in his own end, but will have to be more conscious about turning the puck over next season.

Kyle Quincey: B. Really good first half, really bad second half. After starting the season on a pairing with Hannan that look like a legitimate first defensive pairing, Quincey's offense and defense both took significant dips after the Olympics to the point where he was a healthy scratch multiple times. He rebounded his play in the playoffs, but his lack of consistency makes him another question mark on the Avalanche's blue line.

Ruslan Salei: C-. 3-9-2 was the Avalanche's record last season with Salei in the line-up. He was only a minus-1, so he wasn't completely awful, but he made too many bad plays in his own zone and was by far the slowest person on the Avalanche (keep in mind this is a team featuring Adam Foote).

Paul Stastny: A-. Stastny finished eighth in scoring for centers with 79 points, and took the second most face-offs in the NHL. It was a successful year for Stastny in that he led the team to the playoffs, but what held him back from getting an 'A' is that fact that his scoring came too much in bunches as opposed to a point or two every night.

Chris Stewart: A-. Stewart had a solid sophomore season with 28 goals and 64 points, and was the Avalanche's most consistent goal scoring threat the majority of the season. However, he went through stretches (at the very beginning and end of the season) where he seemed disinterested.

Ryan Stoa: C. It was disappointing that Stoa didn't make the Avalanche out of camp, but his two goals and 13 shots in the final two games of the season suggests he may challenge for a top six forward spot next season.

Marek Svatos: D. Once again Svatos was handed a spot among the top six forwards, and once again he disappointed. This time, however, he had a coach who actually had the jewels to sit him down—28 times to be exact.

Darcy Tucker: C. Tucker's skills have diminished, but he provided leadership to the numerous rookies on the Avalanche's roster, including Ryan O'Reilly who spent the season living with him.

Ryan Wilson: C+. Wilson defied all odds to steal a spot on the Avalanche's defense early in the season, and he looks to be a good physical defenseman going forward.

Stephane Yelle: C. At age 35, Yelle did everything you would expect him to do at his age—take faceoffs and kill penalties.

Yip: B+. Called up late in the season, Yip provided quality secondary scoring and physical play despite playing on all four lines.