Jordan Leopold: 2010-2011 Report Card

It's time to put the finishing touches on the 2010-2011 season for the Buffalo Sabres. Here is a complete report card of every single player that played any amount of time with the Sabres this season. The journey began with Luke Adam and will conclude in a month with Mike Weber. Thanks to Japers Rink and Mile High Hockey for the inspiration.

Step right up Jordan Leopold.

Jordan Leopold

#3 / Defenseman / Buffalo Sabres

Height: 6-1

Weight: 206

Born: Aug 03, 1980

Contract Situation: Signed for two more years at an annual $3 million pay out

2010 Grade: Unavailable

Lowdown: Jordan Leopold put together a welcoming first impression with the Buffalo Sabres, setting a career-high in points and logging tons of ice time. Actually, he played the most on average and hovered above 23 minutes per game. Curiously, the 30-year-old played better from October to December, and withered from January to March when the club got on a roll. Sitting on 21 points after three months and a minus-5 rating, Leopold produced 14 more points and a minus-6 rating — but he did miss seven matches with a broken hand. At a fair price, he became a nice upgrade on the back end and you can't ask for much more.

Key Stat: Want to know the secret to Leopold's scoring technique? He shoots the puck, and despite missing 11 fixtures, took it upon himself to lead the defense in the shot count with 134. A great man — or perhaps it was a Great One — once stated that a player misses 100 per cent of the shots he does not take.

Did You Know? He was on pace for 40 points in a full campaign, and former Buffalo defenseman Brian Campbell was on target for a mere 34 points. Leopold is two years younger and paid roughly $4.14 million less; classic example of large sums of money creating smaller portions of contributions.

Moment Of Fame: Stole the show in early February, from the point that is, supplying exquisite support offensively against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Leopold tacked on a goal, two assists, and a plus-3 rating, as the Sabres buried six consecutive tallies to thwart a 3-1 lead for their opponents. With Dwayne Roloson inadvertently tripped by Drew Stafford and his skates in the air, it was definitely one of the more entertaining goals of the season.

Moment Of Shame: Take your pick: he went for a combined minus-10 in a five-game stretch during December, and nearly topped it off with a minus-8 rating in the entire month of March. Needless to say, Leopold needs to stay positive (pun intended).

Thumbs Up: Links up well with the offense, as he skates confidently with the puck and moves it up the ice in a hurry. Isn't one to question a coach's choice as to how he will be utilized, logging plenty of minutes however his bench boss sees fit. Blocked more shots than everyone except Steve Montador, and positions himself strongly to keep from getting in trouble. Rushed back from his hand injury, trying to stabilize the defensive situation as best as a he could against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Thumbs Down: Seems timid in his own half, which might help explain his awful plus-minus rating. Doesn't take checks for the sake of the play or dish out hits of his own as often as other defensemen. Gave the puck away a whopping 50 times, in comparison to just 15 takeaways. May not change his ways at this point in his career, having been traded on five occasions in this league.

Voting: On a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest and ten being the highest, grade Jordan Leopold on his season according to the expectations you had for him. If he met them, give him a five or a six. If he eclipsed them, aim for a seven or beyond. If he failed to meet them, give him a lower number relating to how poorly he missed the target.

Topics Of Discussion: Who should Jordan Leopold be matched up with next season? Can he reach the 40-point plateau sooner or later? Will Lindy Ruff persuade him to be more assertive when the team is on its heels defensively? Are you willing to accept his salary of $3 million for two more years?