I think Alex proved himself last season very well. After a bit of a crapper of a start for him, being shoved around and then let go, I can imagine his confidence was low. Yes, I watched him make SILLY mistakes but I also watched his confidence grow and by the end of the season he was playing very well, with confidence and certainty in his actions. Ok so he was on the bench in the play offs, but I do think that was a wise choice in the end. Jarvis and Hartwick really brought it out the bag.
I havent been to any games this season apart from the friendly so can't really comment on the abilites of the new D's but I have been wondering why Symonds hasnt been icing. It does seem odd considering he has played with the the team previously, and that (as Chris said) the other D have been making mistakes but not getting benched.
Perhaps will the changes to the fixtures resulting in the Devils facing the better of the 10 teams in the league, Adams wanted to make sure they went out with best team possible and is hoping that by throwing the "newbies" out together they will be forced to gel very quickly and under pressurised situations, therefore (in logic) making them stronger, quicker?
I hope he gets more opportunities to ice... he proved himself last season in my eyes, and whilst he perhaps needs to ease up on the alcohol consumption and regularity (!) it has never seemed to directly affect him playing his game when it mattered.