Cracknell has shown that he can put the puck in the net, but he can't keep up with the play and isn't responsible enough in his own end. Kolanos jump started the QC offense but he only met with Keetley, Lalande, and McElhinney at team dinners last year.
Right or wrong the Calgary organization has demonstrated a preference for players who are defensively responsible over those who are offensively skilled.
The Flames must believe the systems that are in place are good enough to generate offense or that there are enough defensively responsible players in the organization who can also contribute offensively.
With the 2008 and 2009 drafts looking like they are loaded with talent, it may be Sutter hedging his bets that he can draft a better player than Puustinen, so why fill a contract with a player who is not likely to play in the NHL. If Puustinen lights up the Finnish league he may be brought back over to ply his trade.
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