Quote:
Originally Posted by New Era
On your Bartschi point, you have an active imagination. The Flames did not make a decision based on his size, but instead made a decision based on the desires of Jarome Iginla and wanting to make one more push for the post-season. Having Bartschi on the roster, in a position where he could have really contributed, would have raised too much risk for the team wanting to compete for the post-season with a compressed schedule. They went with a veteran lineup and crapped the bed. As soon as it appeared they were done, and Iginla was on his way out of town, Bartschi was brought back up and started to play a more central role where you would expect a player of his skills to be. His size was again irrelevant.
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That's the way you saw it. I saw that Baertschi was far more talented than
Cervenka, Hudler, and early season Cammalleri and was not played as he was so small and the only player that could provide him protection was Jackman (or Iginla). Stempniak was not interested in playing physical and standing up for anyone and Comeau was in his downward spiral.. Glencross would have to have Baertschi switch wings.
Hartman (or Conroy or someone) saw that if Baertschi were to be identified as a key Flame player chances are he would have been physically challenged on a regular basis and his development jeopardized.
When Iginla and Bouw were dealt Jackman moved up to the top 9. Rienhardt and Hankowski , Sarich, Cunardi were given more significant roles. McGrattan was played 10 minutes a game and Jackman more than 10 minutes/game.
The Flames iced the toughest line-up that was possible in the organization and Baertschi played well.
If Baertschi was run in the last 10 games the Flames had a team that would have reacted.
The Flames getting bigger and tougher cost them a top-3 draft choice.