Quote:
Originally Posted by ricardodw
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.
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Actually, getting smaller and tougher cost them a top-3 draft choice. They certainly didn't get bigger after trading Iginla and Bouwmeester (6'1/210 and 6'4/215 respectively).
Toughness, skill, and will, not size is what matters. Iginla is bigger and heavier than Horak/Reinhardt, and Bouwmeester bigger than Brodie/Cundari.
Baertchi started in the top 9 and got some top 6 time in his first stint with the Flames and couldn't get things going. The second stint he played much better, but was about the same size/weight and was in the top 6 the entire time. He also didn't play much in his second stint with either Jackman or Mcgratton. Baertchi's play had absolutely nothing to do with size.