Quote:
Originally Posted by Drury18
I don't think you can use performance in the WHL as a indicator for performance in the NHL. They are two very different leagues with very different levels of play. Very average players can have excellent WHL careers and completely fizzle out in the NHL. One name that comes to mind is Brad Moran. Same size, same sort of player, however never got off the ground in the NHL. Had an amazing WHL career, solid AHL career, talents didn't translate to the NHL at all.
I agree with JJsChaos, the kid has some sort of entitlement issue where he thinks he deserves better then he is getting and doesn't work as hard as the other rookies. He's been told by fans and management he's the next big thing, it's gone to his head and he doesn't work for anything because he expects it. Based on last night, I'd rather seen Reinhart or Grandlund get his spot on the opening night roster in Calgary as a very clear message from Management that this half-assing in Development Camps and Prospect Tourneys doesn't fly.
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I don't understand your point here, from watching about 10WHL games, 5 AHL games, and 15ish NHL games, I have noticed these things. Compared to one game in the prospects tourney?
As for the Brad Moran comparison, are you crazy? You are comparing a top 15 pick (Baertschi) to a 7th round pick (Moran)?
You are comparing a guy with 8 total NHL games in his career, to a guy who has 25 games as a 19 year old and averages half a point a game.
Moran played his overage season in the WHL, then stepped into the AHL and couldn't put up a half a point a game, Baertschi was a point a game player as a 19 year old in the AHL that was filled with NHL talent due to the lockout.
Not sure how you came up with Moran as a comparison, but Baertschi had almost the same career as Moran in the NHL when he was an emergency call up.
Yes there is a chance that Baertschi may not become a star in the NHL, but from everything I have read (Herald, THN, assorted websites) from interviews (Hartley, Feaster, scouts) they all say Baertschi is/was one of the hardest workers on the Flames last year and in Portland. Yeah he was probably upset he was relegated to the fourth line after 5 games last year, and was probably pissed that he was sent down, but that is becuase he thinks he can play with the big boys, not because he has any sort of attitude issues. I would rather him get pissed, then sit around and mope and collect a pay cheque.