Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashasx
Gagner plays centre, a position that has a natural requirement for at least decent two-way play.
Gagner isn't decent defensively. He's not even below average. He is amongst the worst defensive players in the league.
Baertschi is a LWer where the defensive responsibilities are not nearly as paramount.
Gagner's only asset is that he might trick some GMs into believing he has any true value.
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He's still a better player, just as he's a better player than Hickey.
If you want to qualify it and say "oh well he's not as good as being a two-way forward as this other player is at being an offensive forward or this player is at being a defensive defenseman" or whatever then go ahead. Bottom line, Gagner is better than those guys. Take off the Flames goggles for a tad, if he was on almost any other team it wouldn't be a discussion.
He's just fine, and would be a good addition to the third line of most teams. A guy like Baertschi can't even stick in the NHL.