Quote:
Originally Posted by Mass_nerder
Proper context? Are you saying that a player who gets pp time and doesn't play against other top lines should be discounted?
He's a young player. You can't expect him to step into the NHL and automatically have a complete game, especially when he wasn't a top 5 pick.
I think he's shown hints at what he might be able to do, but it'll take some more time to fully develop.
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Discounted? Of course.
Obviously there's a difference in getting points when you play the role of a Toews or Kopitar. Not all points are equal. You seem to agree with that, so what's the problem?
I'm not saying Baertschi didn't do fine for his age. I like him. I envision him as an NHL player. I'm playing the "give to get" card, and suggesting maybe I'd rather have the defensemen if they are both NHL players.
But was he a bonafide NHL player during that span? I don't think so. The Flames don't think so. No other GM's have obviously enticed the Flames enough with a really enticing package if they were totally impressed with him.
My point is, I'm not sure how you guys can argue he's had "NHL success" when it immediately followed a season's stint in the AHL and was littered with unready defensive play. He has great hands and puck skills, perfect for the role he was utilized in during his stint with the Flames.
That doesn't mean he was a successful NHL player, otherwise that's where he'd be.