Quote:
Originally Posted by ignite09
Baertschi is only 21, this is hardley a make or break training camp for him. Frankly, as long as his attitude is positive and he's motivated, a full year on the top line in the AHL might be better for him in the long run.
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Not if he gets passed by multiple players in the system. If the Flames are serious about small players in the lineup, it is important that Baertschi establish himself as a NHL player before the likes of Gaudreau, Granlund and Klimchuk. Once a player is established it is harder for a young guy to take that spot away, especially from another young guy who all of a sudden casts himself in a core role. The longer he takes to come around, the harder it will be for him to cut a place out for himself on the big club. Baertschi needs to step up and prove he's better than Gaudreau and Granlund, because it appears they have the inside track on those top LW positions. It is unlikely Baertschi plays on the 3rd or 4th lines, so there is probably one position he has to fight for. I hope he steps it up. We need the talent we saw in his final year in junior.