Quote:
Originally Posted by New Era
Using Backlund as an example of what to expect with players/prospects is not a good idea. Backlund happen to be in the right place at the right time to be given a ton of chances. At the time he was our best prospect and had no competition coming in behind him. Backlund was really the only forward prospect we had with any offensive potential at the NHL level. The Flames were also a team with cap issues so his low salary was a blessing. He was given plenty of opportunities and he really didn't grasp any of them. The best thing in the world that could have happened to him was the lock out, where he went home and played to get some confidence. The player that returned was much better that the one we saw prior to the lock out, but not enough to really impress the higher ups. He was very fortunate he stepped on the gas this past season because I think Burke was not a fan and would have traded him if he was the GM at the start of the season.
Baertschi's situation is completely different. We have plenty of depth in the organization, especially at Sven's position. We also have several players pushing for that same position, which is where Baertschi's hopes get complicated. Sven is a one-way offensive player. He's trying to learn the defensive side of the game, but he's not a guy that looks to cut a position out in any role other than a scoring winger. With the arrival of Gaudreau and the development of Granlund there is now significant competition for that one or two slots up front. That is without considering current incumbents and how long they will stick around, or the potential for other NHL bodies to be brought in to provide competition. The Flames are also not a cap team and have plenty of cash to spend, so they won't be looking to younger players to keep them under the cap.
The situation is vastly different as the team's circumstances have changed. The biggest thing about the Flames now is the number of bodies they will have competing for positions. Those that perform will get the opportunity to entrench themselves on the roster. Some may think that Baertschi will be afforded time to grow until he's 25, but the reality is that the longer he takes the more likely it is that another young guy takes the position Baertschi is trying to compete for and entrenches himself on the roster. If Gaudreau steps up, takes that available LW position, and starts scoring consistently, what are the chances the team is going to be motivated to make room for Baertschi? What happens when Granlund, Ferland and Klimchuk begin their push as well? First to step up and show they are ready is going to take the positions available.
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A simple thanks doesn't do this post justice. You really helped put the situation in its proper context. Nice read.
Backlund had some injuries like the broken finger during camp (remember the Stajan conspiracy theory? Haha), and his separated shoulder when he took on a Canuck who made a dirty or questionable hit on a linemate. He didn't have the pressure of say Sven being passed by other guys knocking on the door. To his credit though, Backlund still recovered and fought through that time where many had written him off and his confidence has booned from that.
I'm hoping Sven can use the increased adversity due to more competition to his advantage and be a very hungry and motivated player this fall.