Quote:
Originally Posted by Fan in Exile
A wasted asset is a wasted asset. I for one hope that management has this right because no matter how many other guys might pan out, the organization should not be squandering the potential of a player who scored 2 ppg in the WHL and has a better point per game average than most of the players on their active roster despite having limited playing time and not being put in ideal situations.
I'm sure there are plenty of NHL GMs who would agree and would be glad to take Sven off our hands. I believe and hope the organization values him much more highly than you do.
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Look at the players drafted before and after him. Would Ryan Murphy be on the Flames roster? Joel Armia can't crack the Sabres lineup so what makes you think he would make the Flames? Mark McNeill can't crack a Hawks lineup that could use a center. It's not like that class has established itself with regular NHL players as chances are no matter who they pick they are still playing in the AHL. Even if he pans out to a 2nd line winger I would call that a success and right now that looks to be where he may end up if he can ever get his head on straight. If Sven turns out to be a wasted first round pick it's going to be all on him and nothing to do with the Flames. The Flames made the right pick that day but Baertschi needs to fulfill his end of the bargain and that is to advance from a top junior player to pro to which he's simply struggled.