Quote:
Originally Posted by Igottago
Still too early to say that. He's in learning phase, and its a good situaton for him to be learning in a phase where the team is winning and developing good habits. The Flames have been a good hockey team for 2 months. Being reactionary and saying suddenly we have no need for a highly touted offensive prospect makes no sense. Let him learn, the Flames are in no need to rush him right now, its a luxury to be able to develop players without desperation to yield immediate results. Just ask Edmonton.
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There is part of the problem. Baertschi is no longer a highly touted offensive prospect. Players of that ilk rip the AHL up. Baertschi struggles to be an impact player at that level. He's not an offensive prospect anymore. He's going to have to find a niche for himself if he hopes to have a NHL career, and that likely isn't in Calgary. He will no longer be waiver exempt next season, so he'll get the Colborne treatment. The Flames will have to keep him up or risk losing him for nothing when they waive him. Are you prepared to take that risk, or send down a player who is likely more deserving of the spot? Who would you send down to keep Baertschi? I would hope the Flames recognize this conundrum and make a move to get something for him while they can, hopefully at a position where we need some depth. Baertschi has just run out of time to meet the expectations he set for himself and management. There are just too many good young players coming up that are better options. Time to move on and let someone else assume the risk.