[BACKCHECK!!!]

Sven Baertschi is essentially the Flames' own version of Nail Yakupov.

They had virtually identical CHL production at 1.58 ppg, but with Sven as a playmaker and Yak as a trigger man. In the NHL, Sven has produced at a 34 point/season pace, while Yakupov has produced at a 37 point/season pace. Sven is a cumulative -6 in his 65 career NHL games, while Yakupov is a cumulative -48 in his 138 games (Yalupov gets a lot more ice, so I'd bet their +/- per min is pretty similar).

If the Flames had Yakupov, what would you suggest they do? I would suggest they NOT trade him when his value is at an all-time low, but rather make him fight for bottom-6 minutes to work on his defensive game, and have him play in the AHL when someone else is outperforming him.

Both guys have significantly improved their defensive game and their physical compete level this season, but are having difficulty scoring. I think they have both improved materially, and just need some more time before that translates into them delivering the goods at both ends of the ice.

I hope Yakupov doesn't have a future with the Oilers.

And for the same reasons, I hope Sven does have a future with the Flames.