Quote:
Originally Posted by New Era
Setoguchi is not a NHL player. No doubt about that. But that doesn't affect Baertschi in any way. Sven was not to battling with a 4th liner. Sven's performance needs to be weighed against the players he was battling against. Sven has to beat out one of Gaudreau, Glencross or Raymond. Has Sven done that? He hasn't scored a goal in the NHL in a calendar year. Dating back to the start of last season that is 2 goals in 40 games. That is also 14 points and a -8 during that same time. Which of Gaudreau, Glencross or Raymond do you take out of the lineup for that type of production?
The best thing for Baertschi right now is to play in the AHL, try and get scoring, and earn a late season call up to show he can score at the NHL level and have some chemistry with players on the team for next year.
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Well, the short answer to the question is Raymond, assuming he continues to struggle. But I agree with your conclusion. Perhaps a third (sheltered) line of Sven Bennett and Poirier. I'm leery of the defensive aspect, so maybe Backlund as a vet to compliment instead of Bennett.