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Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher
Yep. Sven has been overrated overall by the fan base because of his early success. He really hasn't progressed much since then.
An indication of this overrating was our prospect poll this summer when Sven was ranked by the "majority" ahead of guys like Poirier and Granlund who based on their production and potential had passed him already by last summer IMO and I argued it at the time. Another mediocre season and it was obvious he was behind Bennett, Monahan, Gaudreau, Poirier, Granlund, Backlund, Hudler, and perhaps even Ferland. So where does he fit long term? He just didn't force his way into our future plans. That's the bottom line. He impressed the least out of all of our top end prospects.
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I agree with everything except for the timeline. I do think that Baertschi warranted his high ranking last off-season. I personally feel one season early on in a prospect's development - especially after turning pro - should be taken with a grain of salt. Some prospects just have a tough time transitioning.
However, after 2 years, your synopsis is bang on. Completely agree with your take on it.
As for everyone freaking out over this trade, I wouldn't be too worried.
2 seasons of below-expectations starts becoming a trend. Other prospects have certainly been developing and exceeding expectations. I don't think there is much - if anything - wrong with the development system.
One thing that sticks out to me especially now, is Baertschi's attitude. Ok, so nothing has ever been confirmed. We heard rumors about the Penticton tournament, and how Baertschi felt he shouldn't have gone. That is one strike. Then when he got sent down at the start of the season - even though he was without a doubt out-played by a number of other prospects who got sent down ahead of Baertschi (i.e. Ferland) - there was that statement his dad made. Sure, we can make a case for that newspaper being the type that likes to create their own headlines, but there was probably at least some smoke for them to write it up, exaggerated or not.
Now we find out that Baertschi told the Flames he will not be re-signing with the Flames. To me, that was of course strike 3.
What has Baertschi proven? He hasn't looked great beyond the occasional flash. He hasn't looked like a 'hungry' prospect out there. He does look weak - especially in puck battles. He was not NHL ready, period.
He DOES have that potential. Really does. However, with each passing season, you see that potential fading somewhat.
Now think about this. Not knowing a thing about Baertschi and his junior season post-draft, does he really look like a 'standout' in any way? For stat-watchers, absolutely not. For the 'eye test' - he looks a step behind often, and weak. I honestly thought Baertschi would be much stronger and closer to the NHL than Granlund. Can anyone say with a straight face that Baertschi is better than Granlund right now?
It is still too early to say that Baertschi is a 'bust', or that his ceiling is lowered, or anything else. He could very well still achieve what most people assumed he would be - a 1st line LW'er. However, he simply wasn't progressing. I am ok with trading him away. Even to the Canucks. This is my take on it:
If Treliving and the rest of the hockey ops department feel that Baertschi is not going to succeed as an NHL player, than having Vancouver give up a 2nd for him will hurt that organization. Of course, there is the chance that he does succeed, and it will prove to be a terrible trade. Perhaps the other offers for Baertschi were substantially lower, and Treliving just made the best of the situation. There can be little doubt that he didn't shop Baertschi around quite a lot first.
Only time will tell who the winner and the loser. It could still be a win-win, or either Calgary or Vancouver will outright lose the trade. As it stands today, Treliving made the best of the situation, and received a 2nd round pick in a very deep draft. I am ok with it.