Sven Baertschi Discussion Thread

[MVW]

People were also complaining that Hartley was mishandling Backlund last year, playing behind Colborne. It was tough love, but look at how Backlund responded when he figured it out. I fully trust Hartley and I LOVE how he doesn't gift anything to anyone. If someone wants to play, will go ahead and bring your A game.

[BIG M]

Baertschi does not have the mental toughness to play in the NHL. He will likely end up playing in Europe and be successful there?

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by BIG M

Baertschi does not have the mental toughness to play in the NHL. He will likely end up playing in Europe and be successful there?

Are you asking us or telling us?

You're wrong either way.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by BIG M

Baertschi does not have the mental toughness to play in the NHL. He will likely end up playing in Europe and be successful there?

Yep, Sven's .5 NHL career PPG completely agrees with you.

[puckedoff]

Imagine if he comes in this year (or even next) with a chip on his shoulder and plays near expectations. What an add that would be to the prospect pool.

[CsInMyBlood]

I really hope he is healing from the rib injury he suffered at the worlds this year.

I fractured 2 ribs and the pain wouldn't let me do anything for a long time.

I have no doubts this will hamper his off season training.

[-TC-]

Originally Posted by CsInMyBlood

I really hope he is healing from the rib injury he suffered at the worlds this year.

I fractured 2 ribs and the pain wouldn't let me do anything for a long time.

I have no doubts this will hamper his off season training.

Me too, twice. Not fun at all. I couldn't sleep the second time.

I forgot about this...I hope it was minor and they got it sorted fast.



Also, this has turned into a really good thread, thanks fellas.

[Scoreface]

I'd really like a feel good story, but my expectations are very tempered at this point. How he does in camp and in the AHL this season will tell quite a bit. I've written him off due to his fragility and non-willingness to compete for the puck.

That said, it's a good idea to keep him, as his value is low and he could prove pundits and myself wrong. I hope he does. I also think coach Huska could be a wildcard in the equation. He seems to get the most out of talented players based on his stint with Kelowna. I think he may be able to work better with Sven than Ward. Just speculation, but didn't he also coach against Sven in the Dub? He may know more about his weaknesses and be able to help him further in that regard.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by CsInMyBlood

I really hope he is healing from the rib injury he suffered at the worlds this year.

I fractured 2 ribs and the pain wouldn't let me do anything for a long time.

I have no doubts this will hamper his off season training.

This is what concerns me...

People are looking for him to come to camp bigger, stronger, and ready to compete harder.

However, he has had a rib injury, which isn't exactly a conducive environment for him to have been on a strenuous strengthening regiment.

I fear that he arrives at camp pretty similar to last year in strength and the fan base turns him into a whipping boy.

With that injury, I am expecting that he is going to be looking at another AHL stint - possibly for the full season.

I just hope fans can deal with that without turning on him. Patience is required but that is a scarce commodity with some fans.

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I fear that he arrives at camp pretty similar to last year in strength and the fan base turns him into a whipping boy.

Well, we can always put it off on the rib injury and be glad he spends another year developing in the AHL.

[AcGold]

I'll wait however many years it takes for him, no need to get rid of him if he truly has a desire to be in the NHL. The only way we get rid of him is for a d prospect that is impossible to turn down.

I have a feeling he'll make it, too much raw skill not to. He might be held back a season because of the rib injury, no matter, we didn't ship out Sieloff as soon as he got hurt and he's lagging behind but Sieloff has potential too. No need to get rid of people the Flames spent millions training in our system if the return isn't clearly a win.

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

This is what concerns me...

People are looking for him to come to camp bigger, stronger, and ready to compete harder.

However, he has had a rib injury, which isn't exactly a conducive environment for him to have been on a strenuous strengthening regiment.

I fear that he arrives at camp pretty similar to last year in strength and the fan base turns him into a whipping boy.

With that injury, I am expecting that he is going to be looking at another AHL stint - possibly for the full season.

I just hope fans can deal with that without turning on him. Patience is required but that is a scarce commodity with some fans.

He had the 2nd highest fitness scores at rookie camp last season and 4th highest at the regular camp in September.

He takes off-season training as seriously as any prospect in the NHL. Maybe a summer of not pushing it so hard is exactly what he needs.

[albertGQ]

I wish Burke didnt make him switch from 47 to 27.

I'm okay with slow development. Sven in the AHL and Bennett in the OHL.

[Scornfire]

Pretty sure he prefers #27

[OzSome]

Problem was the fan's expectation was to the roof especially after his junior career and his play during the emergency call up a few season. Some people even predicted he will dominate the league and will win the Rookie of the Year. Then when he started to struggle in his supposedly to be his first full season and got called out by Brian Burke, the fans started questioning if he can even play in the NHL. After he got demoted and struggled in his first few games in Abby and at the same time players like Granlund and others played well in their call-up, fans started questioning if he is a bust or not. He is still young and he doesn't need to make the Flames lineup right away if he is not ready. I am sure he didn't light up in Portland(WHL) in his first season or so. I say give him time to learn. If he doesn't make the Flames at the beginning of next season, I wouldn't be too worried about it. I think he'll be playing for the Flames sometime in the future. Rushing him in the lineup if he is not ready will just slow down his progress. Sven Baertschi will be wearing Flames uniform someday.

[FAN]

I was never that high on Sven. I thought the bust potential was too great. But after seeing him score 3 goals in 5 games as an emergency callup and then his dominating play in the AHL during the lockout, I started thinking that I was wrong. As it stands it is still early to tell. Like most players with Sven's size and skillset, he needs to find a way to score. His courage can't wander from game to game. As for Sven wearing a Flames uniform one day, the Flames have many openings and a lot of our prospects are hungry and trying to seize the opportunity. Sven needs to do that.

[Husky]

Sean monahan played better when Sven was on his line. Hopefully he sticks.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Originally Posted by Husky

Sean monahan played better when Sven was on his line. Hopefully he sticks.

This is very true. They did have chemistry together but at the same time it was frustrating watching Baertchi turn over the puck during some of those opportunities.

He should be more physically mature come training camp and be pushing for that LW spot on Monahan's line. Would be great if he gets it, but honestly I see Gaudreau taking that spot over Baertchi. Hopefully a 3rd line spot opens up for him if Gaudreau starts the season with the big boys.

[ForeverFlameFan]

The Raymond/Byron signings solidify that one of Baertschi/Gaudreau will be playing in the AHL. Treliving wants competition, and you need to earn your spot.

[Badgers Nose]

I think a lot of fans will be disappointed if Sven does not earn an NHL roster spot this year. If he puts in a good performance and misses the cut out of camp, but plays well in the AHL then I think he has a future with the Flames. If this year is a repeat of last year, I don't know what will happen.

Like other have said, he won't be worth much in trade until he establishes himself.

Maybe like Nino, he won't hit his stride for another 2-3 years. Euro kids often seem to need more time to mature. CDN and US kids seem to be ready faster. I base that opinion on zero statistics or proof. LOL