2011 Calgary Flames Draft Selection: Sven Baertschi
By Cait Platt
Last year’s NHL Draft marked the second time the Edmonton Oilers picked first overall and they selected young centerman Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. While it was no surprise to see RNH go first overall, the Calgary Flames struck gold in their selection of Sven Baertschi 13th overall. While Baertschi only played in 5 NHL games with the Flames, he managed to make the most of it by scoring three goals. As for the rest of this season, Baertschi was with the Portland Winterhawks putting up impressive numbers for a 19 year old: 94 points in 47 games (33 goals, 61 assists).
This Swiss winger has been marked as the savior of the Calgary Flames in the coming season. The one who will answer all offensive problems that the Flames have struggled with in recent years.
While earlier drafted players like RNH, Gabriel Landeskog, Adam Larsson, and Sean Couturier have made a bigger splash than Baertschi this season, with time Baertschi will be on their level, if not better. I know it’s a bold statement, but Baertschi really makes me confident for the future of the Flames. Through all the awkward draft picks and the questionable trades, it seems the Flames are finally getting on track. Addressing the shortcomings and future shortcomings and drafting accordingly, what seems to be a smart game plan, is finally happening. Will the Calgary Flames continue this trend on Friday? Well there’s only one way to find out!
I’ll be at the 2o12 NHL Draft covering all things Calgary Flames for you guys. Make sure to stop by frequently to catch all the updates on the draft. And make sure to check out Too Many Men On The Site and Frozen Futures for all your NHL Draft needs.
GO FLAMES GO!