Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Sven Baertschi
See More
Baertschi appeared in only six games with the Canucks in 2019-20, registering a pair of assists. With AHL Utica, he managed 13 goals and 46 points in 43 games. The Swiss winger has asked the Canucks for a trade, but they've been unable or unwilling to fulfill that request thus far. He opted out of the NHL's Return to Play for the playoffs -- Baertschi reportedly wants to play in the NHL, but his time with the Canucks seems all but over. Fantasy managers will want to steer clear of the disgruntled winger on draft day, but he did top 25 points in three straight campaigns before injuries derailed the 28-year-old's career in 2018-19. Wherever he lands, he's not likely to see more than a bottom-six role.
Baertschi, 26, missed most of the 2018-19 season with a concussion and the subsequent associated symptoms. He finished with nine goals and 14 points in just 26 games and was particularly lethal in scoring situations, finishing the year with a shooting percentage over 20 (20.9). Blessed with undeniable talent, the biggest thing holding Baertschi back is an inability to stay healthy; the winger has never played more than 69 games in a season. Over the past two seasons, Baertschi has made a combined 79 appearances. If healthy, the skilled Swiss skater should occupy a spot in Vancouver's top six and play a significant role on the power play.
Baertschi was limited to 14 goals and 29 points in 53 games last season due to injury, an unfortunate circumstance considering he was on pace to score at least 40 points. Even though he re-signed for three years in the summer, Baertschi's long absence seems to have cost him his usual spot on Bo Horvat's left wing. The good news is Baertschi has enough sandpaper in his game to be a very good third-liner, but his fantasy potential is obviously a lot higher on a scoring line. He'll be ranked lower than usual on fantasy lists due to his injury but he certainly has some upside if he can win a top-six job.
After a decent debut campaign with Vancouver in 2015-16, Baertschi took another step forward in 2016-17, finishing third on the team with 18 goals. The former Flame discovered some great chemistry with rising star Bo Horvat and delivered in the clutch with five game-winning tallies. He isn't known for being a massive point producer, as his 35 points last season were a career high, but Baertschi is proving he’s a very capable goal scorer who can contribute on the power play. A potential second line of Baertschi, Horvat and youngster Brock Boeser could make 2017-18 another successful campaign for the Swiss forward.
Baertschi impressed in 69 games with the Canucks last season, notching 15 goals and 28 points. The 23-year-old could play alongside Bo Horvat or Brandon Sutter in 2016-17 and be in for a breakout campaign. The youngster has great speed and a terrific shot and will likely slot in on Vancouver’s second or third line, in addition to seeing power-play time. While he’s only got 138 NHL games under his belt, the Canucks inked him to a two-year contract extension and are confident in his abilities moving forward. The former 34-goal scorer in the WHL has the potential to make a strong impact in fantasy hockey, but he may need just a little more time.
Baertschi has had an up-and-down few years with Calgary, as he has struggled with the immense pressure and overwhelming expectations of being the 13th overall pick. The winger has, at times, had trouble adapting to the speed and toughness of the NHL, but keep in mind he is still only 21 years old. He is more of a finesse player, which can clash with team president Brian Burke's expectations of the Flames, so it's a mystery what Baertschi's role will be in 2014-15. He will certainly get a shot at making the Flames' roster in the fall, but he has to display an improved maturity and work ethic. We're not drafting until we see where things settle.
Baertschi struggled to adjust to the expectations and workload of the NHL early in 2012-13, as the highly prized prospect scored only one point in his first 13 games and he was sent down to the AHL. However, Baertschi caught fire down the stretch upon his recall, scoring at least a point in each of his last seven games. His demotion to the AHL seems to have sparked Baertschi and put a chip on his shoulder, which bodes well for his future. If he can continue his torrid pace from the end of last year, Baertschi could certainly (and quickly) become the best scorer for Calgary. He's likely a future star in the league and should put up 50 to 60 points in 2013-14.
Rarely has a five-game stretch of play excited a city like Baertschi’s in 2011-12. An emergency call-up in March, Baertschi scored three goals and had a plus-2 ratingin those five games and showed why he’s the Flames’ best prospect. It would be a big surprise to not see Baertschi start the season in a Flames uniform, as he tore up the WHL last season and did not look overmatched in the NHL. While it may take him a season or two to fully pick up the nuances of the NHL, he could be a burgeoning superstar and may be worth a flyer in late rounds.
The 13th overall pick in this past year's draft, Baertschi inked an entry-level deal in July. Turning 19 in early October, he has plenty of potential and will likely get a run with the big club during training camp. Keep an eye on this gritty winger with offensive upside, as the Flames are high on him.
