Prospect on the Move: Sven Baertschi to Vancouver

The Calgary Flames made a trade down to the wire on Monday with the Vancouver Canucks. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Flames prospect Sven Baertschi was on his way to Vancouver in return for a 2nd round pick.

Sven Baertschi is a former 13th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft and was once considered to be a top 6 forward with the Flames. He is a very good two-way talent. He put up some stellar seasons with the Portland Winterhawks while in the WHL. He had two 30+ goal seasons, one in 20 games less than the previous.

Baertschi, 22, has regressed slightly since coming into the NHL and AHL. However, Baertschi is still relied upon heavily with the Adirondack Flames. He is in the top 6 on the team in even strength time on ice. Still, his production needs to be similar to how it was in Portland.

Nov 18, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Sven Baertschi (27) skates during the warmup period against the Anaheim Ducks at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Baertschi will get a new start with the Canucks, or most likely the Utica Comets. His previous team, the Adirondack Flames, are in the bubble of making the playoffs this year, where the Comets are leading their division and will most likely make the playoffs at a high seed.

The deadline for sending down active players for the AHL playoffs is today at 3:00 EST, so look to see if Baertschi sticks with the Comets or will join the Canucks. Baertschi will be alongside some other strong winger prospects in Hunter Shinkaruk and Darren Archibald. He might also see some time with centers like Brendan Gaunce which could work out better than Bill Arnold or Max Reinhart.

All in all, this was a good trade for the Vancouver Canucks who receive a good prospect for a 2nd round pick.