The Calgary Flames have finally got the boost that they needed. It came from Sven Baertschi. Who? Sven Baertschi! After being called up to the Calgary Flames on March 7, the young superstar has been on fire. The nineteen year old from Langenthal, Switzerland has exploded onto the scene with three goals in four games. The Flames have not lost since Baertschi was inserted into the lineup. He was called up on an emergency basis. The Flames have been ravaged by injures up front, and currently have six forward on injured reserve. His stay will be short lived in Calgary, as soon as one of the players is healthy, Baertschi will be reassigned to Portland. The Portland Winterhawks are a member of the Western Hockey League. The Winterhawks are currently in third place in the Western Conference. While in Portland this year Baertschi has 33 goals, 61 assists for a total of 94 points in just 47 games. That amazing points pace lands him in tenth for points in the WHL. The unbelievable part of this is that he has played ten games less than the league leader, which is Brenden Shinnimin at 131 points in 67 games.
The Flames drafted him 13th overall in the 2011 National Hockey League draft. In the last decade Calgary has struggled for years producing young stars. Baertschi may change that trend. The Hockey News recently ranked him 15th in their Futures Watch – Top 50 Prospects. Baertschi is very fortunate to be part of the Flames at such a key time. The Flames are currently locked in a five team playoff race, that currently sees three teams tied for the final eighth playoff spot. NHL scouts have raved about Baertschi’s amazing puck skills, and offensive instincts. The kid focuses on hockey, and works hard to improve his game. He is not afraid to play in high traffic areas, and his speed creates scoring chances. The scouts list his flaws as his size. Unfortunately he does not have the ideal NHL body frame. At 5″10 he is not big enough to be a power forward, but at only nineteen years old he will fill out more. He needs to make sure he ups his physical game to keep opponents honest. The kid can play! The Flames are counting on him to be on the main roster next season. Hopefully he can continue this point production and carry this success over into his rookie season next year. He will definitely be a player to watch in the future.
Originally posted at: Inside Hockey by Brad Burud, Inside Edge Hockey News
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.