It was announced today that Vancouver Canucks winger Sven Baertschi will miss four to six weeks with a fractured jaw. He was hurt Saturday in the team’s 4-2 loss to the Calgary Flames after a puck struck his face.
.@SvenBaertschi has a fractured jaw and will miss 4-to-6 weeks. No surgery required, said Coach Green.
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) December 11, 2017
Sven Baertschi Out 4-6 Weeks with Fractured Jaw
Baertschi, 25, was in the midst of a successful campaign with Vancouver. The Swiss forward had eight goals and 18 points through 30 contests. He had been playing alongside rookie Brock Boeser and recently-injured Bo Horvat for much of the year and formed an effective top line. It was announced that Baertschi will not require surgery for the injury.
The skilled forward was acquired by the Canucks at the 2015 trade deadline. He was acquired from the Calgary Flames in exchange for a second-round draft pick. It was the Flames that originally drafted Baertschi 13th overall in 2011, however, he was seldom given opportunity.
Through 236 career contests, he’s managed 64 goals and 111 points and put up a career-high 35 points with the team last season. He has scored 83 of those points as a member of the Canucks. The forward is already familiar with head coach Travis Green, having played for him with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks.
Baertschi Injury Affects the Lineup
Baertschi will join Horvat, as well as centre Brandon Sutter and defender Erik Gudbranson on the sidelines. Horvat, Baertschi’s common linemate, will miss six weeks with a fractured foot. The likes of Nikolay Goldobin and Reid Boucher may be given the chance to play with the Canucks in their place. The Canucks currently boast a 14-12-4 record, and rank fifth in the Pacific Division. Unfortunately, they have not made the playoffs since the 2014-15 season, when they lost in the first round to the Flames.
The Canucks recently acquired forward Nic Dowd from the Los Angeles Kings to add forward depth. He was exchanged for defender Jordan Subban, and made his debut the next day against the Flames. With Baertschi now out, even more offensive responsibility will have to be shouldered by rookie Boeser. He ranks sixth in NHL goal scoring with 16.
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