According to Rick Dhaliwal of TSN 1040 Vancouver and The Athletic, Vancouver Canucks forward Sven Baertschi has opted out of the NHL’s Return To Play.
Been told #Canucks forward Sven Beartschi has has opted out of the NHL’s Return to Play
Sources say the Canucks have called up forward Kole Lind.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) July 11, 2020
UPDATE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman has confirmed that Baertschi opted out.
Per @DhaliwalSports, Sven Baertschi has opted out of playing for VAN
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 11, 2020
Sven Baertschi Opts Out
Baertschi becomes the second player to opt-out of the NHL’s Return To Play. The first player was Calgary Flames defenceman Travis Hamonic. With COVID-19 cancelling the remainder of the AHL season Baerstchi had his season cut short. There were thoughts he might join the team for when play resume. However, given Baertschi’s current situation with the Canucks it is no surprise he isn’t playing with Canucks when they return.
Prior to the beginning of the season, the Canucks placed Baertschi on waivers. He cleared and went to the Utica Comets of the AHL. There Baerstschi again produced recording 46 points (13 goals and 33 assists) in 43 games. For a six-game stretch this season, Baerstschi was back with the Canucks where he recorded two assists. He went back down to the minors to finish out the season before When he was with the Canucks he was producing like a second-line player but just could not stay healthy. The Canucks have been exploring trade options for the forward.
Kole Lind Recalled
With Baertschi out, the Canucks are recalling Kole Lind. Lind was drafted 33rd overall in the 2nd round of the 2017 NHL Draft. For the better part of two seasons, Lind has played with the Comets. This season was a breakout year for the young forward. He recorded 44 points (14 goals and 30 assists) in 61 games. With Lind’s season cut short as well, this will be a great opportunity for the young forward to get a feel of what NHL life will be like. With the salary cap being flat for the next couple of seasons, players like Lind have the potential to make impacts as their contracts are pretty cheap compared to others on the team.
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