Ever since clearing waivers at the beginning of the 2019-20 season and being assigned to Utica, forward Sven Baertschi has been able to prove that he is too good to be in the minors.
Through just four games in the AHL, the 27-year-old has scored two goals and has eight points. If a previous NHL regular is suddenly scoring at two points-per-game, there might be some sort of miscasting.
And his agent Andre Rufener recognizes that.
Over the weekend, Rufener met with both head coach Travis Green and general manager Jim Benning to discuss his client’s early success and possible scenery changes.
Sven Baertsch’s agent Andre Rufener met with Jim Benning and Travis Green in New York over the weekend : “We had a good positive meeting and the door is not closed in Vancouver for Sven.”
Baertschi off to a hot start in Utica.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) October 22, 2019
When Baertschi was waived at the beginning of the month, it shocked most. The logjam created by trades and signings left both him and Goldobin left out of favour. The two forwards were not necessarily deserving of a top spot on the roster, but they brought skill and production that has now been clear with Utica. Goldobin has one goal and nine points through the four games.
With both forwards excelling at the lower level and depth players like Micheal Ferland and Tim Schaller not instilling confidence in their offence, a call-up for either or both could make sense if they continue to score at the rate they are with the Comets.
Vancouver will surely be tested with upcoming matches against the Capitals, Blues, and Sharks — if they creep back to a .500 team, changes might be needed before the season completely falls apart.
The door is not closed for Baertschi and his season — as well as Goldobin’s — will be monitored in parallel with the Canucks.
