Sven Baertschi becomes second player to opt out of NHL’s return to play

Vancouver Canucks forward Sven Baertschi has become the second player to opt-out of the NHL’s return to play, after Calgary Flames’ defenceman Travis Hamonic announced his intention to sit out yesterday evening.

Baertschi spent the majority of the season in the AHL with the Utica Comets, where he tallied 13 goals and 33 assists through 43 games. He recorded just two assists in the six games he suited up for with the Canucks this season.

The NHL’s return to play plan allows players to choose to opt-out with no penalties or punishment of any kind.

The relationship between the Canucks and Baertschi is certainly not a good one, with Baertschi requesting a trade from the club earlier this season. The Canucks tried their best to move Baertschi but presumably couldn’t find any suitors willing to take on Baertschi’s contract, which has one year remaining on it at a cap hit of $3.36 million.

According to Rick Dhaliwal of TSN1040, the Canucks have recalled forward Kole Lind to take Baertschi’s spot.

More to come.