First-Rounder, Former Flames & Canucks Veteran Set To Retire

After 10 seasons in the National Hockey League, longtime Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames winger Sven Baertschi is reported to be on the verge of retiring, while giving up two years left on his contract in Switzerland.  

Sounds like Sven Baertschi has retired from pro hockey. Battled concussions during his time with the #Canucks

Acquired from the #Flames in 2015 for a 2nd-rounder that turned into Rasmus Andersson. https://t.co/4JhGNvZcdw

— Grady Sas (@GradySas) August 2, 2023

According to Swiss outlet Blick, Baertschi has made the decision to step away from professional hockey, although he had two years left to run on his contract with his hometown team, SC Bern. The club has yet to confirm. 

The Swiss-born forward, just 30 years old, was drafted by the Flames in the 2011 NHL Draft, 13th overall. In three+ years in Calgary, he never really got a foothold with the team, playing no more than 26 games in any of those seasons. He then moved on to Vancouver where he enjoyed his most successful years in the NHL, posting three straight seasons averaging about 16 goals per campaign, although concussions really derailed and curtailed his career while out West. 

He last played in North America in 2021, with one game with the Vegas Golden Knights. He then signed a 3-year deal with SC Bern in his home country, recording four goals and ten assists in 36 games this past season.

Although there's no word whether the concussions problems has recurred, here's wishing Baertschi a healthy retirement, if that is the path he's choosing. 

Photo: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports