RALEIGH, NC – A nineteen year old Swiss citizen Sven Bartshi left Langethal, Switzerland at the beginning of this past season and made his debut in the Western Hockey League with the Portland Winterhawks. In doing so he put together a great season and has made himself a likely top fifteen draft choice.
The 5’10” 185 lbs left wing went from a probable second round draft choice to a probable first rounder with an outstanding season. He scored 34 goals and added 51 assists during the regular season playing in 66 games. He followed his regular season success with 27 points in the playoffs including ten goals. He also has a reputation of being a grinder and is not afraid of contact. Why then should he be the Hurricanes choice? Some background may answer the question.
The Carolina Hurricanes just barely missed the 2010 playoffs but there is reason for hope in Raleigh. Last season the Hurricanes finished one win away from post season play, while disappointing, can actually be viewed in another light. This is a young team on the rise.
The Hurricanes came within a whisker of the playoffs after being eliminated in their last game of the season with one of the youngest rosters in the National Hockey League. They can also be positive about their talent pipeline. Their American Hockey League affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, had the second best offense in the AHL and had the sixth best record this past season in the entire league.
During the 2009-10 season the Hurricanes were the second oldest team in the National Hockey League. That team finished in 12th place on the Eastern Conference. This past season with the fifth youngest team in the league they finished in ninth place and seem headed in the right direction. Obviously, this year’s first round draft choice is a chance to add another young gun to the arsenal being assembled in North Carolina.
The “Canes” have about $29 million in salary cap left with 11 players signed. Some of the mainstays who are under contract include goaltender Cam Ward, forwards Eric Staal, Tuomo Ruutu and Joe Corvo. Interestingly, four of their NHL level UFAs is forwards including two left wingers Cory Stillman and Jussi Jokinen. Even the UFAs who may stay for another season are two are in their late 20’s. Thus, time is marching on among the Hurricane forwards’ cadre.
One forward who may be gone is Chad LaRose is a center and at age 29 may be expendable. Thus from the PHN perspective it makes sense for the “Canes” to draft a winger or forward with their first round draft choice. Given the Baertshi’s performance last season and the Hurricanes’ needs he looks to be the right fit.
“With the 12th pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Carolina Hurricanes select Sven Bartshi.”
To learn more about Sven Bartshi click here.
Contact the author at Phil.Brand@prohockeynews.com
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