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‘Svenmania’ a distant memory as Flames’ Baertschi struggles in the AHL

Sven Baertschi

Calgary Flames’ Sven Baertschi, from Switzerland, waits for a face off during first-period NHL hockey game action against the Winnepeg Jets in Calgary, Alberta, Friday, March 9, 2012. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh)

AP

Remember “Svenmania”?

A couple of years ago, it was an actual thing.

Today, it’s just a memory, as Sven Baertschi has gone from future star with the Calgary Flames to struggling forward with their AHL team in the Adirondack foothills.

Baertschi, the 13th overall pick in the 2011 draft, has no goals and just two assists in nine games with the AHL Flames. The 22-year-old recently refused to comment on the speculation that he’d requested a trade.

“I don’t want to comment on these things,” he said, per the Calgary Sun. “There are tons of rumors that can be made up — that’s more personal business. I really don’t want to comment on it.”

Flames GM Brad Treliving did comment, however, and was generally supportive of the player.

“First of all, Sven hasn’t requested a trade at all,” said Treliving. “When I went down there, he was disappointed and he should be. He’s unquestionably the most skilled player down there but the last three of four games you can see he’s creating chances.”

Still, you have to wonder if Baertschi is long for the organization. The once “untouchable,” back when Jay Feaster was still the GM, ran afoul of president of hockey operations Brian Burke just prior to the 2013-14 season, and Baertschi hasn’t played an NHL game since being sent to the AHL in December of 2013.