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Flames’ run of injuries opens up chance for Baertschi

Calgary Flames v Edmonton Oilers

EDMONTON, AB - DECEMBER 7: Sven Baertschi #47 of the Calgary Flames skates against the Edmonton Oilers during an NHL game at Rexall Place on December 7, 2013 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)

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The Calgary Flames have been hit hard enough by injuries that it looks like fading prospect Sven Baertschi will get a chance to make an impact.

The Calgary Sun’s Wes Gilbertson notes that Joe Colborne was added to IR, and while Michael Ferland’s status isn’t technically the same, both are added to an injury list that includes Mikael Backlund, Matt Stajan and Mason Raymond.

It’s an understatement to say that hopes have hit an all-time low for Baertschi, 22, lately. The 13th overall pick of the 2011 NHL Draft hasn’t scored a goal in 10 AHL games, pairing an ugly -8 rating with a modest trio of assists.

He was one of the final cuts heading out of the preseason and seems to have stalled - if not regressed - in his development.

This is a huge opportunity for the Swiss-born prospect to turn things around for himself, especially as his name has been attached to some trade rumors. He’s obviously young enough that it’s hyperbolic to say that this run will make or break his career, but there’s a feeling that it could do a lot to improve his image in the Flames organization.

Maybe he’ll benefit from a little jolt of excitement, then?

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins