Really hard not to get excited about this kid. Going all the way back to the 1997 draft where we took Daniel Tkaczuk, Sven ranks 3rd in PPG in their draft year with a PPG of 1.29. Behind Daniel Tkaczuk who had 93 points in 62 games (1.5 ppg) and Oleg Saprykin who had 93 points in 66 games (1.41 ppg).
The year following their draft year, Bartschi is dominating in comparison. With a PPG of 1.97, 75 points in 38 games the next closest is Rico Fata with 33 points in 23 games for a PPG of 1.43 (played 20 games for the Flames, 1 assist). Funny enough, Daniel Tkaczuk had 75 points the year after his draft, but played 19 more games than Baertschi has so far.
I know it's really early in Bartschi's career but compared to the last 15 1st rounders (Reinhart is the lone exception, 3rd round pick) he has by far the most potential.
I know I am only focusing on points but that's the other great thing. We know the kid has a tremendous work ethic and loves to play the game. Here's hoping the Winterhawks have a long playoff run to lead into his NHL career.
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