2019-20 AHL season
Baffled by the final decision management made for Baertschi to report to the Utica Comets, he actually took the assignment extremely well. Like a professional, he smiled at the camera every chance he got and answered every question without anger.
Baertschi’s NHL presence on an AHL ice surface was noticeable, to say the least. Utica dominated out of the gate with an impressive 8-0 record through October. Lacing up the skates in seven of those eight games, Baertschi effortlessly notched 10 points.
As the year went on, Baertschi got a six-game look with the Canucks registering 2 assists, but it wasn’t the look he was hoping for. He knew he had to score goals to stay up with the team and that just didn’t happen. It felt unfair considering his background and who on the team made the final cut over him, but that was more for an overall team standpoint than individual position.
Stuck back in Utica, Baertschi racked up 46 points in 43 games (1.07 PPG) and returned to form completely symptom-free of concussions. Avoiding the injury bug at the AHL level, Baertshi has proven he’s healthy and he’s proven he’s still an NHL talent, at least he thinks he is. I would have to agree with him.