Former first-rounder Sven Bärtschi officially leaves the NHL

After years of attempting to live up to the hype of being an NHL first-round draft pick, and never getting there, Sven Bärtschi is officially leaving the NHL. According to a release from SC Bern of the Swiss National League, Bärtschi has signed a three-year contract with the team. Bärtschi, now 29, was born and raised in Bern.

Bärtschi was drafted 13th overall by the Calgary Flames in 2011 after two big seasons with the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL. After three years there, he demanded a trade and was sent to the Vancouver Canucks for a 2nd round pick. After a successful first season with Vancouver, he was signed to a two-year extension, and then a three-year one worth $10.1 million. However, injuries, specifically a bad concussion in 2018, really derailed his career. In September of 2019, Vancouver placed him on waivers. He cleared and was sent to the AHL. Following the 2019-20 season, Bärtschi signed a one-year deal with the Vegas Golden Knights, but managed just one game with the team while spending the rest of his time in the AHL.

"It was always my goal to continue my career in Switzerland one day," said Bärtschi in the SC Bern release. "Now the time has come. I learned a lot in the NHL. I want to bring what I have learned to Bern and help the team. I'm really looking forward to the challenge at SCB."

In total, Bärtschi played 294 games in the NHL, scoring 66 goals and 138 points.

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