The Calgary Flames have agreed to terms with their 2011 first-round draft pick, Sven Baertschi, on a three-year entry level contract.
The deal comes three days after the Edmonton Oilers signed No. 1 overall pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to an entry-level deal. According to Calgary's web site, Baertschi, chosen 13th overall, will earn $925,000 per season with an average annual value of $1.45 million.
"From an organizational perspective, it is important we demonstrate our commitment to our young prospects and Sven is one of our highest first round picks in many years,” said Flames GM Jay Feaster. “We saw no reason to delay getting him signed and we began discussing a contract with his agent immediately following the Draft. We reached an agreement today and are very pleased to welcome him to the Flames family."
The 5-foot-10, 181-pound left wing played 66 games for the Western Hockey League's Portland Winterhawks last season, producing 34 goals and 85 points. His plus-23 rating led all WHL rookies. Baertschi, a native of Langenthal, Switzerland, played in 21 post season games and scored 10 goals and 27 points. His Portland teammate and fellow countryman, Nino Niederreiter, was drafted fifth overall by the New York Islanders in 2010.
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