UTICA – Sven Baertschi readily admits this season hasn’t gone as he expected.

The 27-year-old skilled Swiss veteran forward said he has tried to make the most of his time with the Utica Comets as he works to get back to the NHL.

Baertschi, who recently played his 450th professional game, said he wants to provide a positive example for younger players who are part of the parent Vancouver Canucks organization.

"My goal was just to come in and help the young guys out, be a good example and not be a fool around here," Baertschi said Tuesday. "That’s putting in the work and showing them what it takes to be a pro. So, going in with that approach it makes things easier for me knowing that ‘hey, I’m doing something here.’ I’m trying to help the prospects for them. ... Once you know that, it is still hockey, I love it and that’s pretty much it."

Baertschi has been one of the Comets’ top forwards while having a career season with nine goals and career-bests in assists (27) and points (36). An ankle injury forced him to miss five games in January and he appears to be getting back into a groove. Baertschi – who has overcome past concussion issues – said he feels 100 percent healthy.

"I’m just trying to play to the best of my abilities and show what I can do," said Baertschi, who has shown a harder edge on the forecheck in recent games. "One of the things I want to work on more and more is putting pressure on defensemen and making them turn over pucks and create chances for my linemates. ..."

It is an uncertain time for Baertschi and the Comets with the NHL’s trade deadline Monday afternoon.

Extended injuries to Brock Boeser and Josh Leivo forced Vancouver – trying to earn a playoff berth after missing the last four seasons — to acquire Tyler Toffoli from Los Angeles in a package that included Tim Schaller, prospect Tyler Madden and a draft pick. Canucks General Manager Jim Benning – who noted that he tried to trade Baertschi earlier this season – told Vancouver media Tuesday that he’s open to making more moves before the deadline.

"I can control only what I can control," Baertschi said. "If I stick around (Utica), that’s fine with me, too. I can try and help this team go far and make a good push for the playoffs."

It hasn’t been smooth sailing recently for Utica, which has had slow starts in recent games and is 3-6-1-0 in the last 10. With 23 regular-season games – six against non-North Division opponents – the Comets (28-20-3-2, 61 points) are trying to solidify one of the four North playoff spots. The Comets play Friday at division-leading Belleville.

While Comets coach Trent Cull noted that games are getting tighter, the team "needs to not give up in the first five minutes."

"We’ve been prepared the same way all year. We know what’s going on. It is individual efforts," Cull said. "But, like we say, it is opportunity. Opportunity is a full 60 minutes. ... They play in the American Hockey League. They need to be ready to compete."

Bailey back

After spending nearly three weeks with the Canucks, Justin Bailey was assigned back to the Comets on Tuesday.

The speedy Bailey – who played two games while with the Canucks – has been one of the Comets’ top offensive threats this season. He’s also played in all situations during his first season with the team.

The 24-year-old Bailey has been red-hot in his recent AHL games. In his last 16 games with the Comets, he has accumulated 16 goals – including an astounding stretch in which he had three hat tricks in four games in January – and 23 total points.

In 45 games with Utica, Bailey has a career-best 24 goals – second-most on the team – and 40 points, which rank 18th in the AHL. Bailey is five points from his career best (45) in 70 games during his rookie season in 2015-16.

Roll call

Defenseman Olli Juolevi – who didn’t play Sunday at Rochester – has an upper-body injury and is also ill, General Manager Ryan Johnson said Tuesday. Juolevi will likely return next week, Johnson said.

Defenseman Ashton Sautner (arm; missed last two games) and forward Francis Perron (concussion protocol; missed last three games) each skated in no-contact jerseys after practice. Cull said they will see how each makes progress this week. Ryan Johnson said Perron is doing well.

Forward Jonah Gadjovich also didn’t practice Tuesday due to illness, Cull said.

Wacey Hamilton’s broken foot appears to be healing ahead of schedule as he skated before practice, Cull said. Hamilton was injured Jan. 11 while blocking a shot.