 After playing junior hockey in the Western Hockey League for the Tri-City Americans and Brandon Wheat Kings, Bartovič began his professional career in 2001–02 with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League.Through 2004–05, Bartovič played in the National Hockey League for the Buffalo Sabres for a total of 26 games.On October 24, 2005, the Sabres traded Bartovič to the Chicago Blackhawks for goaltender Michael Leighton.