NLA - Christoph Bertschy had already made it clear that he will try to establish himself in North America next season. Now, SC Bern makes it official: after three and a half seasons with the Bears, Bertschy moves on.

Photo tobi meyer

The 21-year-old forward had been drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the sixth round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. The Wild hold his rights for one more year. Thus, Bertschy is seizing the opportunity. However, as he told Der Bund in an interview on Saturday, he remains realistic about his chances: "I think I will have to play one or two years in the AHL and I am going to give me this time, that is for sure."

Bertschy, who has now joined the national team for the World Championship preparation, has scored 76 points (36 goals, 40 assists) in 203 games for the Bears. This season, he finally found his game and put up 15 goals and 18 assists in 52 games. (mso)

UPDATE According to SC Bern, the Wild and Bertschy have still some details to work out before he gets his contract. Now, we know why. As one can read on StarTribune, the Wild's general manager Chuck Fletcher already talked about wanting to sign the center. However, Bertschy can't be locked up until after the World Championship. - 07 April 2015, 4:34 PM