Restricted free agent could leave North America after failing to earn a spot on an NHL roster
As the National Hockey League's 2023-24 season approaches, there are still two restricted free agents that are still unsigned - Shane Pinto (Ottawa) and Tim Berni (Columbus).
At this rate, it seems unlikely that either Pinto or Berni will be on their respective team's opening night roster and ready to go for the first game of the season, but things could change.
Tim Berni's situation with the Columbus Blue Jackets is a bit different than Shane Pinto. Berni was invited to Blue Jackets training camp on a professional tryout contract, which would allow him to be a full participant in practices and preseason games, while negotiating a new contract. However, Berni was released from his PTO on Thursday and according to Aaron Portzline, he is considering returning to Switzerland for the 2023-24 season.
Berni, an unsigned restricted free agent, came to camp with Columbus on a tryout agreement to keep his options open. He was released from that PTO on Thursday." Portzline said.
The Blue Jackets issued Tim Berni a qualifying offer back in late-June and according to CapFriendly, if he returns to Europe, he'll remain on the team's reserve list and they'll hold his rights until 2027.
Berni, 23, made his National Hockey League debut last season with Columbus and went on to appear in 59 games for them, putting up three points (one goal, two assists), 34 penalty minutes and was a minus-26.
| POLL | ||
Where do you think Berni will play the majority of his games this season? | ||
| Europe (Most likely Switzerland) | 0 | 0 % |
| NHL (Columbus) | 1 | 50 % |
| AHL (Cleveland) | 0 | 0 % |
| See Results | 1 | 50 % |
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