2019 CBJ Top 25 Under 25: #23 Tim Berni is part of a deep defensive prospect pool for the Blue Jackets, but how close is he?

Thanks to the over 80 of you who voted in our poll! We combined your votes and the writers’ votes and our Top 25 Under 25 countdown continues today with #23:

#23: Tim Berni

Voting: 23rd out of 34 eligible players
Writers’ Vote: 21st
Readers’ Vote: 24th
Highest Placement: 5th (1 vote)
Most Common Placement: 20th (5 votes)

Biography

Birthdate: February 11, 2000
Birthplace: Mannedorf, Switzerland
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 183 lbs
Position: Defenseman
Acquired: Drafted by Columbus in Round 6 of the 2018 draft (#159 overall)

2018-19 Season

Berni played 41 games in the NLA, the top level of the Swiss national league last season. In those 41 games, Berni posted a 1-7-8 line with 8 penalty minutes and was a -11 over the course of the season. Berni is a small defender, and at just 19, is likely years away from a potential NHL debut. He has yet to sign his entry level deal and, despite getting valuable experience while playing in the NLA, should look to make his way to North America to continue his development in the next few seasons.

2019-20 Forecast

Berni is projected to spend the 2019-20 season with ZSC Lions in the NLA. He will continue to gain experience in the Swiss top league as he works to develop his defensive game as a member of the Blue Jackets’ prospect pool.