It was Bern’s turn to draft 7th and two of the highest rated players available were Swiss. With Joonas Korpisalo already in the system, the Interrail turned their attention away from the goalie position and selected Robert Karrer, a 19-year-old defensemen. Calvin Thurkauf, another Swiss-born player, was considered the top forward available at the time. They also have Nico Hischier, another Swiss native, gaining his attributes up front.

Scouts rated Karrer as one of the best puckhandling defensemen in the draft.

“He always looks for an open teammate and if he doesn’t find one, he has no problem carrying the puck up ice,” reads the draft guide. “Think of a bigger Jared Spurgeon, but a slightly lazier one, scouts advise.”

The Interrail currently have just five defensemen under contract and young Karrer is one of them. Most put him ahead of Jake Dotchin on the depth chart and both will move down a couple of rungs once free agency winds down. Bern wants to resign Dmitry Orlov, their top blueliner, but reports are that he is asking for a very high salary.