Analysis: Head Coach Roger Bader takes a close look at our players abroad

Since 22 August, there has been clarity. On that day, Marco Rossi signed a three-year contract worth $ 15 million with Minnesota Wild and can now focus calmly on the new season. He had already made his mark on the previous campaign with 26 goals and 37 assists. “Marco Rossi had an outstanding season last year. His best so far. He is an absolute key player for the team,” enthuses the Head Coach about the offensive centre. 63 points sent a clear statement. Accordingly, the Swiss coach believes he can take another step forward in the coming season: “It would not surprise me if he increases his points tally further. He is clearly a top-2-line forward and will be given that role.”

Roger Bader believes that Marco Kasper can take on a bigger role than last season. The Carinthian recorded 37 points, including 19 goals, for the Detroit Red Wings in 2024/2025, adapting to a variety of roles. “So far, he has taken steps forward every year and established himself completely last year. I believe he can take on a very big role, especially as he has already been used on the power play and in various positions,” analyses Roger Bader.

With David Reinbacher and Vinzenz Rohrer, two further leading lights at the Montreal Canadiens are on the verge of reaching the NHL. According to Bader, it will be important for Reinbacher to remain injury-free initially: “That is the prerequisite. Otherwise, I am curious to see whether Montreal will give him the opportunity from the outset. If not, I believe they can call him up during the season and that he can then establish himself.”

The Head Coach is also eagerly awaiting Vinzenz Rohrer’s development and whether he will receive his first opportunity early in the season: “He is a player who always surprises. You have certain expectations of him and, in fact, he always exceeds them. It would not surprise me if he manages that again now. He brings a great deal of energy to a team, and they know that in Montreal.” And if he does have to take a “detour” via the farm team, Bader does not consider that a tragedy.

And then there is also Gregor Biber, who received a rookie contract with Utah Mammoth in autumn 2024. This season, the raw diamond is still set to play for Rögle in Sweden. A move to North America is planned for 2026. Roger Bader: “Gregor has had a tremendous season, with the Deutschland Cup, the U20 World Championship, further national team appearances and, finally, the A-WM. He has played many games and is a regular at Rögle at 19. Now it is important that he not only confirms his season, but also continues to develop, adds physical strength and remains injury-free. After another good SHL season and a good World Championship, I see his future in North America.”

In the Swiss National League, ÖEHV defenceman Bernd Wolf is part of the captaincy group at EHC Kloten and is entering his second season with the traditional club. “Bernd Wolf is a player you are very happy to have in any team because he is a leader on and off the ice. He plays on the top two lines and accordingly carries a great deal of responsibility. That he is part of the captaincy group comes as no surprise, but rather confirms his leadership qualities,” emphasises Roger Bader.

After an incredible World Championship 2024 in Prague (CZE), last season did not go as hoped for Dominic Zwerger at Ambri-Piotta. However, the season still had a conciliatory ending with another world-class performance at the World Championship 2025 in Stockholm (SWE) and Herning (DEN). Now, the 29-year-old is looking to get back on track in the National League as well. Roger Bader: “Dominic has performed incredibly at the last two World Championships, playing on a line with Peter Schneider on both occasions. In Prague, Marco Rossi completed the forward line, while in Stockholm it was Marco Kasper. That was our top line on both occasions, and he had a lot to do with that. He creates scoring chances and is ice-cold in front of goal himself. He also does a great deal of defensive work. Last season did not go optimally for him at club level, but I believe he is capable of a great season.”

Dominic Zwerger and Bernd Wolf faced each other on Tuesday evening in the opening game of the season. Ambri-Piotta beat Kloten 2:1, with both ÖEHV stars going without a point.

Eye-catching and always driving towards goal – that also characterises Benjamin Baumgartner, whose SC Bern side lost 0:3 away to EV Zug on Tuesday evening. “He has had a great career in Switzerland,” enthuses Roger Bader. “He gets plenty of ice time and responsibility in Bern. We benefit from that in the national team as well, because he always joins the team full of confidence and in good form. Benjamin makes an impact both offensively and defensively, and occupies a top-centre position.”

The Sky Swiss League season also got under way for Oliver Achermann also got underway with HC La Chaux-de-Fonds on 9 September, doing so with a 5:3 win over EHC Winterthur. He appreciates the qualities of the 1,95m giantRoger Bader greatly appreciates the qualities of the __OEHV_NUM_AP_C__m giant: “He is a quiet leader, very strong defensively and on the penalty kill, and a very good face-off player. With his line, he can play against any top international line for the national team. After his serious knee injury, he fought his way back last season and had a great World Championship 2025. He can head into the new season with plenty of confidence.”