Former NHLer Mark Barberio reportedly switching leagues in attempt to get rid of his reputation

Mark Barberio is reportedly going to switch league in an attempt to leave behind his reputation as a dangerous player. The former NHLer - who played 272 games in the NHL between Tampa Bay, Montreal and Colorado - has been playing in the Swiss National League for Lausanne over the past two seasons. He is currently serving his fifth suspension, this time for breaking the jaw of Garrett Roe with a brutal crosscheck. He received eight games.

According to a report from Championat.com, Barberio is slated to sign a contract with Ak Bars and will be joining the team before the current season ends. Exactly when isn't clear right now. According to another report from Switzerland, Barberio may be making the switch in order to rid himself of his current reputation as a dirty player.

"Although Barberio has only been playing in Switzerland since the season before last, he has already attracted attention for several unclean and also dangerous actions, even though he professes not to want to hurt anyone," said the National League in its latest ruling against Barberio. "The accused seems to lose his composure in contested game situations and tends to make rash and dangerous decisions."

Barberio did attempt to defend himself following his latest suspension.

"I am not a dirty player," he said. "Yes, I want to play physical, but it's not my goal to be an unfair player."

The blueliner has six assists in 14 games with Lausanne this season.

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