Aki Berg, a Finnish defenseman, began his professional hockey career in the Finnish SM-liiga with TPS Turku. Known for his size and defensive capabilities, Berg quickly attracted attention from NHL scouts. In the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, the Los Angeles Kings selected him as the third overall pick, making him one of the highest-drafted Finnish players at the time.
Berg made his NHL debut with the Kings during the 1995-1996 season. Over the next few years, he developed his game, focusing on his defensive skills and physical play. Despite being drafted with high expectations, Berg's offensive contributions were modest, and he was primarily utilized for his defensive prowess and ability to play a physical game.
In 2001, Berg was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he continued to play a steady role on the blue line. His time with the Maple Leafs saw him become a reliable presence in their defensive unit. Berg's style of play was characterized by his ability to use his size to his advantage, often matching up against the opposing team's top forwards.
Throughout his NHL career, Berg was known for his defensive reliability rather than offensive production. He played a total of 606 regular-season games in the NHL, scoring 15 goals and adding 70 assists. His playoff experience included 54 games, where he contributed with solid defensive performances.
In addition to his NHL career, Berg represented Finland in international competitions. He played in several World Championships and was part of the Finnish national team that won a silver medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. His international play further highlighted his defensive skills and ability to perform on a global stage.
After the 2005-2006 NHL season, Berg returned to Finland to play for TPS Turku, the team where he began his professional career. He continued to play in the Finnish league for a few more seasons before retiring from professional hockey.
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