Earlier today, it came out that the Toronto Maple Leafs
have started to shop goaltender Jonathan Bernier. While this should come as a
surprise to no one, it still raises the question can they really trade him? Bernier has posted a 6-12-3 record in 21 games for the Leafs, along with a .899
save percentage and 3.13 goals against average. After struggling right out of
the gate, Bernier lost his starting role to James Reimer who has stepped up his
game since last season. When Reimer was out injured, coach Mike Babcock decided that Bernier shouldn't be trusted to take over the
starting role in net. Instead, The Leaf's rookie Garret Sparks was called up
and made an instant impact going 3-1-1 in 5 games with a .915 save percentage.
During this time Bernier was sent down to the Toronto Marlies of the AHL for a
conditioning stint. Bernier was 0-8-1 at the time he was sent
down and was looking to get back on track.
“I’m not playing well, and that’s on me," Bernier told reporters Wednesday. "It’s not on anyone else, I take full
responsibility for this. I’m looking to find my game and have some fun as well.
I think that’s important ... go out there (with Marlies), no pressure, and have
some fun".
After
a ten-day conditioning assignment with the Marlies, Bernier had recorded
three straight shutouts and was looking to bring that back to the NHL with him.
Since returning, Bernier has been able to rebound from his rough start of the season, and has been a decent replacement
for the James Reimer in net. But is there really a team in the NHL that would
be looking for a net minder who has been as inconsistent as Bernier. The first thought would be the Canadians who
have struggled since losing Carey Price to his recurring injuries this
season. However, they
have Mike Condon who has been a decent replacement and if they were
looking to the Leafs they would most likely look at James Reimer.
Reimer's
contract is set to expire at the end of this season and he could be a great rental for team
that are looking for goaltending as the enter the playoffs. Other teams that
come to mind are the Coyotes and the Ducks who are both looking to fill goaltending positions after their starters
have struggled. But both teams have found two young goalies, John Gibson
and Louis Domingue who have both made immediate since coming the NHL. As
long as Bernier continues to get better there will be a market for the
27-year-old. He also has a year and a half left on his $8 million dollars,
which would likely make teams think twice before trading some prospects for
the net minder.
Bernier
is a good goalie that is having a down year this season, but he will bounce
back and it could have a major impact on his career. With the Leafs in
rebuilding mode and him under contract for one more year it is wise for them to
try and move onto from him. His time with the Leafs has been ok and he can't be
blamed for their rough seasons, but he will find a mother job with a team
looking for a goalie. It'll be an interesting story to follow as the trade
deadline approaches on February 29th and more teams struggle with
injuries.
Great Article!
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