Toronto Maple Leafs Should Keep Jonathan Bernier In Net

Bernier
Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been successful thus far over the past three weeks. However, they need to begin to decide on some of their own players. Since the beginning of NHL free agency on July 1, the Leafs have quietly shaped their rebuilding roster with youth and players who are not overpriced or highly skilled. A question that is hanging over this team is trying to figure out exactly what to do with their star goaltender, Jonathan Bernier.

Goaltending is definitely an issue that needs addressing prior to next fall, as both Bernier and the backup goaltender James Reimer have only had flashes of brilliance stopping pucks. Other times, they couldn’t keep any pucks out of the net.

Bernier came to Toronto from the Los Angeles Kings in a June 23, 2013 summer trade for goaltender Ben Scrivens, forward Matt Frattin and a second-round draft pick. It was believed that Bernier would come in and inspire Reimer to elevate his game. Bernier’s 26 years old and played 58 games last season, posting a 21-28-7 record with a 2.87 goals against average and a .912 save percentage. He just completed the final year of a two-year deal.

Being an unrestricted free agent is something that a lot of NHL players long for, as they would love to dictate where they take their skills. Bernier is two years away from that prestigious honor. Leafs President Brendan Shanahan, Mark Hunter and Kyle Dubas appear willing and eager to strip a lot of the large contracts off the books. It’s not known how the relationship stands between the Leafs management and Bernier. However, keeping Bernier through the inevitable woes that will hang over this team can be beneficial for both sides.

Former Leafs coaches Randy Carlyle and Peter Horachek couldn’t seem to get the best out of Bernier consistently. The smart move would be to allow Mike Babcock to shape Bernier into a quality goaltender. He has worked his magic with J.S. Giguere for the Anaheim Ducks, as well as Jimmy Howard with the Detroit Red Wings.

Bernier should return next fall and use the season as a learning tool. Over the six months, the Leafs can use that time to see which players to keep and which players to steer clear from for the 2016-17 NHL season.

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