At times this past season, it looked like there was a possibility that goaltender Jonathan Bernier could extend his stay with the Red Wings. However, it appears that won’t be the case as TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie reports (Twitter link) that the veteran has decided to test the open market when free agency begins next week.
The 32-year-old hasn’t exactly posted great numbers with Detroit but with the Red Wings bottoming out in the standings as GM Steve Yzerman rebuilds the roster, Bernier held his own most nights over the last three years. In 2020-21, he played in 24 games while splitting time with Thomas Greiss, posting a 2.99 GAA along with a .914 SV% which was six points above the league average. Being above the NHL average in that department is something that his agent Pat Brisson will undoubtedly bring up in contract discussions.
Bernier could very well be in line for a small raise on the $3MM cap hit he had on this most recent deal. The backup market has continued to grow in recent years with an increase of teams wanting to lessen the workload of their starter or even head towards more of a platoon with some deals coming in closer to the $3.5MM mark. Bernier has basically been in that same situation for the past several years even before his time in Detroit and that track record could help him when the floodgates open next week.
Minnesota would work if the Kraken snatch Kahkonen.
Prefer Halak, but Bernier could be a solid 1B for Jarry.
1. Grubauer , whatever he wants if pens can make it happen they should
2. Bernier — affordable and should be solid af, has potential to be top-10 goalie on a good team due to his experience. I really like the fit and could had as low as 2 mil or so to play for a contender.
3. Reimer — reality is that if ZAR is the pick, then Pens are in a tough spot cap wise.. they should still be able to upgrade at GK, but depending on how they plan on filling out the forwards in FA, one route could be convincing Reimer to take vet minimum & splashing the rest on a 2nd line wing .
4. Anderson — id rate this as one of the most probable outcomes.
Frederik is rated 4th for reasons outside the net.. firstly his cap hit will likely be enormous… likely Zucks full cap hit of 5.5Mil, next we have to talk injuries and age, 31 is not bad but also bad timing to be on shelf past 2 seasons. Injuries will hold back a L-T deal here, but would he be worth it on a 1 year deal if the numbers were right? If so, penguins should do it!
Halak is super old and an enemy. There’s some great options out there, to where Halak should be pretty far down the list
Reason I think Frederick deal gets done on a 1 year is because Jarry will help him carry the load on a prove it deal.
Definitely depends on what other offers are out the for Freddie A
Wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up in Boston on a 1 yr deal the kid could start and Bernier could be the backup and if it doesn’t work out bring Tuukka back in January
How about going back to the leafs backup ( or push) Campbell for playing time or got to be him or Reimer!
English, please.
This screams Oilers.
Why not Ken Holland signed him in Detroit. Most likely he will be back in Detroit and they will release Giess
Might be a good fit “back home” and platoon next to Allen in MTL, if Kraken go crazy and select Price, of course.
I wouldn’t mind having him as a backup to Bennington!!
He’s lucky Detroit let him play. He’s not a top tier goalie and a cancer in the dressing room