How the Maple Leafs Can Fix Dion Phaneuf
After the Toronto Maple Leafs elected for salary arbitration with starting goaltender Jonathan Bernier, the two sides settled before the arbitrator was able to render a decision. Bernier, who turns 27 this week, made (US) $3.4 million last season, not his finest hour or the team’s.
In Bernier’s first season with the Leafs, he posted a 26-19-7 record, .923 save percentage and 2.68 goals-against average.
Jonathan Bernier had a 2.87 goals-against common and.
Bernier’s agent, Pat Brisson, countered with (US) $5.1 million for consideration, more than what some goalies with better stats are making.
Bernier joined the Leafs on June 23, 2013 in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings for winger Matt Frattin, goalie Ben Scrivens and a second round pick that was eventually retrieved. 916 save percentage. Lamoriello said Bernier didn’t have to “prove” anything but pointed to consistency as something the Leafs would like to see. 912 save proportion final season for the Leafs.
By signing Bernier for two, the Leafs bought up one year of unrestricted free agency. I think the guys are excited to come back and guys are motivated with the new coaching staff ” Lou Lamoriello quotes ” It was good to hear what both parties had to say as far as Jonathan and where the team was at. If not, then the Maple Leafs goaltending will be another area that will need to be addressed.
With such disparity between his first two seasons as a full-time starter, the 26-year-old nonetheless has fairly a bit to show. If that does end up happening, the Maple Leafs should be well positioned to give him a longer-term deal at that point.