Toronto Returns The Favor To Anaheim

The one-time starter for the Maple Leafs spoke with Eric Stephens of The Orange County Register where he had nothing but good things to say about his time in Toronto.

Toronto acquired goaltender Frederik Andersen from Anaheim on June 20th for the 30th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft (Sam Steel) and a 2017 second rounder. Bernier has one year left on his current deal.

While many were excited and surprise to hear the news of the trade, it is a reminder that the Leafs rebuild plan is still in its early stages, with more moves expected to come.

“Obviously I played for Randy when I first got to Toronto”, said Bernier. “So I think it’s a great fit”. He also played four games for the Toronto Marlies, posting a.948sv% and 1.25GAA.

Bernier, 27, will try to revive a career that began with high expectations as the Kings’ first-round draft pick in 2006. 908 SV% in 38 games with Toronto last season.

His term was complicated by the struggles of the Leafs more generally. He rebounded some in the second half with a. 915 save percentage.

Bernier’s cap hit is $4.15 million, and he is set to become an unrestricted free agent ant the end of this season.

The Leafs gambled large on the 26-year-old Andersen, not only acquiring the Dane for a pair of draft picks from the Ducks, but signing him to rich five-year deal.

Where Toronto turns for the backup role is the next question for the club.

Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello told reporters at prospect development camp that a backup will be acquired (Jhonas Enroth?), meaning RFA Garret Sparks and his cool pads will be likely re-signed and kept in the AHL.

Jonathan Bernier swept away the past couple of seasons as smoothly as he deflects pucks when he talked about returning to Southern California.