Jonathan Bernier?

[DaBoltsNIsles]

I want to know everyone's thoughts on Bernier. Many Isles fans want him for some reason. They think he's without question the best goalie on the trade or free agent market this summer. I'm just not sure what to make of his ability. He's only played 62 NHL games. He's only played 55 NHL games in the past 3 years.

Lombardi made it clear a year ago he wants a 1st round pick & a prospect. I would have a hard time giving up a 1st round pick for any goalie. Especially considering how many goalies are on the market this summer both through trade & free agency.

Thoughts & Opinions please.

 

[awaz]

I want to know everyone's thoughts on Bernier. Many Isles fans want him for some reason. They think he's without question the best goalie on the trade or free agent market this summer. I'm just not sure what to make of his ability. He's only played 62 NHL games. He's only played 55 NHL games in the past 3 years.

Lombardi made it clear a year ago he wants a 1st round pick & a prospect. I would have a hard time giving up a 1st round pick for any goalie. Especially considering how many goalies are on the market this summer both through trade & free agency.

Thoughts & Opinions please.

i haven't seen much of his play, but i dont see why any team would give up a 1st and a prospect for him unless there is a bidding war. he hasn't proven much, he's RFA, and the goalie market is saturated right now. i cant think of any team that absolutely, 100%, NEEDS a goalie. but there are lots of teams (anaheim, buffalo, chicago, minny, vancouver, ottawa, LA, st louis) who have 2 goalies that could be starters. if you wanted to stretch it a little, the caps have 2 if neuvy can get it figured out. quite a few of them will hit free agency now, but that just means they'll be available for cheaper.

backstrom
nabakov
emery
thomas noidea

bernier

are the free agents off the top of my head that would be legit starters in the league.. the isles being the only team i can think of off the top of my head that will need 1 of them to be their starter.. maybe edmonton, but they like dubnyk don't they?

JMO on the matter.

 

[sabresfaninthesouth]

I wouldn't take his lack of playing time as a knock against him, it's just that he's been playing behind Quick, so he hasn't really gotten a chance yet.

With Quick playing so well too, Bernier also had a good chance to develop in the AHL rather than being rushed into a starting position before he was ready.

It obviously remains to be seen if he can shoulder the load as a starter for a full season, but the potential is definitely there, and what I've seen of him as a backup makes him a very desirable prospect.

 

[forty_three]

Bernier is technically sound and by all accounts has a great attitude. He stays positive even when on the bench behind one of Quick's runs. He works hard and has the tools to be a true star in the league.

When the Jackets got Bobrovsky and not Bernier, I was skeptical. And even with the season Bob had, there are times I wish they'd have gone with Bernier. That's the upside he has.

The thing with Bernier is there are a few teams that are going to be after him. Buffalo will want to leave him out to dry, and Philly will want to ruin him.

The list of Free Agents out there now will change over the summer.

Bryz will be out there (no more than he already is)
Miller probably will
Luongo or Schneider will probably be available
If Vokoun carries the Pens far, MAF will be let loose. If Vokoun collapses he'll be available. Pens are in cap trouble next year.

St Louis is going to need to make a choice on Elliott or Halak. And Price could yet be run out of Montreal.

And who knows how Reimer will react?

 

[mattola]

LUONGO

 

[jstewismybastardson]

Bernier is listed at 5'11 185 ... Kevin Woodley from ingoal mag says that is very generous

a good comparable is Jose Theodore ... Bernier might have an award winning season early in his career as a full time guy but once the season long grind of being the #1 wears on him and injuries happen and he cant rely on his athleticism anymore ... youll have ... Jose Theodore without the propecia

 

[davnlaguna]

Bernier is steady as can be. He is not flashy in goal. Early in the season there were many Kings fans that wanted him instead of Quick. He should be wanted by any team that wants a young starter at a good price. With the cap coming down he is a great choice
The issue is the Kings will want a lot for him because they dont have a number two and they can afford to hold on to him in case Quick his issues. So if they give him up cheap it is because they want to help him be happy

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

Thank you to all who responded. I appreciate the comments. I know my team needs a starting goalie. I also know that Garth inquired about Bernier last year & the Kings weren't willing to give him up at that time.

I'm skeptical as to whether or not he can handle playing 60 plus games per season. I also wouldn't give up a 1st round pick for him. I do recall hearing that Lombardi wants a 1st & a prospect. I think that's far to steep.

We shall see & to all!!

 

[dash]

The Oilers need a goalie as well (I don't think Dubnyk will be anything more than a capable backup). However, based on the contentious trading history between the Oil and Kings, I wouldn't expect a trade between those two teams.

 

[pixburgher66]

Stay away from Gibson! I've tabbed him for my dream scenario.


But really, the Ducks are a situation to watch too. Hiller, Fasth, Gibson. Loaded there.

 

[forty_three]

Bernier is listed at 5'11 185 ... Kevin Woodley from ingoal mag says that is very generous

a good comparable is Jose Theodore ... Bernier might have an award winning season early in his career as a full time guy but once the season long grind of being the #1 wears on him and injuries happen and he cant rely on his athleticism anymore ... youll have ... Jose Theodore without the propecia

That sounds more like Jonathan Quick's likely outcome.

 

[dash]

As soon as Marty Turco lost some of his athleticism, he was done like dinner (as he's a small goalie). Quick is a pretty big dude though, isn't he?

/He sure covers the bottom half of the net well...

 

[jstewismybastardson]

That sounds more like Jonathan Quick's likely outcome.

Theodore only put up mvp numbers once .. in the past 10 years he's only gone sub 2.50 gaa twice and never above .916 Save% ... Bernier is the same height and weight ... he's a scrawny dude while Quick still has a bit of lard in his butt

if Quick loses his athleticism through chronic injury he'll still have the size to change to a positional goalie imo

 

[jstewismybastardson]

As soon as Marty Turco lost some of his athleticism, he was done like dinner (as he's a small goalie). Quick is a pretty big dude though, isn't he?

/He sure covers the bottom half of the net well...

6'1 ... but dont discount the lard ass aspect to his size

 

[forty_three]

Theodore only put up mvp numbers once .. in the past 10 years he's only gone sub 2.50 gaa twice and never above .916 Save% ... Bernier is the same height and weight ... he's a scrawny dude while Quick still has a bit of lard in his butt

if Quick loses his athleticism through chronic injury he'll still have the size to change to a positional goalie imo

Quick has enough athleticism to carry him one or two more seasons past the usual expiration date. But man, when he goes down, he's gonna go down big.


It'll be Felix Potvin-esque.