Goaltender Jonathan Bernier has signed a deal with the Colorado Avalanche. The contract is for one year at $2.75 million.
Jonathan Bernier agrees to a one-year deal with Colorado for $2.75 million
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2017
Jonathan Bernier Signs with the Colorado Avalanche
Bernier was drafted 11th overall by the Los Angeles Kings back in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. A member of the Lewiston MAINEiacs, Bernier joined the Kings in the 2007-08 season after a solid season in the QMJHL.
A highly touted prospect, Bernier the starter for the Manchester Monarchs in 2008-09. In 54 games, the native of Laval posted a 2.40 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage. The following year, Bernier became a dominant netminder in the AHL. He finished the season with a 2.03 GAA and a .936 SV% in 58 games. Bernier became the backup in L.A. the following year, the 2010-11 season. In 25 games behind Quick, Bernier finished the year with a 2.48 GAA and a .913 SV%. His workload diminished in 2011-12,
His workload diminished in 2011-12 to 16 games. Bernier posted a better GAA, 2.38, but a worse SV%, .908. Bernier returned to form during the shortened 2012-13 season, proving himself as one of the premier, young backups. In 14 games, Bernier had a 1.88 GAA and a .922 SV%. Those numbers were enticing enough for the Toronto Maple Leafs to bite, trading Matt Frattin, Ben Scrivens, and a draft pick, to acquire his services.
Bernier’s career in Toronto started well. He played 55 games in his first year as a starter, finishing with a 2.70 GAA and an impressive .922 SV%. However, things began to dip the following year. Bernier’s numbers fell to a 2.87 GAA and a .912 SV% in 58 games in his second year with the Maple Leafs.
Regardless, Toronto gave him a two-year, $8.3 million extension that summer. His numbers got even worse following the extension in 2015-16, falling further to a 2.88 GAA and a .908 SV% in 38 games. Bernier was sent on a conditioning stint during the season in an effort to regain confidence, but his career in Toronto was seemingly over.
Last summer, Bernier was traded to the Anaheim Ducks for a conditional draft pick. Back in California, backing up John Gibson, Bernier regained some of his old form. Again playing 38 games, Bernier cut his GAA to 2.51 and his SV% to .915.
Jonathan Bernier last year in Anaheim proved he can be a solid backup. His career as a starter is likely behind him, but in the role of a backup, he can thrive. He does not have the pressure of a starter, but can still take a sizable workload. Bernier will be a quality, low-risk backup in Colorado.
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