Quick has firmly established himself as the team’s No. 1 goaltender, while Bernier has been relegated to the backup role. The problem is that Bernier appears ready to make the jump from backup to starter. In fact, he may have the potential to be an all-star goaltender.
At age 24, Bernier could finally be traded this offseason after over a year of speculation.
Speaking with ESPN.com, Bernier explained a conversation he had with Kings GM Dean Lombardi regarding his future.
I spoke with Dean at the end of the season, and he told me he can keep me there but also feels he kind of owed me the chance to be somewhere else [as a starter]. So I guess we’ll know in the next few weeks.
Although it’s good to have a solid backup, the Kings are probably better off trading Bernier now than having him leave in free agency later and getting nothing in return.
Bernier has never appeared in more than 25 games, and yet his trade value may hit an all-time high in the coming weeks. It’s an opportunity for Lombardi to obtain high draft picks, good prospects or even an established NHL player.
There are five teams interested in obtaining Bernier’s services, according to Pierre LeBrun, who tweeted the details.
Of those five, the most interesting are the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Maple Leafs have James Reimer, who seemed to establish himself this season as their No. 1 goaltender. Reimer went 19-8-5 with a .924 save percentage. 2.46 GAA and four shutouts. He also put up a good fight against the Boston Bruins in the playoffs.
Reimer has one year remaining on a three-year, $5.4 million contract and will become a...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Kings
