Jonathan Bernier: Why the Los Angeles Kings Shouldn’t Trade Him Yet

After Jonathan Quick agreed to a 10-year, $58 million contract with the Los Angeles Kings in late June, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before the team would part ways with Jonathan Bernier. And yet, with less than two weeks to go until the 2013 NHL trade deadline, Bernier remains with the Kings. 

Speculation will likely continue to grow around Bernier, as it will around veterans like Jarome Iginla and Jaromir Jagr. 

In order to build for the future, it's probably a good move for the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars to trade their future Hall of Fame players. For the defending Stanley Cup champion Kings on the other hand, it may be in their best interest to hold on to their 24-year-old backup goalie for the rest of the season. 

Bernier has made the most of every opportunity he’s been given this season, showing that he can indeed become a starter in the near future. Quick, meanwhile, has not been at his best. The Conn Smythe Trophy winner had back surgery in the offseason, which may have played a role in his early-season struggles. 

Bernier is 7-2-0, with a GAA of 1.94 and a save percentage of .923.

Quick is 10-10-3 with a GAA of 2.47 and a save percentage of .897.          

Quick has been better of late, but has yet to show he can consistently perform at a high level and steal games like he did last year.

And, like last year, the Kings aren’t able to rely on their offense alone to win games. If they want to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, they’re going to need great defense and dominant goaltending. 



The safety net Bernier provides in that respect cannot be overlooked. 

Should Quick play poorly or sustain an injury in the latter part of the season or playoffs, the Kings can rest easy knowing Bernier is ready to step in. It’s similar to the situati...