Jonathan Bernier hasn’t exactly had a landmark year for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but if anything could change that and help him realise his potential it’s a move away from Toronto. Maybe the Calgary Flames could help him get back on track as a guy worth of the number one spot.
A year that hasn’t been by any means easy for Bernier makes him cheaper on the trade market. That’s favourable for the Calgary Flames; however a less than easy year also points to Bernier’s patchy form and seeming lack of ability to lead as a team’s number one.
Related Story: Flames Seeing Jonathan Bernier As An Option
Any sort of trade with the Maple Leafs represents a slight risk for the Calgary Flames. The Leafs are known to be a selling team, which arguably gives the Flames an advantage, but Lou Lamoriello is known league-wide to be a pretty tough negotiator.
Do you surrender a draft pick to a team that has a shot at Auston Matthews?
Also, the contract isn’t exactly cheap; the deal would need to involve Jonas Hiller heading the opposite way or the Leafs retaining basically the whole salary.
Is it a deal that could happen?
Absolutely, Jonathan Bernier playing for the Calgary Flames would be no means be the craziest thing to happen. In fact, in a lot of ways, it’d be good for all parties.
The Leafs can finally give up on him as a number one project. The Calgary Flames acquire a goaltender that certainly has shown glimpses of being a number one at times. Bernier, himself, gets a chance to rebuild his career under much less scrutiny.
Next: #2: Frederik Andersen