[jschick88]

According to a team source, the Flyers have been involved in trade talks with Los Angeles for goaltender Jonathan Bernier for more than a week, and they're among a group of finalists in the running for his services. Kings general manager Dean Lombardi has gathered offers from as many as 12 teams, according to the source, but the field has been whittled down to approximately seven contenders.

The hot rumor at the Stanley Cup finals is that the Flyers are dangling forward Matt Read and a draft pick to obtain Bernier's rights. That could not be confirmed.

So, the Flyers' apparent plan would be to throw Bernier in an inexpensive tandem with fellow 24-year-old Steve Mason and let them compete. Clearly, the Flyers aren't ready to hand over the reins to Mason, who was spectacular in his six-start audition in April.

While some observers are concerned that Mason may struggle working in a tandem with such a young competitor, it's important to point out that Mason and Bernier backstopped Team Canada together to a gold medal at the 2008 World Junior Championships. Giroux, Luke Schenn and Wayne Simmonds were also on that team.

If the price for Bernier is too high, however, the Flyers do appear to have a backup plan. Ray Emery has piqued the interest of the Flyers' brass as a Plan B. Emery, 30, is Corey Crawford's backup for the Blackhawks. The two shared the Jennings Trophy last week for posting the league's best goals-against average this season.

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/...oaltender.html