[Signing] Leafs sign Bernier (2yrs, $4.15mil AAV)

[Fire of the Phoenix]

I think Bernier has done as well as could be expected given the trash team he plays on. He is a top 10-15 goalie waiting to break out IMO. If I were him I'd be choked that just being on Toronto is literally costing me money. He should be asking for a trade for his the sake of his career as this year is likely to be even worse for Toronto. By the time they're ready for playoff contention, Bernier will be in his early/mid 30s, it's just a bad fit for both sides.

[bluejays]

Bernier is super inconsistent. His upside is higher than Reimer's, but at what point do you develop yourself into a #1? The guy is 27 years old, has had at times with the Leafs given the reigns at #1, but fell flat on his face. I guess because the Leafs have such a crappy lineup this year (and rebuilding), they can wait it out and see if either Reimer or Bernier will "develop" but now the jury is pretty set on them. They may develop a bit, but they'll never be legit starters on a contending team. Both are way too inconsistent or injury prone. If this were the Flames and they signed Bernier for this price while chasing the cup, I'd be a little upset. Because the Leafs can afford to try things out, who cares, but IMO, he's not worth that money - even with the inflation in goaltender salaries.

[jar_e]

Originally Posted by BigTuna

4.15 is not the salary of a "Surefire #1 Goalie". It puts him 24th in goalie cap hits. His numbers put him higher than 24th.

Last season, he was 26th in wins, 30th in save percentage, 34th in GAA. Hell he was third worst for most losses too. I'm not sure how his numbers are putting him higher than 24th.

[bluejays]

Originally Posted by jar_e

Last season, he was 26th in wins, 30th in save percentage, 34th in GAA. Hell he was third worst for most losses too. I'm not sure how his numbers are putting him higher than 24th.

Granted that's in front of a pretty bad defence (not just the D position, but crappy two way forwards), plus splitting time with Reimer. Both Reimer and Bernier showed terrible consistency last year when both had stretches to take the lead role. Neither did well. This upcoming year with the team worse, they're both going to get shelled badly. Beside the massive paycheque they get every other week, it must suck to come to work knowing that you're going to get rocked. Both their careers are pretty much finished after these upcoming years. It's hard to develop or gain any confidence when there's a minor league team in front of you and big league competition. At least Bernier's getting paid handsomely.