In my recent post where I researched the criteria that measured the characteristics of good NHL goalies and then applied it to evaluate the Toronto Maple Leafs’ best goalie since 1990, my research allowed me to read more about goalie Jonathan Bernier and his time in Toronto. He played for the team for three seasons, from 2013 to 2016.
What became interesting to me was that a number of hockey writers and pundits had written that they believed Bernier should be considered one of the best goalies in recent team history, and they might have a point. In this post, I’ll expand on that point of view.
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On the surface, just looking at his numbers, Bernier had an “average” NHL career. However, might those numbers have hidden a more talented goalie? What’s his Maple Leafs story?
What Is Jonathan Bernier’s History with the Maple Leafs?
Bernier was drafted in the first round (11th overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. After five seasons as a backup goalie with the Kings, Bernier was acquired by the Maple Leafs in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings during the 2013 offseason. Going the other way were forwards Matt Frattin, goalie Ben Scrivens, and a second-round draft pick (which turned out to be Travis Dermott).
Related: How Much is Jonathan Bernier Worth?
In Bernier’s first season with the team, he played 55 games and posted a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.70 and save percentage (SV%) of .922 to go along with a record of 26-19-7. In his second season with the team, he played 58 games with a record of 21-28-7, a GAA of 2.87, and an SV% of .912. In his final season with the team, he put up a record of 12-21-3 over 38 games, with a GAA of 2.88 and an SV% of .908.
When Bernie Was Good, the Maple Leafs Were Not
Bernier was with the Maple Leafs at a time when they were struggling to win games. Although he had some strong performances during his time with the team, he also struggled with consistency (or could it have been the bad play in front of him?). At times, he had a tendency to give up soft goals. But despite those struggles, he was usually seen as the team’s best option in net.
During the 2013-14 season, Bernier had a winning record, but his team was mediocre (or worse). The team was coached by Randy Carlyle that season and had a season record of 38-36-8 (for 84 points), finishing sixth in NHL Atlantic Division and missing the playoffs.
What Kind of a Goalie Was Bernier?
Bernier was noted for…
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