Jonathan Bernier will earn $1,100,000 more than James Reimer next season despite being considerably less proven. We’re almost in a position now where we’re hoping Bernier takes over the number one spot. I’m not sure how I feel about that.
The Leafs have now forfeited Ben Scrivens, Matt Frattin, a 2nd round pick and about $2.5 million in cap space (Bernier contract + 500k retained salary – Scrivens contract) to add Bernier to the fold. Guess he better live up to the hype.
The price makes some sense when you consider Bernier would have been very vulnerable to an offer sheet if left unsigned much longer. That hurts Nonis’ leverage in this negotiation and is likely why Bernier was the first notable RFA signed by the team. That was part of the risk the Leafs took on by acquiring Bernier.
The Leafs have 10 million in cap space remaining with RFAs Nazem Kadri, Cody Franson, Carl Gunnarsson, Joe Colborne and Mark Fraser left to re-sign.
Bernier will be an RFA at the expiration of his new deal (July 1, 2015).
