MapleLeafBlueJayBoy
Well-known member
Maclean also said we would only get a second rounder for Kaberle.
The Flames have a couple of guys with similar potential (and lack of NHL experience) as Bernier in Berra and Ramo
The Flames more pressing need is front-line skaters
Bernier to the Devils or Wild makes sense.
You don't have to be sold on Bernier, and he doesn't have to be better than Reimer either.
If we can believe Bernier will be better than Scrivens (which I do) then this trade will indeed improve the Leafs' goaltending. Maybe it will improve it a lot (if Bernier can develop into an elite starter) or maybe it will improve it a little (if he develops into a competent 1B) ... but it will improve.
Is goaltending a primary area of concern we need to address this summer? No. Is Bernier gonna be worth the price? Depending on what it is, most likely not really. But it is an improvement nevertheless.
And if Bernier is going to cost us Frattin + 2nd rounder, then I'd say sure, go for it.
The only thing I'd be very cautious with, is what is the mindset of Bernier. He's whined a bit in LA, is he ready to come in and share the net with Reimer, and potentially playing 1B to Reimer's 1A? Can he share the net? If he expects to be the starter and play 60+ games from this point on, then I'd say no to him, regardless of his asking price. I'd much rather go with Reimer + Scrivens if I know Bernier can't share the net.
This is simply untrue.
When you lack a goaltender, there is no other need more pressing.
Danny Taylor is the best goalie in the Flames system right now. Going with a Bernier/Taylor duo would be a good idea for a team okay with tanking again next season.
The Wild have one of the best goaltending prospect pipelines in the NHL right now, and will probably just re sign Backstrom to a short term deal. The Devils would make some sense, but I would expect them to be chasing veteran goaltenders.
So you think Bernier is better than Ramo and a solid first round choice?
If I'm the Flames, I do what the Leafs did and try and develop a goalie while using picks to add youth to the core. If you find your goalie in 2-3 seasons perfect, if not then you've got quality picks. This isn't a quick turnaround for Calgary fans.
Specifically a good ole Unionville boy.
"Sources say the Toronto Maple Leafs have significantly anted up the price to pry Bernier from the Kings and this is yet another reason why the Flyers can’t make a final decision on whether to file a compliance buyout on goalie Ilya Bryzgalov"