Los Angeles Kings sign Jonathan Bernier
The Los Angeles Kings have announced that they have signed goaltender Jonathan Bernier to a two-year deal worth $2.5 million. The contract will see him paid $975,000 next season and then $1.525 million the
following year.
Bernier was drafted 11th overall by the Kings in the 2006 National Hockey League entry draft. After he was drafted he was sent back to junior to play for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League side the Lewiston
Maineiacs. The youngster would spend two more seasons with his junior club before joining the Kings American Hockey League affiliate the Manchester Monarchs. Bernier put up strong numbers with the Monarchs in his first year with the club and earned a three
game stint with the Kings the following season. Nevertheless, the youngster was sent back to the AHL, where he played out the entire 2009-10 campaign.
Bernier has long be touted the goaltender of the future for Los Angeles. Drafted in the first round many Kings fans and hockey pundits have very high expectations for the Quebec native.
The 22-year-old has put up impressive numbers throughout his career, but did not get the opportunity to play on a strong team until last season with the Monarchs. Behind a strong roster Bernier was simply
outstanding, winning the award for best goaltender in the AHL.
His success with the farm team has earned him a back-up role with the Kings this season. Bernier will replace net-minder Erik Ersberg as the back up to Jonathan Quick this season.
Bernier’s recent success at the AHL level, coupled with a poor finish to the season in 2009-10 by Quick, has many analysts predicting the youngster will take over the job before the end of the season.
Last season in 58 appearances Bernier managed 30 wins to go along with a .936 save-percentage and a 2.03 goals-against-average.
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