According to a Twitter report from Hockey Night In Canada's Andi Petrillo, the Maple Leafs have made an offer to the Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings for 23 year old backup goaltender Jonathan Bernier.
Bernier made comments last week stating he would like an opportunity to prove himself as a front line NHL goaltender, a prospect that would only happen if he is traded, since Jonathan Quick was dominant during the post-season and signed a 10 year contract extension in early July.
"I asked the Kings to trade me before the trade deadline, but they refused...now that Jonathan Quick signed a long-term deal, I expect to be traded before training camp starts."
While the substance of the offer is unknown, the Leafs do have an excess of forwards which could make a deal for the young goaltender workable.
Last week, it was announced that Coach Randy Carlyle will give newly acquired James van Riemsdyk a look at center at training camp, presumably between Joffrey Lupul and Phil Kessel. With Mikhail Grabovski firmly entrenched at #2, free agent signee Jay McClement earmarked for the checking line and David Steckel on the fourth line, it leaves the likes of Tyler Bozak, Tim Connolly and Matthew Lombardi with no spot next season.
If JVR does not make the transition to center, he would then return to the left side, where the Leafs are already strong with Lupul, Clarke MacArthur and former first rounder Nazem Kadri.
Is Bernier the goalie the Leafs should be targeting??
Tomorrow: The 3rd Best Leafs Move of The Modern Era
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