Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Feigned Interest In Bernier??

July 19, 2012, 10:47 PM ET [574 Comments]
Mike Augello
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
While the attention of most was rightly focused on Philadelphia’s daring offer sheet to Nashville Predators restricted free agent defenseman Shea Weber, the buzz regarding the Maple Leafs remains focused on goaltending, with interest in L.A. Kings backup Jonathan Bernier drawing a variety of opinions.

The 23 year old Bernier appears to be the lone viable option on the market for a team interested in upgrading in net, but his relative inexperience goes counter to everything that GM Brian Burke is reportedly looking for.

In his “30 Thoughts” column, Hockey Night In Canada reporter Elliotte Friedman indicated that Burke tried in earnest to attract Martin Brodeur to Toronto earlier in the month and confirmed that he has inquired about Bernier with Kings GM Dean Lombardi, but doubts that the Leafs have any serious interest in him, especially if it costs the Leafs a player they do not want to give up.

St. Louis radio host Andy Strickland reported that Lombardi has targeted a specific player on the Leafs roster along with a draft choice for the goaltender and veteran hockey reporter Howard Berger has indicated that the focus of the Kings interest is young winger Matt Frattin.

It is unlikely that Burke would part with Frattin, who was re-signed to a two year, $1.85 Million deal, after performing well in his rookie campaign and leading the Toronto Marlies with 10 goals during their AHL Playoff run. The Leafs believe that the young winger could blossom into a top six forward and would likely prefer to move Clarke MacArthur, who is scheduled to make $3.25 Million next season before becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Friedman seems to hint that the rather overt interest in Bernier might all be for show, to convince Vancouver GM Mike Gillis that Toronto has options other than Roberto Luongo, for whom the price is too high. While most reports have inferred that Vancouver and the Florida Panthers were having ongoing discussions, Panthers beat reporter Harvey Fialkov says that GM Dale Tallon and the Canucks have not talked recently.

While going into next season with James Reimer and Ben Scrivens is not the perfect scenario for Burke and the Leafs, trading young assets for a goaltender that is not guaranteed to upgrade the position would be a mistake.

If you are interested in sponsorship or advertising your business in the Greater Toronto / Southern Ontario area on this column, please send a message for more information by clicking on the “Contact” button at the top of the page.

For Those on Twitter:


KINDLE USERS: Please sign up for Maple Leafs Buzz, which includes a free-of-charge 14-day trial and is just 99 cents per month afterwards. For more information click here.
Join the Discussion: » 574 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Mike Augello
» Matthews Game-Time Decision; 2023 Draftees Update; Leafs vs. Capitals
» Leafs Frustrated And Immature In Loss To Devils
» Practicing Load Management Down The Stretch; Leafs vs. Devils
» Woll Wonderful In Loss To Canes; Keefe Downplaying Samsonov Injury
» Podcast Sunday – Off The Post Radio