There’s been a great deal of discussion this summer about the Los Angeles Kings possibly shopping their backup netminder, Jonathan Bernier, around to one of the few teams that are still in the market for a goalie. What once looked like a certainty, isn’t so certain anymore.
A few weeks ago, Jonathan Quick underwent surgery on his back. It was considered a “minor” procedure, but is still going to be a question for him going into the new season. Though he’s expected to be ready for the regular season, anything back related will raise at least some concern.
That will likely ensure that Bernier sticks around in Hollywood for at least a little bit longer. He’s already asked for a trade more than once this summer, as the Kings have locked themselves into Jonathan Quick for the next decade. He’s believed to want a shot at a starting job.
That dream will be put on hold as the Kings don’t want to trade their only insurance policy in the event that Quick either isn’t ready to go, or needs some extra rest this season. Especially with the lack of an available backup on either the free agent or trade market.
Despite the fact that trading Bernier seemed like the best route for both parties, this might actually work really well in the Kings’ favor. If Bernier sees some increased minutes this season, and performs well, they can drive up his trade value around the trade deadline and get even more than they may have gotten for him in a deal thissummer.
Ultimately, Jonathan Bernier will be traded. It’s just not something that’s going to happen this summer, or early in the season. And that’s the right course of action for the Kings.
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