Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Kings knew Jonathan Bernier would be leaving this summer — the question was where he would find himself. The Toronto Maple Leafs won the auction.
Bernier has played less than 70 games in the NHL despite being the age of 24. He is less than a year apart from Jonathan Quick, who has been setting records for wins, shutouts, games played, minutes, GAA and save percentage.
The Kings received forward Matt Frattin, and goalie Ben Scrivens. A lot has been seen from Scrivens splitting time with Jason Reimer in Toronto Last year. Even without his porous defense, he put up about .500 for wins and losses, and impressively kept his save percentage at 91 percent. Both Frattin and Scrivens spent four years playing in Division 1 NCAA collegiate hockey. Scrivens wasn’t even drafted, but signed with the Leafs after being nominated for the Hoby Baker award for best collegiate player in the league.
Because Bernier has not been tested physically by being sent out night after night, he will most likely split time Reimer. Again, Bernier won’t see starting action, at least not right away. He is a much better goaltender than either of the two Leafs.
Hopefully the Kings won’t have to test Scrivens out, but he’ll know his role is to keep Quick from playing too many games during the regular season and be able to step in when St. Jonathan needs a break from performing miracles on the ice.
Isaak Koenka is a writer for www.Rantsports.com. Like him on Facebook And Follow him @gonz0bear, along with LinkedIn, Google+ and others.
