Jonathan Bernier experienced a lot of losing the past three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. Now he sees the team potentially turning a corner, and he wants to be here for better days.
“My family and I really like it here,” Bernier said. “I feel comfortable at the rink, on the ice, so it would be my No. 1 choice. I definitely would like to stay here.”
There is no reason why the Red Wings wouldn’t want to retain Bernier, an unrestricted free agent, if they can agree on a contract figure and term.
Bernier, who turns 33 on Aug. 7, has been the team’s most valuable player the past two seasons, with a combined record of 24-33-4, a 2.96 goals-against average and .909 save percentage.
Thomas Greiss had a strong finish and has one year remaining on his contract. The Red Wings have no other NHL-ready goalies under contract or in their system. If they don’t re-sign Bernier, they would need to sign for a veteran free agent or trade an asset for proven goalie. They know what they have in Bernier.
Bernier could seek to join a playoff-contending team, but he enjoys the challenge of playing on a rebuilding club. The Red Wings were headed that way when he signed a three-year, $9 million deal in 2018.
“When I signed, I didn’t see (Henrik) Zetterberg retiring that year, but I knew they were going to that (rebuilding) stage,” Bernier said. “It’s a great challenge, as a goalie especially, you can make that rebuild faster if you’re playing well and get some wins.
“I lived it in Toronto and the one thing I regret is going through the pain and not being there when they’re better. That’s one of the reasons why I want to stay here. I finally see we’re getting better. We got some great, young guys. I can see we’re headed in the right direction, so I’d like to see the process towards the end.”
Detroit is Bernier’s fifth NHL stop. He appreciates what the organization does for its players.
“Original Six, it’s always special to play for a team like that, lots of history, it’s a great organization,” he said. “The setup we have at the rink is amazing, the way they treat us, and great group of guys. That makes a big difference when you’re having fun at the rink. It’s not every team you feel comfortable with and for me I really like the group of guys here.
“I’m excited to see what next year brings.”
If the Red Wings re-sign Bernier – or any of their other UFAs like Luke Glendening (most likely to be re-signed) or Marc Staal – it might not happen until after the July 21 Seattle Kraken expansion draft, to keep them from having to use a protection slot or expose them.
Bernier went 9-11-1, with a 2.99 GAA and .914 save percentage, missing a combined five weeks due to injuries early and later in the season.
He has grown with experience.
“It kind of got to me in Toronto when we were going through the rebuild and lost a lot and all the pressure you put on yourself to win games,” Bernier said. “I think I grew from that point on, and I brought that experience here where I kind of blocked that and played my own game instead of getting frustrated when you lose 2-3 games in a row. I’m a better player because of that, mentally I’m stronger. As you age, you get more mature and know how to deal with situations better.”
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The Link LonkMay 21, 2021 at 12:44AM
https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2021/05/jonathan-bernier-hopes-to-extend-stay-with-red-wings.html
Jonathan Bernier hopes to extend stay with Red Wings - MLive.com
https://news.google.com/search?q=Red&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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