The New Jersey Devils were able to solidify their goaltending on the opening day of free agency, as they signed Jonathan Bernier to a two-year deal that will carry a cap hit of $4.125. It’s a big deal for Bernier who was coming off a $3 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings.
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Bernier, 32, has become one of the more underrated goaltenders in the NHL, as he has been quite solid behind a weak Detroit Red Wings roster the past three seasons. In 24 games this past season, he recorded a 2.99 goals against average (GAA) along with a .914 save percentage (SV%) and a 9-11-1 record.
Bernier in a Mentoring Role
While the average annual value of Bernier’s deal may be more than most were expecting, he should be a great mentor to 24-year-old Mackenzie Blackwood, who is the goaltender of the future for this Devils team. Blackwood struggled during the 2020-21 season with a 3.04 GAA along with a .902 SV%, but didn’t have a ton of help as his backup in Scott Wedgewood, who is very inexperienced, posted an even worse 3.11 GAA and a .900 SV%.
Adding Bernier means that if Blackwood’s play begins to slide like it did as last season wore on, the Devils will be able to give him a rest and allow him time to build his confidence back up. Bernier, who has played in 393 career NHL games, has been a starter in the past, playing north of 55 games in back to back seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2014-2016, so he is certainly capable of splitting starts with Blackwood or even taking over at times if needed.
Earlier this offseason, Elliotte Friedman said on his 31 Thoughts podcast that he believed the Devils may have reached out to Robin Lehner, but ultimately that deal didn’t come to fruition. That may end up being a blessing in disguise as Lehner would have undoubtedly become the teams number one goalie, which would have hindered Blackwood’s development. Despite the young netminders struggles last season, he is still one of the more promising young goalies in the game and has a chance to become very special. Bernier could really help with that.
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