LEAFS LAND BLUE-CHIP GOALIE BERNIER
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired goaltender Jonathan Bernier from the Los Angeles Kings for right winger Matt Frattin, goaltender Ben Scrivens and a second-round draft pick in 2015.
What does it give the Toronto Maple Leafs
Bernier is one of the most talented young goalies in the NHL, so this is a coup for the Leafs. Soon to be 25, he's nearing the age when many starting goaltenders step up and shine, and as the No. 11 overall pick in the 2006 draft Bernier has long been a top prospect. He was openly displeased with not getting a chance to start for the Kings since {P Jonathan Quick} rose to stardom, and Bernier now gets his chance at a starting gig with Toronto. This deal obviously makes {P James Reimer}'s starter status shaky at best going forward, even though he posted a superb 2013 lockout-shortened campaign. Don't be surprised if Bernier ascends to the starter job early on, after quickly re-signing an extension with the Leafs. This deal also effectively ends any remaining speculation about {P=1050 Roberto Luongo} heading to Toronto.
What does it give the Los Angeles Kings
The Kings faced a tough re-signing negotiation this summer with restricted free agent Bernier, who made it clear he wanted a chance to start. With Quick firmly entrenched as an elite starter just entering his prime, Bernier's frustration would have likely just increased if he'd stayed with the Kings. Los Angeles management got decent immediate value here in Frattin and Scrivens, and both are solid young talents who can be regular contributors for the Kings. Add in the future second rounder and the money they save by not having to re-up with Bernier, and L.A. did fairly well long-term in this transaction.
Fantasy impact
Bernier has long been one of the NHL's top non-starting goalies, and he probably has more talent than the solid Reimer. Expect Maple Leafs brass to make all the right noises at training camp about the starting job in Toronto's crease being a competition, but also expect Bernier to get every chance to win the job. Reimer still has another year on his deal with the Leafs so expect him to be highly motivated in his coming contract year. Either way, Bernier gets a big fantasy upgrade, Reimer gets a significant downgrade, and Toronto should have excellent goaltending either way. On the L.A. side of the deal, Frattin should push for a third-line role on the Kings while the solid Scrivens will quickly ease into being Quick's primary backup.
