Jonathan Bernier, Maple Leafs Settle on 2-Year Deal

Following Friday’s arbitration hearing, the Toronto Maple Leafs and goaltender Jonathan Bernier have beat the independent arbiter’s decision and settled on a two-year deal, reported to be worth $4.15 million in each of the two seasons, according to Elliotte Friedman.

The contract will make the soon-to-be 27-year-old goaltender the 24th highest paid goaltender in the NHL and also purchases one year of UFA status. Inside the deal structure, Bernier will be getting a $2 million signing bonus ub each season that goes toward the $4.15 million AAV, according to the Globe & Mail’s James Mirtle.

That year of UFA is likely the reason the two sides settled before the arbitration decision. The team was able to get an extra year on the deal at a price they’re comfortable with before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

The #Leafs have signed Jonathan Bernier to a two-year extension. #TMLtalk

READ: http://t.co/6tBwZPTjxd pic.twitter.com/wuFyrXKHdA

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) August 2, 2015

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Bernier put up great numbers in his first season with the Maple Leafs after arriving in a trade that sent Matt Frattin, Ben Scrivens and a 2nd round pick to Los Angeles. He played 55 games, posting a .922 Sv% (.930 EV Sv%, .937 AdSv%). His even strength Sv% ranked 15th in the league that season and his adjusted Sv% ranked 11th.

He followed that up last season by playing 58 games with a .912 Sv% (.922 EV Sv%, .930 AdSv%).