The Toronto Maple Leafs and goaltender Jonathan Bernier have agreed to send Bernier to the AHL on a conditioning stint pending James Reimer’s clean bill of health, according to multiple sources. Reimer is expected to start on Thursday, while rookie Garret Sparks will get the net on Wednesday against the Winnipeg Jets.
Bernier started the season as Toronto’s number one, but hasn’t recorded a win all year, going 0-8-1 through nine starts, with a .888 save percentage. Reimer had taken the starter’s slot with a 7-3-4 record and a .934 save percentage.
Pouring salt into the wound earlier this week, Reimer went down with an injury. Coach Mike Babcock game Bernier the start, and saw Bernier give up four goals on 23 shots. The next game Babcock gave Sparks his NHL debut. Sparks posted a shutout.
Bernier plan dependent on Reimer checking out physically post-skate. He's expected to start tomorrow.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) December 2, 2015
In order for the temporary assignment to happen, Bernier was required to agree to the conditioning assignment and he will be paid his NHL salary while playing with the Toronto Marlies.
Jonathan Bernier had to agree to AHL conditioning stint and will be paid NHL salary. Here are the rules from CBA: pic.twitter.com/eVxOeCQkms
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 2, 2015
It’s probably smart for Bernier to agree to the assignment with his recent poor play and how strong Reimer has been.
In the AHL Bernier will get some games and have time to work on his game. The Marlies play three games both weekends he’ll be down there. He’s expected to start four of those six games, according to TSN’s Jonas Siegel.
In the meantime, Reimer, who is presumably healthy again, will take the reins, with Sparks likely to get a little action as well in the team’s upcoming back-to-back.
Bernier says he had a meeting with Babcock this morning where conditioning stint was brought up. Says he's okay with it.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) December 2, 2015
Bernier: "I'm looking to find my game & have some fun as well. I think that's important … will go out there, no pressure & have some fun"
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) December 2, 2015
Bernier: "I'm not playing well & that's on me, it's not on anyone else, I take full responsibility for this"
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) December 2, 2015
Bernier: "I need to be on the ice & looking at (Leafs) schedule, we don't play much after this week"
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) December 2, 2015
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