San Jose Sharks: Seven Trade Ideas Before the Deadline

Feb 17, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender

(45) goes to make a save against the Florida Panthers at the Air Canada Centre. Florida defeated Toronto 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Bernier – Toronto Maple Leafs

If the Sharks are to trade Niemi, they would most likely have to get another goalie. Fans don’t believe that a goaltending tandem of Alex Stalock and Troy Grosenick would be very successful at the NHL level. Teams that aren’t likely going to make the playoffs, and have two starting caliber goalies may be willing to part with one of them as the trade deadline nears. A team in that situation is the Toronto Maple Leafs. They currently have Jonathan Bernier and James Reimer, on their roster, both of whom are capable of being decent NHL starters. The Leafs seem a bit more reluctant to trade Reimer than they are willing to part with Bernier. It’s an odd stand given the fact that at 25, Bernier is younger than Reimer, and seems to have far more upside.

If the Sharks can get him for a good price, they should think about pulling the trigger. His contract expires this summer, but he is a restricted free agent, meaning that it will be a lot harder for someone other than Toronto to sign him. He’ll also most likely be looking for a bit of a raise from his current $3.4 million contract. Bernier would most likely be the goalie of the future if acquired by San Jose, and many believe that he is an upgrade over Niemi simply because he hasn’t gotten a real chance to be a full time NHL starter. He has been competing with Reimer ever since he arrived in Toronto.

Bernier was traded to Toronto by the Kings once Los Angeles realized that Jonathan Quick was their goalie of the future. Once they’d locked him up, the Kings dealt Bernier to the Leafs for a couple of players and a draft pick. He was selected 11th overall in the 2006 NHL draft by LA.

To pry him out of Toronto, the Sharks would probably have to give up two roster players and a pick.

Possible trade:

To SJS: Jonathan Bernier

To TOR: Tyler Kennedy, Matt Irwin, second round draft pick

Chances of happening: 40%

Next: 6. Mats Zuccarello