MLive’s Ansar Khan penned an article discussing the Red Wings’ signing of Jonathan Bernier to back up Jimmy Howard:
“I know Jimmy a little bit, playing against him, and we’re going to push each other to bring this team back in the playoffs,” Bernier said. “I didn’t want to be in a position where I played 15-20 games, I want to come in and have a chance to play as much as possible. Obviously, depending on my play, but I just thought it was a great opportunity that me and Jimmy can battle for games.”
The Red Wings signed Bernier to a three-year, $9 million contract on Sunday. Howard, 34, is entering the final year of his contract. If he plays well, the Red Wings are expected to offer him a short-term extension.
Regardless, Bernier, who’ll be playing for his fourth team in four season, has bigger aspirations that being a little-used backup.
“I could have stayed in Colorado with (Semyon Varlamov having) one year left, but I just decided to move on,” Bernier said. “I’ll be going on 30 (on Aug. 7), but my body still feels like I’m 25 years old. I know how to take care of my body better than when I was younger. I’m more mature now. I’ve been through ups and downs in my career, but I think I know how to handle a lot more situations now.
“I just think it was very appealing to me to come down to Detroit and be part of something special. There’s a lot of history in this organization and this town and I’m excited to be part of it.”
“Howard, 34, is entering the final year of his contract. If he plays well, the Red Wings are expected to offer him a short-term extension.”
When does the rebuild start again?
What does that have to do with anything ? You want a rookie in net just to be sure we lose every night ? That’s rebuilding to you ? Nothing gives me more hope in Holland than comments like this, you guys should come live in MTL loll
Since it appears the Wings don’t have any goalies in the pipeline that are ready to play in the NHL, the Bernier signing makes sense. Signing Saterri also makes sense. If Howard or Bernier get injured, at least Saterri has some NHL experience and he IS mature. (I forget how old he is.)
Hopefully some of the goalies like Filip Larsson and Petrozelli and VanPottelberg eventually develop into NHL goalies.
I’d still talk further with NYI about a deal for Howard.
They need a center too. Howie + Helm for Dobson.
I’d consider that, too, John.
I’m not sure if Jimmy is one of if not their top target, but you do seem his name pop up in terms of where the Isles might look for help in goal. If he wanted to play in NY and we could get a decent pick in return, there is really no reason not to make the move.
There is veteran depth behind Howard now. The Wings could easily find another cheap option to hold the fort with Bernier and Satari. I’ll always be a fan of Jimmy’s, but when you are rebuilding, and someone might give you futures for an aging, expensive player who doesn’t really fill a pressing current need, you do it. I’m not saying you take anything for him. But you have to be open to that kind of deal. But I could see the front office just preferring the stability of keeping Jimmy around.