MLive’s Ansar Khan’s scouting reports regarding Red Wings players’ 2019-2020 season outlooks continue today as Khan discusses Jonathan Bernier’s predicted trajectory for the upcoming season.
Khan believes that Bernier may end up assuming the starting goaltender’s mantle should Jimmy Howard be traded:
2019-20 outlook: Bernier’s numbers were rough, the worst of his career, but some of that can be attributed to the sub-par team defense.
Bernier will start the season as the clear-cut back-up to Jimmy Howard. But Howard, being on a one-year contract, might be moved before the trade deadline. If so, Bernier likely would be elevated to No. 1 and veteran Calvin Pickard, signed to a two-year contract on July 1 to play in Grand Rapids, probably would be brought up to be the back-up.
Is there any reason the Wings will probably keep Howard as opposed to Bernier? Picard would have been a good backup to Bernier.
Save some $$$?