It's long been thought that eventually the Kings would sell as high as possible on Jonathan Bernier, a goaltender thought by many to be capable of starting were he not sitting behind reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Quick.
Jonathan Bernier trade rumors: Kings holding ‘auction’ for goalie
The Flyers and Leafs may be front-runners for the goaltender.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Those rumors have been hitting peak activity as we head toward the 2013 offseason. A report from CSN Philly suggests that “a dozen” teams have contacted the Kings with regard to the 24-year-old goaltender from Laval, Quebec. The report cites an unnamed source who says the Kings are basically “holding an auction” for Bernier.
The Flyers are supposedly a part of that auction, and have inquired about his services, though the Kings don't apparently see them as committed to replacing current starting goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov. The Flyers currently appear interested in offering Matt Read, though Los Angeles would likely prefer that the price go up. Were the trade to happen, it's unlikely the "Kings as Flyers West" jokes would end anytime soon.
Bernier had a solid season backing up Jonathan Quick. He went 9-3-1 with a .922 save percentage and a 1.88 goals against. He played 30 minutes in relief of Quick in Game 2 of the 2013 Western Conference Final, the lone action he saw in the postseason.
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