Dreger on TSN Radio this morning on RFA Jonathan Bernier and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
How do you see Bernier situation play out:
“Well if it goes through with arbitration then, he may not be far off the mark (referring to David Bastl guess of $3.77M and 1 year), but my sense is that the Leafs will likely reach an agreement prior to getting to arbitration. That’s not a slam dunk but they’re having ongoing negotiations and very amicable talk so if that continues to head in the direction they’re hoping then I think you could see as much as a three year deal. What the money is, well who knows. Does Bernier have to be modest in terms of what his expectation for a pay increase is? Maybe to some degree, but the trade often comes in not going longer term. If he takes a 2 or a 3 year deal and proves that hes not only a quality goaltender but hes trending perhaps, perhaps, towards an elite level, and the term is short enough that when the term expires or when it comes time to renew, he’s in a much better position.”
On Leafs attempting to say they’re still on a “wait and see” basis with Bernier:
“I guess. The health factor comes into play from a team perspective but not from arbitration. The arbitrator can’t judge on what he doesn’t know or see in terms of comparables. So he’d look at the number of starts, save percentage, all of that sort of things, the shot numbers – all of that is factored in. Arbitration can and often is a snarly business. It’s the job of the team to prove to arbitration that this player isn’t worth nearly what he’s asking for in contract but I don’t sense that this is headed in that direction because both sides have filed for arbitration. Don’t forget about that, I mean Jonathan Bernier also filed for arbitration so really all it is is a protector and from the Leafs perspective they just want to make sure that they know that their player, in Bernier’s case, is under contract next season again with the hope or that their intent is to get something done before that point.”
Is it better for both sides if this doesn’t go to arbitration due to bloodshed?
“Yeah but your representation knows what that’s all about and in this case he’s represented by Pat Brisson from CAA so he’d be well schooled and Brisson knows the market as well or better than anyone else in terms of the comps and the market value for where Bernier is at in his career. He will be exceptionally well represented, that’s not going to be a problem, there won’t be any surprises. For that reason, it’s not like you’re talking about 100 percent pay increase here. You know, Jonathan Bernier is not going into this expecting 5 and a half million per year. He’s going to be realistic but Brisson is going to want what is fair and that’s where we’re guessing. Is a $700k per year fair or more than fair? Is it a million? We don’t really know what the number is that Brisson is looking for specific to the term. I believe the term is in that 2-3 year range so I’m more confident that they get a deal done but if it gets to arbitration there shouldn’t be too many suprises for how the process works.”
Transcribed by Platinum Seat Ghosts from TSN 1050 Radio
