Toronto Maple Leafs: Five Storylines That Aren’t Disappearing
By Tim Chiasson
Mar 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) defends the net against Minnesota Wild forward Zach Parise (11) during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t projected to have a very good season and everyone in Leafs Nation should have already come to terms with that.
There are, however, several Toronto Maple Leafs storylines that are going to linger all season long – or until resolved.
1. Jonathan Bernier
Bernier was given a raise on a two-year deal in the 11th hour. The $4.15M cap hit for the next two seasons is an acceptable dollar amount for both parties based on the body of work that Bernier has had so far in his career.
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The biggest question around Jonathan Bernier is whether or not he is the goalie of Oct ’13 – Dec 14′, or the goalie of Jan ’15 – Apr ’15. That’s something that doesn’t have an answer – at least not right now.
It’s unfair to judge Bernier off of wins and losses – this year or next – because the team in front of him isn’t any good. The focus should be on his save percentage and how that plays out at 5v5. Does he give the Toronto Maple Leafs a chance to win on most nights? That’s where the value in a goaltender lies.
Rarely is a goaltender the sole reason for wins on the majority of nights (like Carey Price); wins are normally a team combination of solid play all around and a goaltender who gives you a chance.
There will be soft goals but there’s no need to focus on them for an entire season, unless they appear too frequently.
There is a very good goaltender underneath that gear. Bernier’s shown that in Toronto already despite the focus being heavily weighted on the last four months of hockey. It’s up to him to prove the naysayers wrong and potentially give Toronto the stability required to continue to build a good product on forward and defense for the next several years.
Next: 2. The Three Rumor Magnets