Fantasy Impact: Devils Sign Bernier
Dobber
2021-07-28
The New Jersey Devils backed up the Brinks truck for goaltender Jonathan Bernier, signing him to two years at $4.125M AAV.
The Devils Get: Bernier who is coming off his best season at the age of 32. His 9-11-1 record isn't great, but it was on a very weak team. His 58.3% QS was a career best and his 0.914 SV% was the second best of his NHL tenure.
Fantasy Players Impacted: It is thought that Mackenzie Blackwood is a little young to shoulder the starting role. He started out strong last season but then quickly fell off and wound up with a 3.07 GAA and 0.902 SV%. He makes half the money that Bernier does and both goaltenders are signed for two years. As a backup, but nearly a split-start situation, the pressure is off Blackwood and he will be better for it in the long run. However, for next season and the one after that – he takes a big hit. He's looking at 40 starts at most, likely closer to 35, while Bernier sees 42 or 43.
Fantasy Players This Helps, In Order:
Fantasy Players this Hurts, In Order: