Analyzing Detroit Red Wings UFAs Before Free Agency
By Chris Giles
The 2021 Free Agency frenzy begins on July 28. Detroit Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman will be extremely busy after the Expansion and Entry Drafts conclude. Yzerman must first decide which current Red Wings Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA) he will sign.
Here is a look at Detroit’s Current UFA’s and a prediction as to what Yzerman will do with each player.
Jonathan Bernier
Age: 32
2021 Stats
GP: 24
Record: 9-11-1
GAA: 2.99
SV%: .914
2021 Salary: $3,000,000
Advantages of Signing
Re-signing Jonathan Bernier provides Detroit with a solid goaltending duo with Thomas Greiss. He has been a leader on the ice, and may have been the MVP on the Red Wings this year. The Red Wings do not currently have any prospects ready to play in the NHL, so signing a veteran goalie is important in order to keep this young team competitive throughout the season. Detroit has plenty of cap space, so signing Bernier should occur after the expansion draft in July.
Disadvantages if Signing
Bernier has been injury prone during the duration of his current contract in Detroit. He has only played over 40 games once during the past three seasons. His asking price and the duration of the contract may not align with what Yzerman is willing to pay him.
Prediction
Jonathan Bernier is signed to a two year deal with Detroit for $7.2 million and a cap hit of $3.6 million annually.