Jonathan Bernier expected company, just not the commitment.
The Toronto Maple Leafs netminder, who has settled for a pair of short-term contracts since his acquisition three years ago, admitted Monday that he didn't anticipate management's eagerness to invest so decisively in incoming partner Frederik Andersen.
"I wasn't surprised on the trade to get another goalie," Bernier told ESPN's Pierre LeBrun. "I was expecting it obviously with the season I had last year. I'm sure I put some doubts in a lot of people's minds. That's the business, right? You got to win and you got to prove that you're consistent and you're a good goalie to stay in this league. So I wasn't surprised.
"Maybe a little surprised on the long-term contract, but that's the way it works."
Andersen secured a reported five-year, $25-million deal, and was labeled the No. 1 starter by general manager Lou Lamoriello almost instantly after his acquisition from the Anaheim Ducks.
With one year remaining on his contract though, Bernier hasn't yet put one foot out the door.
"I will be ready. It's not something where because of the trade I'm bitter or anything like that. It actually pushed me harder to come ready. I want to play as many games as possible. Obviously I can't control how many I will, but if I play well and I win, at least I'm doing my job."
Bernier had a tragic start to his tenure under Mike Babcock, helping secure one point for the Maple Leafs through his first nine starts. He was, however, relatively effective over the final four months, stopping pucks at a .920 clip.
He told LeBrun that he hasn't spoken to Leafs management since his exit meeting.
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