Report: Wild in bidding war for Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier
The Minnesota Wild could be in the mix for a new goalie.
The report makes sense if you read into Wild owner Craig Leipold's comments about Niklas Backstrom, when earlier this week he said, "We are not comfortable" with bringing a 36-year-old back as the No. 1 goalie next season.
Bernier, 24, was the backup to Jonathan Quick in Los Angeles. He posted a 5-6 record with a 2.36 goals against average and .909 saves percentage.
Backstrom becomes an unrestricted free agent in July, and he would likely have to take a hefty paycut to re-sign with the Wild.
Bernier will be a restricted free agent, meaning the Kings have the right to match any offer he receives.