Toronto Maple Leafs

Report: Leafs could be lowballing goalie Jonathan Bernier

Published Jul. 29, 2015 12:18 p.m. ET

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The Maple Leafs might be seriously lowballing goaltender Jonathan Bernier if the latest report on Bernier's salary demands prove true. According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, Bernier and the Leafs stand at least $2 million apart in contract negotiations ahead of Friday's arbitration hearing.

That price tag puts Bernier in a contract value similar to Detroit Red Wing Jimmy Howard, who earns an average of $5.3 million per year after signing a six-year, $31.75 million deal in 2013, according to Spotrac.

Howard played in 53 games last season and posted a .910 save percentage with two shutouts. Bernier has similar stats for last season, as he played in 58 games and recorded a .912 save percentage with two shutouts. The two also have equal career save percentages at .916, but Howard is much more experienced at 31 years old than Bernier, who is 26 years old.

The Leafs' offer puts Bernier in a range closer to Martin Jones of the San Jose Sharks. Jones makes $3 million per year according to Spotrac, but the 25-year-old goalie has yet to establish a presence in the NHL as a starting goalie, as he has just two seasons and 34 total NHL games under his belt.

(h/t Spotrac)

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