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Jonathan Bernier
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Jonathan Bernier
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Jonathan Bernier (born August 7, 1988) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted in the first round, 11th overall, of the 2006 NHL entry draft by the Los Angeles Kings, with whom he spent his first four NHL seasons. He subsequently played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Anaheim Ducks, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, and New Jersey Devils. Bernier won the Stanley Cup as the backup goalie with the Kings in 2012.

Key Information

Playing career

[edit]

During his youth, Bernier played in the 2001 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Laval, Quebec.[1]

Junior

[edit]

Bernier's junior career was spent entirely with the Lewiston Maineiacs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The first goal scored on him in the QMJHL was by his brother, Marc-André Bernier, at the Halifax Metro Centre on September 24, 2004. Bernier was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the first round, 11th overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft but returned to Lewiston for the 2006–07 season. That season, Bernier won the President's Cup with the Maineiacs.[2]

Professional

[edit]

Los Angeles Kings

[edit]

On September 29, 2007, Bernier made his NHL debut in the Kings' season opener against the Anaheim Ducks, which was played in London. He allowed one goal on 27 shots, earning the first win of his career by the final score of 4–1, and was named the second star of the game.[3] He played a total of four games that season in the NHL before being sent back to the Lewiston Maineiacs in the QMJHL to develop, finishing his season in the NHL with a record of 1–3.[4]

After aging out of the QMJHL and the success of Kings' goaltender Jonathan Quick during Bernier's absence, he was sent to the Kings' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs for the 2008–09 season. He played 54 games in his first full-time season, ending the season with a record of 23–24–4 and a .914 save percentage.

The following season, Bernier returned to Manchester as their starting goaltender. He was selected for the 2010 AHL All-Star Game, for Team Canada.[5] In March 2010, Bernier was recalled to the Kings while Quick attended the birth of his first child.[6] On March 12, 2010, Bernier made his season debut in a 2–1 shootout victory against the Dallas Stars, stopping six shots in the shootout.[7] In the next game he started, Bernier recorded his first career shutout against the Nashville Predators on March 30, 2010.[8]

Bernier holding the Stanley Cup after the Kings victory in 2012

After an 8–3 victory against the Vancouver Canucks on April 1, 2010, Bernier was sent back down to Manchester in preparation for the Calder Cup playoffs.[9] Bernier played in every post-season game for the Monarchs, who made it to the Eastern Conference Finals. Manchester lost the series 4–2 against the Hershey Bears, who later went on to win the Calder Cup.[10][11]

Bernier spent the following three seasons as the backup goaltender for the Kings behind Jonathan Quick. In 2012, the Kings reached the Stanley Cup Finals against the New Jersey Devils, which the Kings won 4–2.[12] Despite being an unused backup throughout the playoffs, Bernier's name was engraved on the Stanley Cup.[13] He started 14 games for the Kings during the 2012–13 season. On April 4, 2013, Bernier recorded a shutout in a 3–0 victory against the Minnesota Wild.[14] He ended his stint with the Los Angeles Kings with a record of 29–18–6.

Toronto Maple Leafs

[edit]

On June 23, 2013, Bernier was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forward Matt Frattin, goaltender Ben Scrivens, and a second-round draft pick that Los Angeles had the option to use in either 2014 or 2015.[15]

In a pre-season game on September 22, 2013 against the Buffalo Sabres, Bernier engaged in a goalie fight with Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller. The Leafs went on to win the game 5–3. It was Bernier's first fight in a professional game.[16]

The early part of the 2013–14 season saw Bernier and James Reimer split playing time; however, as the season progressed, Bernier cemented himself as the starting goaltender. On March 14, in his first return to Los Angeles, Bernier played one period before leaving with a lower body injury.[17] He missed five games due to this injury, during which the Maple Leafs went 0–5. On April 3, during a last minute push for a playoff berth, Bernier suffered another lower body injury against the Boston Bruins which required surgery.[18] Reimer replaced Bernier for the rest of the season, but the Maple Leafs were unable to make the playoffs.

In December 2014, Bernier drew media attention when he mistakenly described former South African president and anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela as "one of the most known athletes in the world" while attending a charity event commemorating Mandela in Toronto. Bernier later apologized, stating he was embarrassed by the error and had meant to praise Mandela's humanitarian contributions.[19]

Anaheim Ducks

[edit]

With one year remaining on his contract, Bernier was traded by the Maple Leafs to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a conditional pick in the 2017 NHL entry draft on July 8, 2016 (the conditions were not met).[20] Reunited with Ducks head coach Randy Carlyle, who had been Bernier's coach in the early part of his time with the Maple Leafs, he assumed the backup goaltender duties behind John Gibson for the 2016–17 season.[21] Bernier made his Ducks debut in a 3–2 defeat to the reigning champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins, on October 15, 2016.[22] He collected his first win with the Ducks in a 4–1 result over the Calgary Flames on November 6, 2016.[23]

Bernier filled in for an injured Gibson as the starting goaltender in the final stages of the regular season. Bernier went 13 straight games without a regulation loss during the regular season. He finished the regular season having played in 39 games, winning 21 of them.[24] He recorded two shutouts in this during the season, shutting out the Arizona Coyotes on January 14 and the Chicago Blackhawks on March 9.[25][26] Gibson returned to the starting role in time for the playoffs. Bernier made his first playoff appearance for the Ducks in the third game against the Calgary Flames, when he replaced Gibson mid-game in 5–4 comeback victory.[27] His next appearance in the playoffs was in the Western Conference Finals, when Gibson was injured in 3–1 defeat to the Nashville Predators on May 20, 2017.[28] Bernier made his first career playoff start the following game in Game 6, but allowed 4 goals in 16 shots as the Ducks were eliminated on May 22, 2017.[29]

Colorado Avalanche

[edit]
Bernier with the Colorado Avalanche in 2017

Bernier's contract with the Ducks expired on 1 July 2017, leaving him an unrestricted free agent. The same day, he signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Colorado Avalanche.[30] However, his 2017–18 season with the Avalanche was riddled with injuries. Bernier suffered an upper body injury on October 25, 2017, in a game against the San Jose Sharks,[31] and a head injury on February 16, 2018, which caused him to miss 10 games.[32][33] Shortly after returning, he suffered a second head injury on March 10, 2018, in a game against the Arizona Coyotes,[34][32] and in late March an infection kept him out for three games.[32] The Avalanche made the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs, where Bernier started Game 1 against the Nashville Predators due to an injury to first-choice goaltender Semyon Varlamov.[35] Bernier was himself injured in Game 4 and was replaced by Andrew Hammond in the third period.[36] Hammond started the following two games as the Avalanche were eliminated in six games.[37]

Detroit Red Wings

[edit]

With his contract again expiring in the summer, Bernier left the Avalanche as a free agent. He agreed to a three-year, $9 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings on July 1, 2018.[38][39] In Detroit, he became the backup to starting goaltender Jimmy Howard. On November 8, 2019, in a game against the Boston Bruins, Bernier recorded two assists, becoming the first Red Wings goalie to do so since Jim Rutherford in 1979.[40]

New Jersey Devils and retirement

[edit]

On July 22, 2021, as a pending unrestricted free agent, Bernier was traded by the Red Wings after three seasons with the team to the Carolina Hurricanes, along with a third-round pick, in exchange for Alex Nedeljkovic.[41] Unable to agree to terms with the Hurricanes, on July 28, 2021, Bernier signed as a free agent a two-year, $8.25 million contract with the New Jersey Devils.[42]

After missing the majority of the 2021–22 season[43] and the entirety of the 2022–23 season due to injury, Bernier officially announced his retirement on August 21, 2023.[44]

International play

[edit]
Medal record
Representing  Canada
Ice hockey
World Junior Championships
Gold medal – first place 2008 Czech Republic
Spengler Cup
Gold medal – first place 2012 Davos

Bernier represented Team Canada's under-18 team at the 2006 IIHF World U18 Championships in April, which was held in Sweden. Canada finished fourth at the tournament.

Bernier was invited to the 2007 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships selection camp, but lost out to Montreal Canadiens' prospect Carey Price and Calgary Flames' prospect Leland Irving.

Along with Steve Mason, Bernier was chosen as one of Team Canada's goaltenders for the 2008 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, held in the Czech Republic, in which he finished with a 1–1 record and a 2.00 GAA as Canada won the gold medal over Sweden.

During the 2012–13 NHL lock-out, Bernier represented Team Canada at the 2012 Spengler Cup, winning a gold medal in the final over Swiss club HC Davos.

Personal life

[edit]

Bernier married Martine Forget, a Canadian model, on July 23, 2016.[45][46] They have two sons, Tyler (born August 2014) and Brady (born April 2019), and a daughter, Ivy (born December 2020).[47][48] Bernier was a groomsman at the wedding of Meghan Agosta and Marco Marciano, the goaltending coach of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the QMJHL on August 31, 2012.[49]

Bernier's older brother, Marc-André Bernier, was selected in the second round of the 2003 NHL entry draft by the Vancouver Canucks.[50]

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP W L OTL MIN GA SO GAA SV% GP W L MIN GA SO GAA SV%
2004–05 Lewiston Maineiacs QMJHL 23 7 12 3 1,353 67 0 2.97 .907 1 0 0 20 0 0 0.00 1.000
2005–06 Lewiston Maineiacs QMJHL 54 27 26 0 3,241 146 2 2.70 .908 6 2 4 359 17 1 2.84 .914
2006–07 Lewiston Maineiacs QMJHL 37 26 10 0 2,186 94 2 2.58 .905 17 16 1 1,025 40 1 2.34 .919
2007–08 Los Angeles Kings NHL 4 1 3 0 238 16 0 4.03 .864 — — — — — — — —
2007–08 Lewiston Maineiacs QMJHL 34 18 12 3 2,024 92 0 2.73 .908 6 2 4 348 17 0 2.93 .918
2007–08 Manchester Monarchs AHL 3 1 1 1 184 5 0 1.63 .946 3 0 3 195 9 0 2.76 .908
2008–09 Manchester Monarchs AHL 54 23 24 4 3,101 124 5 2.40 .910 — — — — — — — —
2009–10 Manchester Monarchs AHL 58 30 21 6 3,424 116 9 2.03 .936 16 10 6 996 30 3 1.81 .939
2009–10 Los Angeles Kings NHL 3 3 0 0 185 4 1 1.30 .957 — — — — — — — —
2010–11 Los Angeles Kings NHL 25 11 8 3 1,378 57 3 2.48 .913 — — — — — — — —
2011–12 Los Angeles Kings NHL 16 5 6 2 890 35 1 2.36 .909 — — — — — — — —
2012–13 Heilbronner Falken 2.GBun 13 6 7 0 792 34 1 2.57 — — — — — — — — —
2012–13 Los Angeles Kings NHL 14 9 3 1 768 24 1 1.88 .922 1 0 0 30 0 0 0.00 1.000
2013–14 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 55 26 19 7 3,084 138 1 2.68 .923 — — — — — — — —
2014–15 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 58 21 28 7 3,177 152 2 2.87 .912 — — — — — — — —
2015–16 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 38 12 21 3 2,147 103 3 2.88 .908 — — — — — — — —
2015–16 Toronto Marlies AHL 4 3 0 1 240 5 3 1.25 .948 — — — — — — — —
2016–17 Anaheim Ducks NHL 39 21 7 4 1,994 83 2 2.50 .915 4 1 2 183 10 0 3.28 .873
2017–18 Colorado Avalanche NHL 37 19 13 3 2,002 95 2 2.85 .913 4 1 3 218 14 0 3.87 .883
2018–19 Detroit Red Wings NHL 35 9 18 5 1,860 98 1 3.16 .904 — — — — — — — —
2019–20 Detroit Red Wings NHL 46 15 22 3 2,566 126 1 2.95 .907 — — — — — — — —
2020–21 Detroit Red Wings NHL 24 9 11 1 1,307 65 0 2.99 .914 — — — — — — — —
2021–22 New Jersey Devils NHL 10 4 4 1 511 26 0 3.06 .902 — — — — — — — —
NHL totals 404 165 163 40 22,105 1,022 18 2.77 .912 9 2 5 430 24 0 3.35 .885

International

[edit]
Year Team Event Result GP W L OT MIN GA SO GAA SV%
2005 Canada Quebec U17 9th 4 0 4 0 230 21 0 4.02 .885
2006 Canada WJC18 4th 7 3 3 1 420 12 1 1.71 .942
2008 Canada WJC 1st place, gold medalist(s) 2 1 1 0 120 4 1 2.00 .947
2011 Canada WC 5th 3 2 1 0 179 6 0 2.01 .917
Junior totals 13 4 8 1 770 37 2 2.88 .915
Senior totals 3 2 1 0 179 6 0 2.01 .917

Awards and honours

[edit]
Award Year
QMJHL
CHL Top Prospects Game 2006
Second All-Star Team 2007
Guy Lafleur Trophy 2007
President's Cup champion 2007
CHL Second All-Star Team 2007
AHL
All-Star Game 2010 [5]
First All-Star Team 2010
Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award 2010 [51]
NHL
Stanley Cup champion 2012
International
WJC18 All-Star Team 2006
Spengler Cup champion 2012

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jonathan Bernier

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jonathan Bernier (born August 7, 1988) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 14 seasons. Drafted 11th overall by the in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, he contributed to the team's victory in 2012 as a . Bernier announced his retirement on August 21, 2023, at age 35, after a hip injury sidelined him for the entire 2022–23 season. Throughout his NHL career, Bernier suited up for six franchises: the (2007–2013), (2013–2016), (2016–17), (2017–18), (2018–21), and (2021–22). In 404 regular-season appearances, he posted a 165–163–40 record, 18 shutouts, a 2.77 goals-against average, and a .912 save percentage. His playoff experience was limited to 9 games, in which he recorded a 3.35 goals-against average. A native of Laval, Quebec, Bernier honed his skills in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Lewiston Maineiacs, earning a spot on the Second All-Star Team in 2007 after leading the league with a .925 save percentage. He transitioned to professional hockey in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Manchester Monarchs, where he was named to the First All-Star Team in 2010 and received the Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award as the league's top goaltender, boasting a 2.02 goals-against average and .931 save percentage that season. Known for his hybrid stand-up/butterfly style and athleticism at 6 feet (183 cm) tall and 185 pounds (84 kg), Bernier made his NHL debut on September 29, 2007, becoming the youngest Kings goaltender to win a game with 26 saves in a 4–1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. His first shutout came on March 30, 2010, against the Nashville Predators.

Playing career

Junior career

Jonathan Bernier was born on August 7, 1988, in , . Growing up in a hockey-centric region, he developed an early passion for the sport, influenced by his older brother who introduced him to the game and guided him through the early ranks of Quebec minor hockey before both reached the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Bernier began his junior career with the Lewiston Maineiacs in the QMJHL, where he played from 2004 to 2008 after being selected eighth overall in the 2004 QMJHL Entry Draft. In his rookie 2004–05 season, he appeared in 23 games, posting a 2.97 goals-against average (GAA) and .909 save percentage (SV%), helping the team reach the playoffs. The following year, 2005–06, Bernier improved to a 2.84 GAA and .914 SV% in 55 regular-season games, adding six playoff appearances as Lewiston advanced to the QMJHL finals. His breakout came in 2006–07, when he recorded 26 wins, a 2.58 GAA, .905 SV%, and two shutouts in 37 games, earning a spot on the QMJHL Second All-Star Team. That season, Bernier backstopped the Maineiacs to their first President's Cup championship, defeating the Val-d'Or Foreurs in the finals; he won the Guy Lafleur Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs after going 16–1 with a 1.50 GAA and .944 SV% in 17 postseason games. In his final junior season, 2007–08, Bernier appeared in 34 games for Lewiston, achieving 18 wins, a 2.73 GAA, and .908 SV%. Over his entire QMJHL tenure, he compiled a record of 78–49–17 in 148 regular-season games, with a 2.72 GAA, .908 SV%, and four shutouts, establishing himself as one of the league's top prospects. His performance culminated in being selected 11th overall by the in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, the highest-drafted that year. Following the 2007–08 QMJHL season, Bernier transitioned to professional hockey, signing a three-year entry-level with . He made a brief appearance in the (AHL) with the Monarchs, playing three games and posting a 2.76 GAA and .908 SV%, signaling his readiness for higher-level competition.

Los Angeles Kings

Bernier made his NHL debut with the on September 29, 2007, starting in goal against the in the season-opening game held in London, England, where he stopped 26 of 27 shots in a 4–1 victory. He appeared in three more games that season, all starts, finishing with a 1–3 record, 4.03 goals-against average (GAA), and .864 save percentage (SV%). Following his brief NHL stint, Bernier spent the 2008–09 season developing in the (AHL) with the Kings' affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, posting a 23–24–4 record, 2.40 GAA, and .914 SV% in 54 games. In 2009–10, he emerged as one of the AHL's top goaltenders, leading the Monarchs to the Finals with a league-high 30 wins, 2.03 GAA, and .936 SV% over 58 regular-season games, while sharing the Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award for the lowest team goals-against average. From 2007 to 2013, Bernier served primarily as the backup goaltender to with , appearing in 62 regular-season games and compiling a 29–20 record, 2.39 GAA, and .914 SV%. During the , he dressed as the backup for all 20 games but did not see action, contributing to the team's first championship with a 6–1 win over the in Game 6 on June 11, 2012. In the 2013 playoffs, Bernier made one relief appearance in the conference finals against the on June 2, stopping all 5 shots he faced. On June 23, 2013, the Kings traded Bernier to the in exchange for forward Matt Frattin, , Toronto's second-round pick in either the 2014 or 2015 NHL Draft (which Toronto selected as 2015 and later conveyed to Los Angeles as the 57th overall selection), and a swap of fourth-round picks in 2014.

Toronto Maple Leafs

On June 23, 2013, the acquired Jonathan Bernier from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for forward Matt Frattin, , and a conditional second-round draft pick in either the 2014 or 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Following the trade, Bernier signed a two-year extension with the Maple Leafs on July 8, 2013, worth $5.8 million with an average annual value of $2.9 million. In the 2013–14 season, Bernier established himself as the Maple Leafs' primary starter, appearing in 55 games with a 26–19–7 record, a 2.70 goals-against average (GAA), and a .922 save percentage. His performance was instrumental in Toronto's late-season surge, helping the team secure a playoff spot for the first time since 2004, though they were eliminated in the first round by the Boston Bruins in seven games. However, Bernier missed the playoffs due to a lower-body injury sustained late in the regular season, with James Reimer starting all seven games. Bernier continued as Toronto's starting in the 2014–15 season, playing 58 games and recording a 26–21–6 mark with a 2.87 GAA and .899 save percentage, though the Maple Leafs missed the amid team-wide inconsistencies. Ahead of the 2015–16 season, he signed another two-year contract extension on August 2, 2015, valued at $8.3 million with a $4.15 million annual value, avoiding . That year, Bernier started a career-high 38 games but faced challenges with a 12–21–3 record, 2.88 GAA, and .908 save percentage, contributing to Toronto's league-worst 29 wins and last-place finish in the Atlantic Division. On July 8, 2016, the Maple Leafs traded Bernier to the in exchange for a conditional second-round pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, which later became a third-round selection after not conveying as a second-rounder. Throughout his tenure in , Bernier endured significant media scrutiny and fan pressure in one of the NHL's most intense markets, exemplified by widespread mockery following a 2014 red-carpet gaffe where he erroneously praised Nelson Mandela's "accomplishments on and off the ice" at a charity event. Fans booed him during games, including a notable instance in December 2015 after an easy save against the , reflecting the high expectations and volatility of Leafs supporters.

Anaheim Ducks

On July 8, 2016, the Anaheim Ducks acquired goaltender Jonathan Bernier from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a conditional second-round pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, which later became a third-round selection. Bernier joined the Ducks as a depth option, primarily serving as the backup to starting goaltender John Gibson during the 2016–17 season. In his lone season with Anaheim, Bernier appeared in 39 regular-season games, posting a 21–7–4 record with a 2.50 goals-against average and .915 save percentage. His performance provided reliable support behind Gibson, helping the Ducks secure first place in the Pacific Division with 46 wins and the second-best record in the Western Conference. The Ducks advanced to the Western Conference Finals in the , defeating the and before falling to the . Bernier appeared in four postseason games: relief outings against Calgary (Game 2) and Edmonton (Game 4), and starts in Games 5 and 6 against Nashville, where he allowed four goals on 16 shots in a 6–3 loss in Game 6. He finished 1–2–0 with a 3.06 GAA and .885 SV%. Bernier's contract with the Ducks expired at the end of the 2016–17 season, making him an unrestricted . On July 1, 2017, he signed a one-year, $2.75 million deal with the .

Colorado Avalanche

On July 1, 2017, Bernier signed a one-year contract worth $2.75 million with the as an unrestricted , joining to back up starting . In the 2017–18 season, Bernier appeared in 37 games for , posting a 19–13–3 record to go along with a 2.85 goals-against average and .913 save percentage, including two shutouts. His steady play offered reliable depth in net, particularly during the Avalanche's late-season surge that clinched a wild card playoff spot—the team's first postseason appearance since 2010. Bernier notched several key victories amid 's franchise-record-tying 10-game from to , 2018, including a 3–1 win over his former team, the , on January 15 where he made 33 saves, and a 4–2 triumph against the on January 22. In the 2018 playoffs, the faced the in the first round and lost 4–2. Bernier appeared in all four games, posting a 1–3–0 record with a 3.77 GAA and .885 SV%. The 's defensive improvements under head coach , hired in 2016, were pivotal to the team's turnaround from 48 points in 2016–17 (last in the NHL) to 87 points the following year, with Bernier's tandem role alongside Varlamov helping limit opponents to 2.77 goals per game league-wide. Bernier became an unrestricted on July 1, 2018.

Detroit Red Wings

On July 1, 2018, Bernier signed a three-year contract worth $9 million with the , where he was expected to serve as the backup to while providing depth during the team's rebuilding phase. In the 2018–19 season, Bernier appeared in 35 games for , recording a 9-18-5 mark with a 3.16 goals-against (GAA) and .904 save (SV%), contributing to a team that finished last in the Atlantic Division amid its ongoing reconstruction efforts. Bernier's performance improved in 2019–20, where he started strongly with a 6-3-1 record and 2.42 GAA through his first 10 appearances before the season was paused due to the . He ultimately played 46 games that year, posting a 15-22-3 record, 2.95 GAA, and .907 SV%, offering key stability as the Red Wings endured another challenging campaign in their rebuild, finishing with the league's worst record. He missed time due to a lower-body injury in January 2020. The 2020–21 season brought further challenges for Bernier, who was sidelined again in March 2021 with a lower-body injury and missed additional time due to protocols, limiting his availability in the shortened 56-game schedule. He appeared in 24 games, achieving a 9-11-1 record with a 2.99 GAA and .914 SV%, his best statistical output in despite the team's continued struggles in the rebuild. Bernier's three seasons in were defined by the franchise's prolonged rebuilding process, during which the Red Wings missed the each year and focused on developing young talent while relying on veteran goaltending for consistency amid frequent injuries and roster turnover. On July 22, 2021, the Red Wings traded the rights to pending unrestricted Bernier and a third-round pick to the in exchange for goaltender . Carolina was unable to sign Bernier to a contract, and he instead signed with the on July 28, 2021.

New Jersey Devils

On July 28, 2021, the New Jersey Devils signed veteran goaltender Jonathan Bernier to a two-year contract worth $8.25 million, with an average annual value of $4.125 million, to bolster their goaltending tandem as a reliable backup to Mackenzie Blackwood. Bernier appeared in 10 games during the 2021–22 season, posting a 4–4–1 record, a 3.06 goals-against average, and a .902 save percentage while serving as a steady presence early in the campaign. His performance provided valuable support to the Devils' emerging young core, including star center Jack Hughes, offering experience and stability in net amid the team's rebuilding efforts. However, Bernier's tenure was cut short by injury; he was placed on injured reserve on December 10, 2021, due to a lingering right hip issue that had troubled him since early in the season. On January 4, 2022, he underwent season-ending hip surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the 2021–22 season and the entire 2022–23 campaign, during which he remained on long-term injured reserve. Bernier's final NHL appearance came on December 3, 2021, in a 4–3 overtime loss to the , marking the end of his on-ice contributions with the Devils. Following the expiration of his contract after the 2022–23 season, Bernier announced his retirement from professional hockey on August 21, 2023, concluding a 14-year NHL career across six teams.

Retirement

Jonathan Bernier announced his retirement from the National Hockey League on August 21, 2023, via an Instagram post, concluding a 14-season career that spanned 404 games across six teams. The primary catalyst for his retirement was a lingering hip injury sustained during the 2021-22 season with the New Jersey Devils, which required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of that year and the entire 2022-23 season. In his statement, Bernier expressed profound gratitude for his journey, highlighting the 2012 Stanley Cup victory with the Los Angeles Kings as a pinnacle achievement and crediting the unwavering support from his family, teammates, and organizations throughout his career. He noted no immediate plans for roles in coaching or broadcasting, emphasizing a transition to the next chapter of life. Over his NHL tenure, Bernier compiled a record of 165 wins, 163 losses, and 40 losses, with a 2.77 goals-against , .912 save , and 18 shutouts. Post-retirement, he has focused on family life, with no public involvement in professional hockey activities reported as of 2025.

International career

World Junior Championships

Bernier was invited to Canada's national junior team evaluation camp ahead of the 2007 IIHF World U20 Championship in but did not make the final roster, where led the team to a victory over . He earned a spot on the 2008 Canadian roster for the tournament in the , serving as one of two goaltenders alongside Steve Mason. Bernier started the opening game on December 26, 2007, against the host , stopping all 44 shots faced in a 3-0 win that set a strong tone for the team. Three days later, he drew the start versus but allowed four goals on 31 shots in a 4-3 defeat, ending 's streak and costing them the top seed in Group A. Mason assumed starting duties for the quarterfinal, semifinal, and game thereafter, backstopping to a 3-2 overtime victory against on for their fourth consecutive title. Overall, Bernier appeared in two games during the 2008 tournament, posting a 1-1-0 record with a 2.00 goals-against average and .947 save percentage, contributing to Canada's success as a key backup option early in the event. His strong opening performance highlighted his potential as an NHL prospect, though Mason's dominance in the later rounds earned him tournament MVP and top honors.

Spengler Cup

During the 2012–13 NHL lockout, Jonathan Bernier represented Team Canada at the , an annual invitational tournament held in , , from December 26 to 31, 2012. Selected as one of two goaltenders alongside , Bernier joined the roster as the ' representative, marking his first appearance in the competition. Bernier started in Canada's opening round-robin game against on December 26, a 2–1 loss that snapped Team Canada's five-year at . He faced 21 shots, allowing two goals while making 19 saves, for a 1.90 goals-against average and .905 save percentage over 63 minutes of play. Despite the defeat, which came on Jason Pominville's tally, Bernier's performance helped keep the game close against the German champions. Canada rebounded to finish first in the Cattini Group with a 5–0 shutout win over host HC Davos the following day, earning a bye in the quarterfinals before defeating HC Fribourg-Gottéron 5–1 in the semifinals and securing the gold medal with a dominant 7–2 victory over HC Davos in the final on December 31. Although Dubnyk handled goaltending duties in the remaining games, posting a 1.00 goals-against average and .963 save percentage across three wins, Bernier's participation contributed to Canada's 12th title overall.

Personal life

Family

Jonathan Bernier married Martine Forget in July 2016 in . The couple has three children: son Tyler, born in August 2014; son Brady, born in April 2019; and daughter Ivy, born in December 2020. Throughout Bernier's NHL career, his family provided essential support during multiple relocations across teams and cities, including moves from to Anaheim in 2016 and from to in 2021. Uprooting the family for these transitions was challenging but manageable, as Bernier noted the comfort his loved ones brought to adapting to new environments. Following his retirement from the NHL in August 2023, Bernier emphasized a renewed focus on family life, expressing deep gratitude for his wife and children's unwavering support throughout his professional journey.

Brother's hockey career

Marc-André Bernier, the older brother of Jonathan Bernier, was born on February 5, 1985, in . He was selected by the in the second round, 60th overall, of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. In his junior career, Marc-André played right wing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), suiting up for the from 2001 to 2003 before transferring to the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles for the 2003–05 seasons. Transitioning to professional hockey, Marc-André had a brief stint in North American minor leagues, including four games with the of the in 2005–06 and three seasons with the of the from 2005 to 2008. He then pursued opportunities in , playing in France's with the Diables Rouges de from 2009 to 2015, where he won the in 2010 and 2013, and the Trophée Magnus in 2014. He continued in with the Rapaces de Gap from 2015 to 2017. Returning to later in his career, Marc-André played in the (LNAH) during the 2017–18 season with the Sorel-Tracy Éperviers, winning the league championship. He retired from professional play following the 2017–18 season, having never appeared in an NHL game. Since retiring, he has worked as an assistant coach for youth hockey teams in , including the Basses-Laurentides Conquérants (PW). Marc-André's professional path had limited direct overlap with Jonathan's NHL trajectory, as he primarily competed at the minor professional and European levels during the years Jonathan rose to prominence in the top tier of the sport.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

appeared in 404 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season games between 2007 and 2022, compiling a 165–163–40 record with a 2.77 goals-against average (GAA), .912 save percentage (SV%), and 18 shutouts. In the , he played 9 games across three seasons, recording a 2–5 mark, 3.35 GAA, .885 SV%, and no shutouts. The following table summarizes his NHL regular season performance by season and team:
SeasonTeamGPWLT/OTLGAASV%SO
2007–08LAK41304.03.8640
2009–10LAK33001.30.9571
2010–11LAK2511832.48.9133
2011–12LAK165622.36.9091
2012–13LAK149311.87.9221
2013–14TOR55261972.70.9221
2014–15TOR58212872.87.9122
2015–16TOR38122132.88.9083
2016–17ANA3921742.50.9152
2017–1837191332.85.9132
2018–19DET3591853.16.9041
2019–20DET46152232.95.9071
2020–21DET2491112.99.9140
2021–22NJD104413.06.9020
Total404165163402.77.91218
Bernier's NHL playoff statistics are detailed below:
SeasonTeamGPWLGAASV%SO
2012–13LAK1000.001.0000
2016–17ANA4123.29.8730
2017–184133.87.8830
Total9253.35.8850
In the (AHL), Bernier played 119 regular season games from 2007 to 2016, achieving a 57–46–12 record, 2.16 GAA, .927 SV%, and 17 shutouts. His AHL regular season statistics by season are as follows:
SeasonTeamGPWLT/OTLGAASV%SO
2007–08Manchester Monarchs31111.63.9460
2008–09Manchester Monarchs54232442.40.9145
2009–10Manchester Monarchs58302162.03.9369
2015–1643011.25.9483
Total1195746122.16.92717

International

Jonathan Bernier had limited international appearances for , participating in the 2008 World Junior Championships and the 2012 during the .
TournamentYearTeamGPW-L-TGAASV%SO
World Junior Championships200821-1-02.00.9471
Spengler Cup201210-0-11.90.9050
Total31-1-11.95.9261
Bernier recorded no other senior international appearances, as his NHL schedule with teams including the and precluded further opportunities.

Awards and honors

Junior and AHL awards

During his junior career with the Lewiston Maineiacs of the Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), Jonathan Bernier earned recognition for his standout goaltending performance, culminating in key accolades that underscored his emergence as a top prospect. In the 2006–07 season, Bernier was instrumental in leading the Maineiacs to the QMJHL championship, winning the President's Cup after defeating the Foreurs in . His performance in the earned him the Guy Lafleur Trophy as the league's , where he posted a 16-1 record, a 2.34 goals-against average, and a .919 save percentage across 17 games. Additionally, Bernier was selected to the QMJHL Second for his regular-season contributions, reflecting his consistency with a 2.58 goals-against average and .905 save percentage in 37 appearances. He was also named to the CHL Second in 2007. These honors highlighted Bernier's rapid development and positioned him as a highly regarded NHL draft-eligible . Transitioning to professional hockey, Bernier continued his excellence in the (AHL) with the Manchester Monarchs, the Kings' affiliate, where he secured significant individual awards in the 2009–10 season. He won the Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award as the AHL's outstanding , becoming the youngest recipient since 1999 at age 21, after leading the league with a .936 save percentage, nine shutouts, and 1,693 saves in 57 games. Bernier also earned a spot on the AHL First All-Star Team, recognizing his league-leading performance in wins (30) and minutes played (3,424). These accolades marked a pivotal step in his development, demonstrating his readiness for NHL competition and contributing to the Monarchs' strong defensive record that season.

NHL achievements

Jonathan Bernier contributed to the ' 2012 Stanley Cup championship as the backup goaltender to , appearing in 16 regular-season games that year but not playing in the playoffs due to Quick's dominant performance. Despite limited action, Bernier remained prepared throughout the postseason run, ready to step in if needed, which underscored his role in the team's depth. Bernier did not earn any NHL All-Star Game selections or Vezina Trophy nominations over his 14-season career, though his consistent play as a starter and reliable backup was noted in various team contexts. In the 2013–14 season with the , his first as a primary starter, Bernier posted 26 wins, a 2.70 goals-against average, and a .922 save percentage in 55 games, key factors in Toronto clinching a playoff berth before their first-round exit to . Key career milestones for Bernier include recording his 100th NHL win on March 9, 2017, with the in a 1–0 victory over the , where he made 43 saves. He also appeared in his 400th NHL game on November 13, 2021, with the , stopping 31 of 33 shots in a 3–2 loss to the .

International accomplishments

Jonathan Bernier represented at the 2008 IIHF World Under-20 Championship in the , where he contributed to the team's victory after defeating 3–2 in overtime in the final. During the 2012–13 NHL , Bernier joined Team for the in , , appearing in one game and helping secure the tournament's with a 7–2 final win over host . Bernier's senior international opportunities were limited primarily to backup roles in the NHL, resulting in no Olympic appearances and only one additional World Championship outing in 2011 without a medal.

References

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