Jonathan Bernier and the Toronto Maple Leafs headed to an arbitration hearing Friday, with the goalie asking for a $5.1 million reward and the Leafs seeking $2.89 million for the goalie. The Leafs’ asking price represented a pay cut for the Bernier, who made $3.4 million last season.
While there was still time for the two sides to agree on a contract extension outside of the arbitration process, no deal was reached. Now, Bernier’s 2015-16 contract value will be determined by an arbitrator some time within the next 48 hours.
The Maple Leafs arbitration offer was the lowest the team could have asked for their goalie. The team was represented by GM Lou Lamoriello and assistants Kyle Dubas and Brandon Pridham at the hearing. Bernier was represented by agent Pat Brisson and six other CAA representatives.
The two sides met for about five hours Friday. An arbitration ruling is expected on Sunday.