The Toronto Maple Leafs made a qualifying offer to new goalie Jonathan Bernier Monday, according to Hockey Central insider John Shannon.
This is a mere formality for the Leafs as Bernier would have become an unrestricted free agent if he did not receive a qualifying offer.
Bernier will now become a restricted free agent this summer and is expected to work towards a new contract with the Maple Leafs.
The Leafs acquired Bernier Sunday in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for forward Matt Frattin, goaltender Ben Scrivens, and a draft pick (second rounder in 2014 or 2015).
The 24-year-old had a 9-3-1 record with a 1.88 goals-against average and a save percentage of .922 in 14 games with the Kings this season.