Blues Sign Bernier to Offer Sheet

[Thrillhouse]

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that the club has signed Group II free agent forward Steve Bernier to an offer sheet worth $2.5 million for next season. The Canucks will have seven days to match the offer or receive St. Louis’ 2nd round draft choice in 2009.

“Steve is a good young player who would play a big part in our youth movement,” said Davidson. “Our coaches and scouting staff are extremely positive about him.”

Bernier, 23, was acquired by Vancouver from Buffalo in a trade on July 4, 2008 in exchange for a 2nd round draft choice in 2010 and a 3rd round draft choice in 2009. The 6-2, 225-pound right winger played for San Jose and Buffalo last season, totaling 32 points (16 goals, 16 assists) along with 64 penalty minutes. Bernier has played in a total of 177 NHL contests, amassing 90 points (45 goals, 45 assists) and 128 penalty minutes.

The Quebec City, Quebec native was originally drafted by San Jose in the first round, 16th overall in the 2003 Entry Draft.

The Blues will have no further comment until a decision is made.

[Thrillhouse]

Ell Oh Ell!

Holy crap this is hilarious. Too bad it wasn't more, Vancouver will definitely match this.

[chilly666]

payback is a major bitch!!

[Thrillhouse]

There's something else to be mentioned here. This is a one year deal. It's a safe assumption that Vancouver matches this. Bernier is a pretty good candidate to play with the Sedins. Maybe Vancouver was looking to sign him to a longer contract, but can now only match this one-year contract. Bernier pots 30+ goals with the twins and now has the numbers to ask for a much larger contract next year.

I love JD.

[canuckfan]

Yeah, nice little bit of payback here from Davidson. JD has been one of those hockey guys who have openly sneered at or disrespected Gillis publicly. I used to be a fan of his...

I'm not too concerned - Gillis and the Canucks should match just as fast as JD and the Blues did for Backes.

[GIANTSFAN]

Originally Posted by Thrillhouse

There's something else to be mentioned here. This is a one year deal. It's a safe assumption that Vancouver matches this. Bernier is a pretty good candidate to play with the Sedins. Maybe Vancouver was looking to sign him to a longer contract, but can now only match this one-year contract. Bernier pots 30+ goals with the twins and now has the numbers to ask for a much larger contract next year.

I love JD.

Good point. Bernier could have a career year which would be great for him dollar wise.

[Snipes19]

According to TSN, the Canucks have matched the offer, which is no surprise.

Still a good move by JD and the Blues. Pretty funny stuff too. I loved it when I heard this news! JD is indeed the man! The 'Nucks offered Backes an offer sheet, and so we retaliated by offering Bernier one, so we're even now, but JD let them know that payback is indeed a bitch! Haha - right back at you, Gillis. That's what they get.

But like Thrill said, even though the Blues aren't getting Bernier, it was still a smart move by them that puts the 'Nucks in a little bit of trouble since it's a one-year deal. With a big year (which is very possible on a line with the Sedins), Bernier could demand a huge raise and Vancouver might have to face this exact same situation next year.

Sucks that Vancouver matched the offer though, as I would have really liked to have Bernier on the Blues. But again, it was expected so I didn't get my hopes up.

So now, both teams are even, and Backes and Bernier haven't moved (and oddly enough, they're like the same type of player too). So I'm not sure if these two teams are still at rift, but if they are - it should make for an entertaining series between the Blues and 'Nucks next year. King and Hordichuk have already fought twice, and hopefully we see some more battles between them next year.

[BROKEN*ORBITAL]

The caNuckleheads have matched the offer. What are the chances though that the Canucks and Bernier continue negotiating whatever contract they were working on, and then Vancouver signs him to an extension during the season? Or will the Bernier camp realize as Thrillmouth mentioned that they now have leverage, and try to cash in huge in a year? How much could it cost him if he gets hurt? Interesting game J.D. has created here.

[GIANTSFAN]

I believe they signed Bernier to a multi year contract.

[R.Middleton]

Good, the coyotes still have some unfinished business with Bernier. Hordichuk does too. Phx-Van will be some good games.

[dp]

Gotta luv JD...

You mess with my team...I mess with you.

Sorta like an enforcer.

Give him a few years and that St. Louis team should be fine.

[rondo]

If Bernier comes to camp ready to play and is paired with the Sedins he will score a minium of 25 goals. He is what they need on there line, basically someone to do the dirty work in the corners and in front ot the net. At 6'2 220lbs Bernier has the make up of a young power forward and this will no doubt make the Swedes happy. Unfortunately is there any secondary scoring for the canucks?

[Isles4life]

Great job of looking for payback by JD. But the offer's gonna get matched.

[PastorJ]

I thought JD was a goalie. Goalies don't really get to be enforcers do they? Just ask Ray Emery...


"Take the shortest route to the puck and arrive in ill-humor."-Fred Shero

[peacemaker]

Great move by JD. The Backes move was stupid on so many fronts for Gillis...

I believe his offer sheet can only be matched (term and money) at this point. He does not yet have a multi year deal.

So this was a double whammy for JD. Not only does he force Gillis to overpay, but Bernier, if things go as planned should have a career season, and the 'Nucks are stuck negotiating a substantially larger deal next year.
I believe, due to the CBA, the 'Nucks can not negotiate another deal until Jan of 2009.