Bernier turned away 27 of 32 shots in Friday's preseason loss to the Sabres.

EDGE Analysis

The Leafs' coaching staff has already indicated that the team's starting goaltending job is an open competition, so Bernier didn't do much to help his case with Friday's lackluster performance against the Sabres. Toronto will likely enter the season without a clear No. 1 netminder, with Bernier and James Reimer sharing the load until one of the two separates themselves from the pack.

The Toronto Maple Leafs avoided arbitration with goaltender Jonathan Bernier by agreeing to a two-year, $8.3 million contract Sunday, according to Sportsnet. Bernier was reportedly looking for at least $5.1 million per season, while the Maple Leafs originally countered with an offer worth $2.89 million, which prompted the arbitration hearing.

Bernier was invited to play for Team Canada at the upcoming World Championships, but declined, according to Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun. Bernier says its partly because of an injury he wouldn't disclose and partly because of uncertainty around his contract. He becomes a restricted free agent this summer.

Bernier will be in the net for Saturday's game against the Canadiens, Jonas Siegel of TSN Radio 1050 reports. Coach Peter Horachek suggested earlier in the week that Bernier would start the season finale, so it doesn't come as much surprise that the coach's plan will hold firm. Bernier, who came on in relief of James Reimer in Wednesday's loss to the Blue Jackets, enters the crease Saturday with a 21-28-6 record, 2.87 GAA, and .912 save percentage over 57 games. He'll be a heavy underdog with presumptive Hart Trophy frontrunner Carey Price manning the opposite net.

Bernier replaced starter James Reimer early in the second period of Wednesday's game against the Blue Jackets. He allowed one goal on 13 shots in a 5-0 loss. He'll start Saturday and attempt to get his second win in his last eight starts. Do not roll him. Do not bother with him. Maybe he'll deliver more fantasy value next season. Maybe.

Bernier is slated to start Saturday's game against Montreal, TSN's Mark Masters reports. James Reimer is slated to start Wednesday's game against the Blue Jackets, which leaves Bernier -- who missed Tuesday's practice for personal reasons -- to start the Leafs' season finale on Saturday.

Bernier tuned in an excellent performance Sunday, stopping 43 of 45 shots in a shootout victory over Ottawa. An absolute clutch performance from Bernier, who helped the Leafs deliver a big blow to the Senators playoff hopes. It was just Bernier's first win in eight games, advancing his record to 21-28-6 on the season. The 26-year-old has had a down year, but he still owns a mediocre .912 save percentage and is likely to see at least one more start before the end of the season.

Bernier will likely start Sunday's game against the Senators, TSN's Mark Masters reports. James Reimer has been a bit better of late, but both he and Bernier continue to get work. Neither is a good bet to earn a win this weekend, with Toronto facing two teams that are still fighting for the playoffs.

Bernier made 27 saves in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Sabres. He and the Leafs were up 3-1 in the second, but they couldn't hold the lead. It's his eighth straight loss. Don't bother putting him in your lineup. He'll only make you cry.

James Reimer, not Bernier, will start Tuesday's game against Tampa Bay, according to a report on Toronto's Sportsnet FAN 590. Bernier will instead be in net against Buffalo on Wednesday night. Neither man is a worthy activation right now given the Leafs' troubles, even against the Sabres. There are no guaranteed wins for this squad.