Bernier Experiment Over in LaLa Land

19-year-old Jonathan Bernier has been sent back down to Lewiston of the QMJHL. After having a great start to the season in London, England, it has been all down hill for the Kings. They have not won a game since opening day, and it is obvious that changes need to be made. Bernier was getting shelled night after night, and did not look like he belonged at the NHL level. He wasn't necessarily bad, but Kings' management obviously felt that it would be better if he played another year in junior. He could be recalled later in the year, but I doubt it. Look for him in training camp next year to make an even stronger push for the starting role. The best you can hope as a King fan is that he learned what it takes to play at the NHL level, and that he'll try even harder next year to make the team now that he has a taste.

Kings Place Cloutier on Waivers

Goaltender Dan Cloutier has been placed on waivers by the Los Angeles Kings, leaving them with Jason Labarbera and JS Aubin as their two goalies. Kevin Lee on Hockeybuzz suggested that they may be after Martin Gerber in Ottawa, after his lights-out performance so far this pre-season. I personally do not think that's the direction LA is going, but I won't completely rule it out. I'm sure Bryan Murray wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on a Gerber-to-LA deal, but I'm not sure if Gerber is that much of an upgrade over Labarbera. As you saw in my Los Angeles Kings pre-season goaltending situation, they have also invited young Jonathan Bernier to camp. He was a long-shot to make the team out of training camp this year, but with the subtraction of Cloutier it heavily increases his chances. I'll keep my eye on this situation, plus many others, and will continue to update you on all of the goalie happenings throughout training camp.

UPDATE: Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail suggested that Cloutier will "almost certainly start the season in the minors this season", the reason being that no team will be willing to pay for Cloutier's hefty contract. As far as the Bernier situation goes, he went on to say that the chance of him making the team became "increasingly more likely today".