Devils Sign Steve Bernier to One-Year Contract

The New Jersey Devils have announced that they have signed right wing Steve Bernier to a one-year, two-way contract. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He attended the team's training camp this past September on a tryout basis and has been playing with their AHL affiliate in Albany since the start of the 2011-12 season. In 17 games with Albany, he has three goals and three assists for six points. This is a depth signing at best for the Devils, as Bernier has struggled to find offensive consistency for the past couple of seasons. However, he has good size and can play a role as a penalty killer. He was recalled from the minors after the signing, so look for Bernier to play on New Jersey's fourth line.

Panthers Deal Ballard to Canucks for Bernier

The Florida Panthers have traded defenseman Keith Ballard and right wing Victor Oreskovich to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for right wing Steve Bernier, left wing Michael Grabner, and Vancouver's first round pick in 2010. The Panthers then selected left wing Quinton Howden with the pick. In all 82 games last season with the Panthers, Ballard had eight goals and 20 assists for 28 points. Oreskovich appeared in 50 games with the Panthers, scoring two goals and four assists for six points. He also played in 34 games with Rochester of the AHL, scoring six goals and nine assists for 15 points.

In 59 games last season with the Canucks, Bernier had 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points. Grabner appeared in 20 games with the Canucks, scoring five goals and six assists for 11 points. He also played in 38 games with Manitoba of the AHL, scoring 15 goals and 11 assists for 26 points. Howden appeared in 65 games with Moose Jaw of the WHL last season, scoring 28 goals and 37 assists for 65 points.

Not a bad trade for the Panthers and Canucks to make, as it addresses needs for both teams, but I think the Panthers have the edge in this one. Bernier isn't a huge goal-scorer, but does have some scoring potential and also owns great size. Grabner has lots of offensive potential and the ability to score goals, making him a good fit for the rebuilding Panthers. Howden was very impressive last season in the WHL, and if he can continue to improve his play, he will be a great forward for the team down the road. Ballard gives the Canucks another puck-moving defenseman and also plays a physical game, so he should be a good fit for Vancouver. Oreskovich gives the team a big-bodied winger and some upside, so he might be able to find a spot on the third or fourth line next season.

Canucks Sign Bernier to Two-Year Extension

The Vancouver Canucks have announced that they have signed right wing Steve Bernier to a two-year contract extension worth $4 million. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. The Canucks acquired Bernier from the Buffalo Sabres last summer for a 3rd round pick in this year's draft and a 2nd round pick in 2010. In 81 games this past season, Bernier scored 15 goals and 17 assist for 32 points. His 32 points in 2008-09 tied his career points total in 2007-08. In addition to playing with the Canucks and Sabres, he has also played with the San Jose Sharks. This is a good signing for the Canucks as Bernier has plenty of scoring and offensive potential. His size and power play skills make him an affordable signing for the team over the next two years. Bernier's contract expires during the first year he will eligible for unrestricted free agency, so if his offensive game doesn't improve, the Canucks can just let him go. However, if he continues to improve over the next two seasons, expect to see Bernier in a Canucks uniform for a while.