The Daily: Ex-Red Wing Jonathan Bernier Enjoying Good Start in New Jersey

Goalie Jonathan Bernier played well in three seasons with the Red Wings. They were interested in having him return until they realized they didn’t see eye-to-eye on salary.

Bernier ended up signing with the New Jersey Devils for $4.125 million per season. He won his first two starts for the Devils, but now he is on the injured list with a lower body injury. Jonathan Bernier’s last game was a win against the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday. He’s officially listed as day-to-day.

New Jersey’s No. 1 goalie MacKenzie Blackwood is also sidelined with a heel injury. Scott Wedgewood is temporarily the Devils’ starter.

Meanwhile, defenseman Jon Merrill, who played 36 games for the Red Wings last season, is a third-pairing defenseman for the unbeaten Minnesota Wild team.

Trade Rumor of the Day

Elliott Friedman of Sportsnet reports the Anaheim Ducks have pending unrestricted free agents Ryan Getzlaf and Rickard Rackell who could be moved this season.

Around the NHL

Montreal: The Montreal Canadiens are 0-4 and playing poorly to say the least. They have only scored three goals.  On Thursday, GM Marc Bergevin tore into his players and said Shea Weber is doubtful to play again. 

New York Rangers: The Rangers attempted to convince Vitaly Kravtsov to return to New York, and the Rangers face salary cap issues ahead.

Boston: The Flyers are off to a good start The orange and black humbled the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night. Joe Haggerty has the takeaways,  and more.

Washington: The Washington Capitals decided not to trade Evgeny Kuznetsov and it has paid off. “He’s rekindled that joy…”

Florida: The Panthers decided to extend Brandon Montour and they are being rewarded. 

Detroit: Now that his draft picks are arriving, the Steve Yzerman managerial era has officially started. Here’s how Yzerman is building the Red Wings.

Pittsburgh: These grinders are carrying the Penguins in the early going.

Vegas: Steve Carp’s three takeaways on the Golden Knights’ loss to the St. Louis Blues.

San Jose: It used to be exciting and memorable when Erik Karlsson returned to Ottawa. The longtime franchise player is back in Ottawa, but Sheng Peng writes it’s no longer a big deal.