Bernier on future with Maple Leafs: 'I’d love to stay here and for a long time

Jonathan Bernier appears ready and willing to stick with the Toronto Maple Leafs through the lows of a potential rebuild.

A restricted free agent at season's end, Bernier affirmed he wants to remain a part of the club's long-term plans. 

Bernier told Jonas Siegel of TSN:

I think rebuild is a big word first of all. Sometimes you’re just missing a couple pieces to really get to the point where you want to be. But I definitely like it here … Whatever decisions they’re going to make in the summer or the next couple years or whatever it is, I’d definitely like to be part of it. 

Personally I don’t think we’re that far. But yeah, I’d love to stay here and for a long time obviously.

Like the Maple Leafs as a whole, Bernier is nearing the end of a down season, with a record of 21-28-6 with a 2.89 GAA and .921 save percentage.

With James Reimer under contract through to the end of next season, the handling of the goaltender position may prove to be a significant step in the building process this offseason.