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Maple Leafs' Bernier 'won't be sour' following arbitration process

Jerome Miron / USA TODAY Sports

The NHL arbitration process can be tricky, especially when players are subjected to their team's honest assessments.

For Jonathan Bernier, who agreed to a two-year, $8.3-million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs before a decision could be handed down, the hearing was a good learning experience.

"There's obviously things they say that you don't want to hear, but at the same time I think you grow from those experiences. I won't be sour about it. I know it's part of the business," Bernier told David Alter of MapleLeafs.com. "They're trying to get the best deal possible, we're trying to do the same on our side. I'm just happy right now that we found a deal for the terms that we wanted."

Now, with a measure of contract security, he can focus on helping the club improve.

"I want to be part of the Maple Leafs, especially the rebuild," he said. "I think that's something amazing. I'm pretty sure they have a good plan and we're going to go in the right direction. I'm excited.

"Two years, it gives me a little bit of comfort and I don't have to think this year about re-signing next summer. I can just really focus on playing hockey and not have to worry about the following year."

Bernier, who turns 27 on Aug. 7, is entering his third season with the Maple Leafs. In 113 games with the club, he's posted a record of 47-47-14 with a save percentage of .918.

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