Report: Red Wings, Bernier have 'significant interest' in deal

Among the Detroit Red Wings' offseason priorities is acquiring a dependable backup goalie, and it seems they have one in mind.

Jonathan Bernier has become the Red Wings' top target between the pipes and there is "significant interest" from both sides, according to The Athletic's Craig Custance.

The 29-year-old is coming off a solid season with the Colorado Avalanche that saw him post a 19-13-3 record with a .913 save percentage and a 2.85 goals-against average. He took on the role as the team's starter after Semyon Varlamov went down with an injury and then played in four of the six first-round playoff games against the Nashville Predators.

As for the Red Wings, Jimmy Howard is expected to resume his role as the No. 1 goalie after going 22-27-9 in 2017-18.

After Detroit dealt Petr Mrazek to the Philadelphia Flyers ahead of the deadline, Jared Coreau served as the backup, but proved he wasn't ready to take on the responsibility by going 0-5-1 with a 4.26 goals-against average and an .867 save percentage.