The Toronto Maple Leafs have filed for club-elected salary arbitration on restricted free agent netminder Jonathan Bernier, reports ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.
Contract negotiations are apparently ongoing, but the Maple Leafs will recruit the assistance of a third party should the sides fail to iron out a deal.
Bernier signed a two-year, $5.8-million bridge contract - designed to determine his long-term value - after being acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings.
Bernier is a curious case in contract negotiations. While he owns a strong .918 save percentage in his 113 starts behind a porous Maple Leafs defense, his numbers took a considerable dip into his second year. His 2.87 goals-against average was one of the worst among starters last season, and his save percentage dropped below his career average.
The news comes the day an Instagram photo sparked controversy when Bernier's baby didn't have a Maple Leaf on his onesie for his 10-month photo. Speculation tore through social media, with many voicing concern surrounding his future with the organization.
