Player Reviews: The New Guys

As part of the AnaheimDucks.com annual Player Reviews, we have been featuring a different Ducks player throughout the summer. Each review will include key stats, a highlight from last season and an outlook for 2016-17.

By AJ Manderichio and Kyle Shohara AnaheimDucks.com

JONATHAN BERNIERJonathan Bernier didn’t have California on his mind heading into the offseason.

The former Maple Leafs goalie seemed to cement his status in Toronto, finishing the season with five wins in his final eight appearances. He seemed primed to compete with Garret Sparks for the net next season.

After acquiring Frederik Andersen, Toronto sent Bernier to Anaheim in exchange for a conditional draft choice. Bernier couldn’t be happier to return to the West Coast.

“I’m definitely very happy to come to the Ducks,” he told reporters soon after the trade. “It seems like a great organization and they have a great team as well. I think it’s a great fit for me and obviously a new chapter.”

Bernier is no stranger to the Pacific Division. In four seasons with Los Angeles, he posted a 29-20-6 record with a 2.36 goals-against average and .912 save percentage. In his third season with Toronto, Bernier posted a career-tying three shutouts, including one against Anaheim at Honda Center.

Bernier’s arrival was just part of the change in net for the Ducks this offseason. John Gibson, one half of the tandem that won the William M. Jennings Trophy last season, figures to get the first crack at locking down the starting goaltender job.

Instead of looking at the competition, Bernier is focused on taking care of his own play.

“At the end of the day, if you play well and win games, things usually work out,” he said. “I just want to make sure I’m giving my 100 percent in practice and games, and give my team a chance to win. You can’t think about how many games you’re going to play or whether Gibson is playing more games than me or not. I’ve been working hard this summer, and I’m ready to go for the upcoming season.”

A reunion with Randy Carlyle, who Bernier played under in 2013-14, has Bernier excited for his season in Anaheim.

“It’s a coach and player relationship that we had. I had to gain his confidence when I got traded to Toronto, but we always got along well. He’s a very detailed coach, and he demands a lot. That’s what you want from your coach.”

JARED BOLL A lifelong Columbus Blue Jacket, Jared Boll never expected to enter free agency.

Columbus placed Boll on waivers and bought out the remaining year of his contract right before July 1, a difficult decision for the nine-year veteran.

He didn’t have to wait long to find another team. The Ducks were one of the first teams to contact Boll, ultimately reaching a two-year agreement on July 5.

“I …

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