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Kings’ Bernier off to German second division

Jonathan Bernier

Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier deflects a shot on goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

AP

For the second straight day, Germany’s tier two hockey league has scored the services of an NHL netminder.

Los Angeles goalie Jonathan Bernier has agreed to terms with Heilbronner Falken, according to the team website. This comes a day after another ESBG outfit, SC Riessersee, locked up New York Islanders ‘tender Rick DiPietro.

The Bernier move is interesting given how this past summer unfolded.

After Jonathan Quick backstopped the Kings to a Stanley Cup and signed a 10-year, $60 million extension, reports surfaced that Bernier -- taken 16th overall in 2006, to be LA’s goalie of the future -- was ready to be traded.

Bernier, 24, is in the final season of a two-year, $2.5 million deal with the Kings and will be an RFA in 2013. As such, this promised to be a vital year for his future -- he was set to either be showcased by the Kings for a potential trade or audition for suitors for next summer’s free agency.

The biggest knock on Bernier is his small NHL resume. He’s been stuck largely behind Quick (a noted workhorse) with his career-best numbers coming in 2010-11: 25 games, 11-8-3 record, .913 save percentage and 2.48 GAA.