Bernier retires from NHL after 14 seasons, last played in 2021

Jonathan Bernier retired from the NHL on Monday after 14 seasons.

The 35-year-old goalie did not play last season because of a hip injury. Bernier was 4-4-1 with a 3.06 goals-against average and .902 save percentage in 10 games (eight starts) for the New Jersey Devils in 2021-22. He last played Dec. 3, 2021, in an 8-4 loss at the Winnipeg Jets, when he allowed six goals on 32 shots before being replaced by Mackenzie Blackwood to start the third period.

"After fourteen years, it's time for me to hang up the pads," Bernier posted on social media. "I can't thank the Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Anaheim Ducks, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings and New Jersey Devils enough for giving me the opportunity to play in the best league in the world and in front of the best fans in the game. There are no words to express my gratitude to everyone who has been part of my hockey journey since day one, without all of you I couldn't have done it."

Bernier was 9-11-1 with a 2.99 GAA and .914 save percentage in 24 games (23 starts) for the Red Wings in 2020-21. The Carolina Hurricanes acquired Bernier and a draft pick in a trade with the Red Wings for goalie Alex Nedeljkovic on July 22, 2021. However, Bernier did not sign with them and became an unrestricted free agent, signing with the Devils a week later.

Selected by the Los Angeles Kings with the No. 11 pick in the 2006 NHL Draft, Bernier was 165-163-40 with a 2.77 GAA, .912 save percentage and 18 shutouts in 404 regular-season games (363 starts). He was 2-5 with a 3.35 GAA and .885 save percentage in nine Stanley Cup Playoff games (five starts) and won the Cup as the backup to Jonathan Quick with the Kings in 2012.