The Toronto Maple Leafs have taken the first step towards keeping newly acquired, impending restricted free agent goaltender Jonathan Bernier in the fold. The Leafs made a qualifying offer to Bernier on Monday and are also continuing the process of attempting to sign him to a contract extension. Bernier played in 14 regular-season games for the Los Angeles Kings in 2012-13, compiling a 9-3-1 record with a GAA of 1.88 and a .922 save percentage. The Leafs picked up Bernier in a deal with the Kings on Sunday in exchange for forward Matt Frattin, goaltender Ben Scrivens and a second-round pick in either the 2014 or 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Bernier was selected in the first round, 11th overall of the 2006 NHL entry Draft by the Kings. He has appeared in 62 career regular-season games for the Kings and currently has a 29-20-6 career record. Bernier made $1.525 million in the final year of a two-year deal and is eligible to become a restricted free agent on July 5 if he is not signed to an extension. Chicago White Sox Shirts . Pedro scored from a pass by Lionel Messi in the 33rd minute and added two more goals in the 47th and 72nd after Valdes saved his second penalty in four days following his stop in Wednesdays 4-0 over Ajax in the Champions League. Chicago White Sox Pro Shop . -- Bryant McKinnie came out of his stance and lowered his shoulder into a practice squad player, causing a crisp thud to reverberate in the Miami Dolphins practice bubble. https://www.cheapwhitesox.com/ . LOUIS -- Rookie Tavon Austin has missed another day of practice, lessening the odds hell be ready for the St. Custom Chicago White Sox Jerseys . But when it comes to determining if Raymond will find a place on the Leafs roster when training camp concludes in a week, well, that decision will ultimately fall to the head coach. White Sox Jerseys 2020 . He just needed to be his best twisting, turning acrobatic self. "I didnt need to be anybody else, I just needed to be myself and be aggressive," said Burks, who scored a career-high 34 points to spark the Utah Jazz to a 118-103 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night.Liverpool are favourites for their Europa League semi-final clash with Villarreal, but the La Liga side do not come without dangers, says Guillem Balague. Jurgen Klopps side are on a high after their dramatic 5-4 aggregate win over Borussia Dortmund in the last eight on Thursday, and must now travel to El Madrigal for the first leg on April 28.Villarreal are fourth in La Liga, and Sky Sports Spanish football expert Balague says they are strong from the back and on the counter attack. The Reds overcame Borussia Dortmund 5-4 on aggregate in the quarter-final I hope Liverpool manage to get to the next round. The little details will count for everything. Villarreal have a lot of quality, but the biggest thing is their solid base. They have one of the best defences in La Liga.They are a club who dont demand too much, the expectations arent huge and players love playing there.But now theyve got to a point where theyve got to show if theyve got what it takes to get to the next level, to show if they can consistently play in European competitions at this stage. Cedric Bakambu of Villarreal celebrates with Roberto Soldado But Liverpool are favourites in my mind, but lets remember they made their lives very difficult against Borussia Dortmund, and there are not always miracles.If Villarreal can control the game and counter attack, they will be dangerous.Individually, they are stronger than Liverpool, but I get the feeling Liverpool have found a dynamic, a mental strength to see them through. Soldados role has changed since moving back to Spain from Tottenham If they fill the stadium, it means everyone in the town will be in the stadium. Thats the contrast. The fan base is not huge.Their rise has beenn based on very good defence, breaking hard on the counter with a lot of pace, and with players who are there because they perhaps failed before, like [Roberto] Soldado, or because they want to jump onto other bigger clubs, like Cedric Bakambu.ddddddddddddVillarreal have former Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado on their books, and while his time in the Premier League was a disappointment, Balague says his role has now changed from a goalscorer to a creator.Hes different to the Roberto Soldado who was here in England, the one who didnt pass and didnt score. Highlights from El Madrigal as Barcelona were held by Villarreal to a 2-2 draw last month Before he went to Spurs he was a goalscorer, now he helps more with assists. He drops deeper, and helps others to score.They have a very solid axis, Alphonse Areola the goalkeeper, Eric Bailly the centre-back is strong and will have nothing to fear, Bruno, who for me is the best midfielder Spain has outside the top three, and of course Bakambu and Soldado, who create danger.If you score against them in the first leg away from home, you have an advantage. Also See: Liverpool to face Villarreal Milner: Win will give us belief Origi: Klopp inspired us Guillem Balague ' ' '