James Reimer is back on waivers just weeks after landing a new NHL deal, a sharp turn for a goalie whose career now feels very much in the balance.
The New York Rangers brought in the former Maple Leafs netminder for help in goal after Igor Shesterkin was ruled out for the season, hoping the veteran could steady things as they sorted through the position. Reimer got a brief look after a short run in the AHL, then was sent into action against the Los Angeles Kings.
That NHL appearance went sideways quickly. Reimer allowed three goals on eight shots before leaving the game with an injury, and now his time with the Rangers appears to be over almost as soon as it began.
There was at least one bright spot in his brief stop with New York. In the AHL, Reimer opened with a shutout in his first game, but that form never carried over once he got the call to the NHL, and the injury only complicated matters further.
At 38, Reimer may be headed back to the AHL if he clears waivers. Once viewed as one of the league’s better backups, he helped settle the Senators’ crease last year, but he has not been a starter since 2022.
The Rangers’ current situation also makes the move easier to understand. Joonas Korpisalo is on the mend and expected back soon, while Dylan Garand has already put together a strong season, leaving little room for an injured Reimer as insurance right now. He could still get another look later.
Any team that wants to claim him has 24 hours to do so, and clubs such as Buffalo or Edmonton could use the kind of stability Reimer has provided in the past. Still, he is not the same goalie he once was, and as the source put it, with aging netminders “sometimes it’s like a fine wine and sometimes it’s like bread - you never know when your time is officially up.”
There is still a chance Reimer lands another NHL opportunity, but this could be the last stop before the end of the road.
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Toronto is one of the clubs mentioned as a possible fit, which makes sense on paper given the Maple Leafs constant need to keep their bottom six flexible and competitive. Still, this is the sort of addition that can split a fan base, because the Leafs already have several depth forwards they like, and any move for Heinen would be about fit and opportunity more than a clear-cut opening in the lineup. [Read more 🡒]