James Reimer didn’t arrive in Ottawa to be a savior - and that’s exactly why he’s been such a steadying force.
Signed as an unrestricted free agent on January 12, Reimer was brought in to help stabilize a Senators team that’s been searching for consistency between the pipes. With top netminder Linus Ullmark away on personal leave for mental health reasons, and young goaltender Leevi Merilainen in need of a reset, the Senators turned to the 37-year-old veteran - and he’s delivered exactly what they needed: calm, composed goaltending and a pro’s presence in the locker room.
In Wednesday’s 5-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche - arguably Ottawa’s most complete effort of the season and against one of the NHL’s elite - Reimer didn’t need to stand on his head. He just needed to be solid. And that’s what he was, turning aside 16 shots and anchoring a team that’s been desperate for some defensive reliability.
“It’s been a good transition,” said Reimer, who has logged 530 NHL games in his career. “The guys have been great, the coaches have been great, management has been great, everyone has done an incredible job of welcoming me and getting me what I need to get up to speed. I’ve just tried to put in the work, a ton, trust it and do what you can.”
Reimer’s numbers in Ottawa - a 2-2-1 record with a 3.05 goals-against average and .874 save percentage - won’t jump off the stat sheet. But numbers don’t always tell the full story, especially when you consider he hadn’t played an NHL game since the preseason with Toronto. He did get a taste of action representing Team Canada at the Spengler Cup over the holidays, but jumping from that tournament to facing NHL-level shooters is a whole different ballgame.
What Reimer has brought to the Senators is more than just a few timely saves. He’s brought peace of mind - something that’s been in short supply in Ottawa’s crease this season.
With five different goalies used already, there’s been more rotation than rhythm. But Reimer, with his calm demeanor and wealth of experience, has given the team a chance to breathe.
That breathing room has also allowed the Senators to give Merilainen, their 23-year-old top goalie prospect, a chance to regroup. After posting an 8-10-1 record with a 3.51 GAA and .860 save percentage in Ottawa, Merilainen was sent down to Belleville, where he’s looked sharper - putting up a 2.59 GAA and .927 save percentage in five games. That’s the kind of development path the organization wants to see, and Reimer’s presence is making it possible.
Steve Staios, the team’s president of hockey operations and general manager, knew what he was doing when he brought in Reimer. This wasn’t about making a splash. It was about buying time - giving Ullmark the space he needs, giving Merilainen a chance to reset, and giving the team a veteran who knows how to navigate rough waters.
“James is a happy personality and he’s a pro,” said former NHL goalie and current TSN analyst Jamie McLennan. “Are there probably sexier trades out there?
Yes, because you’re going to go for somebody younger and maybe somebody with a bit more upside. But with that comes currency - and, all of a sudden, do you mess up the balance of power?”
McLennan’s point hits home. Ullmark isn’t out due to injury - he’s out for a personal matter.
Bringing in a long-term replacement or a high-profile name might have complicated his return. And with Merilainen still developing, the Senators didn’t want to block his path either.
Reimer, in that sense, is the perfect fit: experienced enough to carry the load, humble enough to know his role.
The Senators don’t need Reimer to be a miracle worker. They just need him to keep doing what he’s doing - making the saves he’s supposed to make, calming things down in the defensive zone, and giving the team a chance to win. Whether Ullmark returns Saturday against New Jersey or sometime next week, Ottawa has a reliable stopgap in place.
Reimer’s been around long enough to know every team hits turbulence. But when you’ve seen as much as he has, you learn how to steady the ship. And right now, that’s exactly what he’s doing for the Senators.