James Reimer Opens Up on Potentially Playing His Final Game as a Maple Leaf
Photo credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer was signed to a PTO to cover for Joseph Woll, but with rosters being trimmed, he may have played his last for the team.
Although he's far away from the young starting goalie we saw a decade plus ago, James Reimer has still managed to stick around the league being a reliable and solid backup, never really causing any issues and always being a staunch professional.
He managed to find his way back to the Maple Leafs this past offseason thanks to a Joseph Woll absence, and his invite to training camp helped fill a very glaring hole that suddenly opened up.
James Reimer's Final Farewell To Maple Leafs
But with the rosters being trimmed and Toronto fairly set in their goaltending with Anthony Stolarz and presumably Dennis Hildeby; plus Ken Appleby and Artur Akhtyamov with the Marlies, there may not be room for him.
So while it might be a quick reunion, Reimer is relishing in the fact that he got another chance to play for the team that drafted him, but is staying as positive as he can the his future unknown:
I'm going to take it minute by minute, I guess, and we'll see what happens. I think, like I said early on in the week, it was a joy to come here, and we'll see what happens.
What decisions get made, what the need is, and what they think they need going forward. So we'll see how that goes, and we'll find out together.
I thought overall I felt pretty good and made a couple of mistakes. But you try and give yourself some grace when it's your first touch in a while.
I thought I was able to settle in pretty quick and was seeing the puck for the most part It was fun to put the sweater on again.
What decisions get made, what the need is, and what they think they need going forward. So we'll see how that goes, and we'll find out together.
I thought overall I felt pretty good and made a couple of mistakes. But you try and give yourself some grace when it's your first touch in a while.
I thought I was able to settle in pretty quick and was seeing the puck for the most part It was fun to put the sweater on again.
Leave it to Reimer to take accountability, even in a preseason game where he was meant to just help the team out for thirty minutes.
Why James Reimer Is Still Relevant
But his attitude towards the team shows just how much love he still has for the blue and white, and though he may have bounced around the league, he never forgot where he started.
Reimer, 37, was solid last season with a 10-10-2 record to go along with a 3.04 GAA and .896 SV% with the Anaheim Ducks and Buffalo Sabres.
For his career, Reimer has been incredibly efficient. Posting a 225-187-65 record with a 2.89 GAA and .910 SV%, he ranks 69th all time in save percentage in the NHL, as well as 181st all time in goals-against.
Playing for seven different teams over his career (Toronto, San Jose, Florida, Carolina, Detroit, Anaheim, and Buffalo) and was drafted 99th overall by the Maple Leafs in 2006.
His ability to play solid and consistent goaltending for teams who need him regardless of the situation is a key reason as to why he has been able to carve out such a lengthy career.
He may not have been around long this time around, but it doesn't mean Reimer is going to be forgotten anytime soon.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 6 | 1234 ANSWERS James Reimer Opens Up on Potentially Playing His Final Game as a Maple Leaf Will James Reimer sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 392 | 31.8 % |
| No | 842 | 68.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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