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Maple Leafs' James Reimer Jokes He’ll Fight Auston Matthews: 'Winner Takes The...'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Sep 28, 2025 8:59 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a interesting move late this week by signing James Reimer to a professional tryout contract on Friday.

The decision came just days after Joseph Woll left the team on a personal leave of absence, without a definite timeline for his return, forcing Toronto to seek additional depth behind projected starter Anthony Stolarz.

Reimer, 37, is no stranger to the organization. Toronto drafted the goalie in 2006, and he spent six seasons with the franchise. Most famously, Reimer backstopped the Leafs during the 2013 playoff series against the Boston Bruins, the last time the team made the playoffs before the current Auston Matthews era, and a 2017 comeback to the postseason.

In 207 regular-season appearances with the Leafs, he posted a .914 save percentage, 2.83 goals-against average, and 11 shutouts.

James Reimer on Auston Matthews wearing 34: “We had a little bit of a tussle, and we kind of figured that probably Monday, in practice, we'll have a bout at centre. Winner takes the number.”
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) September 27, 2025

Since leaving Toronto in 2016, the veteran has played for six different NHL teams, logging a total of 525 career games with a .910 SV% and a 2.89 GAA.

On Saturday, Reimer addressed the media with a lighthearted take on his return to Toronto, turning his focus to the number on his back. The goaltender wore No. 34 during his first stint with the Leafs, the same number Matthews has made his own since joining the franchise in 2016.

“We had a little bit of a tussle, and we kind of figured that probably Monday, in practice, we’ll have a bout at centre,” Reimer joked. “Winner takes the number.”

Matthews, the franchise centerpiece and face of the team, is not expected to give up his iconic No. 34. For now, Reimer has been practicing in No. 47, the number he has worn in recent seasons, starting in 2019 when he joined the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Leafs announced Reimer could make his debut on Saturday’s rematch against the Montreal Canadiens, but ultimately, he didn't make an appearance.

Reimer's addition provides veteran insurance behind Stolarz while Woll’s return remains uncertain.

Without Reimer in net, Toronto dropped Saturday's exhibition 4-2 to the Habs, with Stolarz stopping three goals on 18 shots and backup Artur Akhtyamov saving 10 shots while allowing one goal.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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