Maple Leafs release James Reimer from professional tryout

Ahead of the regular season opener, the Toronto Maple Leafs have released goaltender James Reimer from his professional tryout, the team confirmed Monday.

Reimer was signed to a PTO on September 26, after it was revealed that Joseph Woll would be taking a leave of absence for a personal matter. He allowed four goals on 28 shots during Saturday’s 6-5 preseason loss to the Detroit Red Wings and it’s clear that head coach Craig Berube had other preferences. The 37-year-old played in 24 games last season, split between the Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks.

“I’m going to take it minute by minute, I guess, and we’ll see what happens,” Reimer said following Saturday’s game. “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, and 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.”

Toronto claimed goaltender Cayden Primeau and forward Sammy Blais off waivers on Monday. Primeau’s addition to the team renders Reimer redundant, while the Maple Leafs look to remain under the salary cap ahead of Monday’s 5 PM ET deadline. Michael Pezzetta, Henry Thrun, Dakota Mermis and Matt Benning cleared waivers on Monday. Primeau posted a 2-3-1 record and a .836 save percentage last season, making 11 appearances for the Montreal Canadiens.

Anthony Stolarz is expected to start Wednesday’s regular season opener against the Canadiens, while one of Primeau or Dennis Hildeby will operate as the backup.

Toronto presented a glimpse of its opening night lineup during Monday’s practice, where Nick Robertson joined Max Domi on the third line. Steven Lorentz, Nicolas Roy and Calle Jarnkrok formed the fourth line, with Easton Cowan operating as the 13th skater.

The Leafs Nation will update this story as more developments emerge.