Why the Maple Leafs’ third string role is a perfect fit for James Reimer

James Reimer is back in Toronto, and it could be a match made in heaven.

The Maple Leafs signed the veteran netminder to a professional tryout agreement and now Reimer will get a chance to prove himself at 37 years old that he can still contribute at the highest level. Reimer played for the Maple Leafs from the 2010-11 season before being traded to the San Jose Sharks during the 2015-16 season. While it was quite some time ago, a reunion this year could be perfect timing. Reimer brings experience, a veteran presence to the Leafs’ goaltending depth chart, which frankly, could use some more of it.

Both Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll have a long history of injury woes, and both Dennis Hildeby and Artur Akhtyamov are inexperienced, and while the organization has a lot of confidence that Hildeby can have a long term future in Toronto, at this point, the same can’t be said about Akhtyamov. The Russian goaltender hasn’t performed well so far through camp, and Reimer could help provide a veteran presence, and act like a stop-gap should something happen with Stolarz and/or Woll. Reimer could be an insurance blanket of sorts, and with the familiarity that he and his family have with playing in Toronto, it shouldn’t take much adjusting or getting back up to speed.

Being the third goalie in Toronto is a perfect setup for Reimer. He could sign a two-way contract once camp is over and go back-and-forth across Lakeshore boulevard between the Marlies and the Maple Leafs. Toronto is one of the lucky organizations in the league that has their American Hockey League team in the same city, and for instances like this, it works out perfectly logistically. Does Reimer want to ride the buses in the AHL at this point of his career? The jury on that isn’t out quite yet, but as far as set ups, what the Maple Leafs could offer him, is second to none.

The former 2006 fourth-round pick of the Leafs is coming off an inconsistent season split between the Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks. Reimer appeared in 24 games, posting a combined 10-10-2 record, along with a .901 save percentage in his 22 games with the Sabres. His best season of late was back in 2022, when Reimer went 19-17-10, with an impressive .911 save percentage. It will be interesting to see what Reimer has left in the tank.

The good news is he doesn’t have to be a saviour or a Vezina trophy finalist, that’s not what he was brought in for. Woll is currently on a leave of absence from the team, and at this point, it’s extremely difficult to put a timeline on Woll’s return, so Reimer can solidify the backup role to start the season, if needed. In an ideal world, Reimer would be open to playing some games for the Marlies when time comes, and be a bit of a rover for the organization. Last season both Woll and Stolarz missed long stretches, so there’s certainly a need for another veteran, who happens to have 525 games of NHL experience under his belt. Hildeby and Akhtyamov have six.

Reim-time back in Toronto is great to see as he was beloved by the organization, and at times, ridiculed by the fan base, which wasn’t his fault at all. He was on some really bad teams during his tenure with the Maple Leafs, and it will be interesting to see how he plays with a much better squad in front of him this season.