The Ottawa Senators have turned to James Reimer to bring stability to their chaotic crease.
The Senators confirmed on Monday that the 37-year-old veteran goaltender has agreed to a one-year deal worth a pro-rated $850,000 US for the balance of the season.
There were times when Reimer wondered if he’d ever get another shot at playing in the National Hockey League, but he refused to throw in the towel and returned to work for the club’s skate at the Canadian Tire Centre.
He attended training camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs and didn’t get offered a contract, but opted to stay ready by skating near his home in the Okanagan Valley with the Vernon Vipers and West Kelowna Warriors of the British Columbia Hockey League.
“I went to Toronto in case there was a need there and it turned out there wasn’t something that would work out for both sides,” Reimer said. “But it was a good opportunity to go get some reps and work out.
“From then on, there are a lot of times when you’re excited and you believe that something is going to happen. Then, there are days when you’re a little down and you don’t know if you’ve played your last game or had your last opportunity. I’m super thankful and grateful that this opportunity presented itself. I’m just looking forward to enjoying.”
The expectation is that Reimer, who hasn’t played in the National Hockey League this season, will face the Vancouver Canucks at home on Tuesday night or the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.
He played for Team Canada at the Spengler Cup over the holiday season.
Rough debut for Belleville
The veteran goaltender, who has played for seven NHL teams over the course of his 15-year career, made his American Hockey League debut in Belleville’s 6-5 overtime loss to the Rochester Amerks on Sunday afternoon at the CAA Arena.
He allowed six goals on 28 shots, including the winner by Rochester’s Jack Rathbone only 13 seconds into OT. Belleville’s Philippe Daoust scored with 1:50 remaining in the third period to tie it up.
Desperate times call for desperate measures and the Senators have the NHL’s worst save percentage at .868. Reimer is here to help a struggling Leevi Merilainen right the ship and to be a solid backup to Linus Ullmark when he returns from his leave of absence.
“I’m really excited to see what we’re capable of,” Reimer said. “There are some great pieces in here. It’s got a great culture and when you have a group of guys doing what they need to be successful and help the team, that’s when good things happen.
“I’m going to come in here and just try to play my game. I’m going to worry about what I need to do and how I can help the guys. That’s kind of the sentiment around here: Look at yourself in the mirror and make sure you’re doing your part. I’m just going to jump on the good thing they’ve got going on.”
Reimer’s career numbers
Over his career, Reimer has a record of 225-187-65 with a goals-against average of 2.89 and a save percentage of .910. He most recently played for the Anaheim Ducks and Buffalo Sabres last season, posting a record of 10-10-2 while struggling with a 3.04 GAA and .896 save percentage.
He began his career with the Maple Leafs, playing six seasons in Toronto before being traded to the San Jose Sharks in 2016. He would then go on to also play for the Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings, and his experience will be helpful.
“That’s part of being a veteran in the league. You’ve been through a lot in your career,” coach Travis Green said. “The longer you play in the league, there are a lot of circumstances that you’ve come across. He’s been in the league long enough that, a lot like some of our older guys, he’ll be a calming voice as well.”
Reimer has played with Dylan Cozens, David Perron and Fabian Zetterlund during his various stops in the NHL. By all accounts, he’s a good teammate and will fit in fine in the Ottawa room.
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The Senators are happy to have Reimer aboard.
“I chatted with him a bit this morning at breakfast, and he seems like a great guy,” defenceman Jake Sanderson said. “We’re thrilled to have him here.”
Reimer wore a wide smile while he was on the ice and it was hard for him to wipe it off his face even after a hard day of work with goalie coach Justin Peters.
“I’ve been staying in shape and I’m feeling pretty good,” Reimer said. “Going to Europe and playing in the Spengler, you get some pro games and some pro shots and then this last weekend in Belleville, I feel like my game is in good shape.
“We’re just going to take it day-by-day and when I’m confident that I can step in to help the team, we’ll probably jump right in.”