Ottawa Senators goaltender James Reimer (47) watches the puck after making a save, as Tyler Kleven (43) and Carolina Hurricanes’ Jackson Blake (53) look on, during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Ottawa, on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP) As James Reimer was traded to save the goaltending situation of the Ottawa Senators, the goalie will start in net for the Senators in their matchup against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night. However, Linus Ullmark will also join, but only as a backup, as he is still working on following his return from a personal leave of absence.Head coach Travis Green told reporters on Tuesday that Ullmark was ready to play on Sunday if needed and that the goaltender would let the organization know when he’s ready to start.Earlier, the Ottawa Senators signed James Reimer to a one-year contract to help strengthen the club’s goaltending situation in the absence of starter Linus Ullmark. The club announced on January 11, 2026, that Reimer had signed a one-way contract for the remainder of the season, with an average salary of $850,000.
Ottawa Senators’ James Reimer to feature against the Colorado Avalanche with Linus Ullmark in backup
Ottawa Senators’ goaltender James Reimer is set to feature against the Colorado Avalanche with Linus Ullmark in backup. As per reports, Reimer, 37, was signed for the remainder of this season on Jan. 12. He has a 1-2-1 record since joining the Senators with an .871 save percentage and 3.32 GAA, and has a 14-8-5 record this season with an .881 save percentage and 2.95 goals against average.The 37-year-old goalie played for the Buffalo Sabres and the Anaheim Ducks last season. Reimer went 10-8-2 with a 2.90 goals-against average and .901 save percentage in 22 games (19 starts) with Buffalo, and 0-2-0 with a 4.50 GAA and .864 save percentage in two starts with Anaheim.
James Reimer STANDS TALL As Ottawa Senators HANDLE The Columbus Blue Jackets, Extend Point Streak!
According to the NHL, Reimer was selected in the fourth round in the 2006 NHL Draft. Reimer spent his first eight seasons in the pros with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. After playing for the Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, and Anaheim Ducks, the Senators goalie has spent most of the 2024-25 season with the Buffalo Sabres, where he posted a record of 10-8-2 with a goals-against average of 2.90 and a save percentage of .901 in almost 22 games.Meanwhile, Ullmark, who will remain as a backup, holds a 14-8-5 record with a 2.95 goals against average and an .881 save percentage in his second season with the Senators. At the moment, he stands at 41st in the NHL in goals against average (3.00) and 49th in save percentage (.879).