Veteran goaltender James Reimer has been placed on waivers by the New York Rangers following a difficult debut that lasted only a single period of play, according to reporting by Steve Warne of The Hockey News Ottawa.
A Brief Stint in New York
Reimer signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Rangers on October 25 as the team scrambled to address injuries in the crease. With Igor Shesterkin sidelined for the season due to a knee injury and former Senators netminder Joonas Korpisalo also out, the club sought an experienced option to lighten the workload for starter Dylan Garand.
The opportunity arrived the following night in a matchup against the Los Angeles Kings. Reimer struggled during the opening frame, surrendering three goals on eight shots before being pulled after 20 minutes of action. The Rangers ultimately fell 6-3, and Reimer did not appear in another game.
Just 11 days after adding him to the roster, the Rangers placed the veteran on waivers on Thursday. The timing of the roster move indicates that the team is preparing for the return of Korpisalo. Should Reimer clear waivers unclaimed, the Rangers can assign him to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, where he will continue to receive his full NHL salary.
Contrast With His Time in Ottawa
The sudden turn of events stands in sharp contrast to Reimer’s tenure with the Ottawa Senators last season, where he delivered dependable performances in a supporting role. He stepped in when Linus Ullmark took a personal leave of absence for mental health and backup Leevi Merilainen experienced struggles.
Across 14 appearances for the Senators, Reimer recorded a 7-4-2 record alongside a 2.42 goals-against average, an .886 save percentage, and one shutout. He consistently made routine saves and provided the team with stability during a challenging stretch.
His final appearance for Ottawa took place on April 15, when he stopped 19 shots to secure a 3-1 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
