It’s Reim Time on Broadway.
With the Rangers struggling to compete in the wake of all-star goaltender Igor Shesterkin’s season-ending leg injury, New York has signed former Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer in a bid to help fill that void.
The Rangers signed Reimer to a one-year, $850,000 US contract on Sunday, earning another shot at the NHL after having signed a professional tryout contract in the AHL earlier this month.
Reimer, 38, made just one start in Hartford, notching a 2-0 shutout win on Friday.
When will Reimer play in the NHL?
According to NHL.com, Reimer was the first goalie to leave the ice at the Rangers’ morning skate — a telltale sign that the veteran will be getting the start on Monday night against the Los Angeles Kings.
“I don’t need to play, I want to play,” Reimer said, per the outlet. “I love playing this game, so if the situation is right and it works for my family and whatnot, then it’s something you stay ready for and you make it happen. So, that’s kind of my mindset.”
Reimer added that, while Shesterkin’s brutal injury has provided him another opportunity, he feels for the Russian star.
“Obviously, it’s super unfortunate about Igor,” Reimer said. “He’s one of the best in the league and you never want to see a guy go down, but got the call and seemed like a good opportunity.”
With Reimer’s joining the NHL club, the Rangers assigned Spencer Martin to their AHL affiliate in Hartford. Martin had served as the backup to Dylan Garand, who has made seven consecutive starts since Shesterkin was injured on Oct. 9.
Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan said that he felt Reimer would be a great compliment to Garand in net.
“He has a body of work in the league and has proven to be a very competent goalie,” Sullivan said. “Given the circumstance that we’re in, I think (president and general manager Chris Drury) felt like he could give us some help in that regard. Dylan has had a heavy workload.”
The coach added that he felt Garand may be dealing some physical and mental fatigue, saying “I think there’s a little bit of both.”
What are Reimer’s career numbers?
Through his 16-year NHL career, Reimer has a record of 232-191-67 with a 2.88 GAA and .909 save percentage in 539 regular-season games.
After starting his career in Toronto, where he played six seasons, Reimer has suited up for the San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres and the Ottawa Senators.
Reimer suited for 14 games with the Sens last season, signing with the team after starting goalie Linus Ullmark took a leave of absence to deal with mental health issues.