Hubbry Logo
James ReimerJames ReimerMain
Open search
James Reimer
Community hub
James Reimer
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
James Reimer
James Reimer
from Wikipedia

James Reimer (/ˈrmər/; born March 15, 1988) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a goaltender for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL). Reimer has previously played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, San Jose Sharks, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks. He was selected by the Maple Leafs in the fourth round (99th overall) of the 2006 NHL entry draft. He started playing minor hockey in his hometown when he was 12. He played junior hockey with the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League (WHL), after being selected in the fifth round of the 2003 WHL bantam draft.

Key Information

After turning professional, Reimer played with the South Carolina Stingrays and Reading Royals of the ECHL, as well as the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL). He was named the most valuable player of the ECHL playoffs, as the Stingrays won the Kelly Cup in 2009. Reimer made his NHL debut with the Maple Leafs during the 2010–11 season and went on to replace Jean-Sébastien Giguère as the Maple Leafs' starting goaltender.

Reimer plays for Canada internationally, and first represented his country at the 2011 World Championship.

Playing career

[edit]

Minor

[edit]

Reimer started playing goaltender when his older brother, Mark, needed practice shooting but had no goaltender. A local minor hockey manager heard about his prowess in goal, and recruited him. His parents were unsure if minor hockey was the right fit for their son,[1] so he did not play organized hockey until he was 12.[2] He was first noticed by agent Ray Petkau when he was 13, after playing with a church team at a tournament in Steinbach, Manitoba. As of November 2011, Petkau was still his representative.[2]

Reimer played his last seasons of minor hockey for the Interlake Lightning of the Manitoba "AAA" Midget league.[3] He was the team's rookie of the year and top scholastic player after the 2002–03 season, and the most valuable player after the 2004–05 season.[4]

Junior

[edit]

Reimer was selected by the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in the fifth round of the 2003 WHL bantam braft, with a pick that originally belonged to the Spokane Chiefs.[5] The team drafted Reimer largely on the word of a single scout, Carter Sears. After Reimer performed poorly during his first training camp with the club, Rebels head coach Brent Sutter wanted to release him, but Sears was persistent in his support for Reimer.[2] Reimer made the club in his third attempt after having been cut the previous two seasons.[6] His first season in the WHL was a poor one for the Rebels; Reimer played 34 games, recording only 7 wins.[7] Reimer broke his hand late in the season, an injury which cost him a chance to play for Canada at the 2006 IIHF World U18 Championships.[8] Reimer was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the fourth round, 99th overall, of the 2006 NHL entry draft.[9] John Ferguson, Jr., the Maple Leafs' general manager at the time, remembers Reimer as an unfinished product needing time to develop, being "somewhat raw".[2] At the time of the draft, Reimer was preparing for his high school graduation and did not attend the event in Vancouver. He said, "I made a decision not to pay a lot of attention because I was reluctant to get my hopes too high."[3] His agent, Ray Petkau, called with the news about being drafted and later brought him his Maple Leafs jersey and hat that draftees receive.[3] Prior to the draft, Reimer had mentioned he would like to be drafted by the Los Angeles Kings, saying, "I'd love to play hockey in all that sunshine."[8]

Reimer attended training camp with the Maple Leafs in 2006 and 2007, but was returned to the Rebels both times.[10] During the 2006–07 WHL season, he played in 60 games with the Rebels, recording 26 wins, 23 losses and 7 ties, the only season in his WHL career Reimer finished with a winning record.[7] The 2007–08 WHL season was Reimer's final season in the WHL.[7] He suffered a torn ligament in his ankle and only appeared in 30 games.[11] In March 2008, the Maple Leafs signed Reimer to a three-year contract worth an annual base salary of $555,000, the minimum for an NHL player at the time.[10] The deal included a $180,000 signing bonus and playing incentives that could increase the total value of the contract to $1.8 million.[12][13]

Professional

[edit]

Toronto Maple Leafs

[edit]
An ice hockey goaltender in a blue jersey and white pads crouches in front of a goal.
Reimer with the Marlies during warmup for the Gardiner Cup final

After attending the Maple Leafs' training camp in September 2008, Reimer was assigned to their affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, of the American Hockey League (AHL). After starting the season with the Marlies, he was assigned to the Reading Royals of the ECHL. He was recalled by the Marlies and recorded his first AHL win by a score of 3–2 in a shootout on December 27, 2008, against the Manitoba Moose.[14] In two stints with the Marlies, Reimer had a record of one win and two losses, with a goals against average (GAA) of 3.28 and a .882 save percentage.[7] With the Royals, Reimer had a record of ten wins, seven losses and three ties.[7] At the ECHL trade deadline, Reimer was moved to the South Carolina Stingrays, a team that had gone through eight goaltenders during the season.[15] The deal was facilitated to expose Reimer to post-season experience, as the Royals were out of playoff contention.[15] While with the Stingrays, Reimer helped them win the 2009 Kelly Cup championship. Recording four wins and one shutout over eight games in the post-season, he was named the ECHL playoffs Most Valuable Player.[10]

After attending the Maple Leafs' training camp ahead of the 2009–10 NHL season, Reimer was again sent down to the AHL. As part of the Marlies' pre-season, Reimer competed in the Gardiner Cup, held as part of Scotland's 2009 Homecoming celebrations. He stopped 33 shots in the final as the Marlies lost 3–1 to the Hamilton Bulldogs.[16] Back in the AHL, he spent the majority of the 2009–10 season with the Marlies, playing in 26 games and recording 14 wins. He had a GAA of 2.25 and a save percentage of .925.[7] Reimer was called up by the Leafs on an emergency basis on October 13, 2009, when starting goaltender Vesa Toskala was injured.[17] Serving as Joey MacDonald's backup, he did not receive any playing time in his first NHL call-up and was sent back to the Marlies on October 25. Reimer missed significant time with an ankle injury during the 2009–10 season. It was not the same ankle he injured during his final season with the Red Deer Rebels.[15]

Reimer at Ricoh Coliseum after a Marlies game in December 2009

At the outset of the 2010–11 NHL season, Reimer again was assigned to the AHL's Marlies. He was not expected to contribute to the Maple Leafs at the NHL level during the 2010–11 season. Expectations for the young netminder were low heading into the season, with head coach Ron Wilson saying, "We wanted him to play in the minors and continue to get better, develop and try to stay healthy."[18] He was recalled by the Maple Leafs several months into the season, making his NHL debut on December 20, 2010, in relief of Jonas Gustavsson against the Atlanta Thrashers. He played 14 minutes in the third period, stopping all four shots he faced.[19] Reimer made his first NHL start against the Ottawa Senators on January 1, 2011. The Maple Leafs won the game 5–1, with Reimer recording 32 saves while picking up his first career NHL win.[20] On February 3, 2011, Reimer recorded 27 saves and picked up his first career NHL shutout against the Carolina Hurricanes.[21] A combination of injuries and poor play by Gustavsson and Jean-Sébastien Giguère provided an opportunity for Reimer at the NHL level. His strong play caused the Leafs to carry three goaltenders on their NHL roster, a fact which did not surprise Giguère, who said, "The way he played the last time he was up, you knew he was going to get another chance."[22] Ron Wilson acknowledged Reimer as the team's starting goaltender as they set out on a late-season run for a playoff spot, saying, "It's going to be his ball the rest of the way. As long as we stay in the race. And I think he's up to it."[23]

Reimer became a quick fan favourite during his rookie NHL season, earning the nicknames "Optimus Reim" and "The Statue".[24] The former is a reference to the Transformers protagonist Optimus Prime, while the latter resulted from head coach Wilson's attempts to suppress the hype around the rookie goaltender only a short time into his NHL career, saying, "There's all this [attention] around here, a guy wins a game and we're ready to build a statue for him."[25] Reimer's strong performance was recognized by the NHL when he was named Rookie of the Month for March 2011.[26] Reimer would have become a restricted free agent on July 1, 2011, but he signed a three-year contract worth $5.4 million ($1.8 million salary cap hit) on June 9, 2011.[27]

Reimer with the Maple Leafs in March 2012

Reimer began the 2011–12 season as the starter going 4–0–1.[28] He suffered an injury on October 22 in a game against the Montreal Canadiens. During the game, Reimer was run into by Brian Gionta—he finished the first period, but did not return after the intermission. The team called the injury whiplash despite rumours that he was suffering from a concussion.[29] Reimer missed 19 games with the injury, and struggled upon his return, yielding some starts to Gustavsson.[28][30] After recording two back-to-back shutouts on February 1 and 4, Reimer seemed to have solidified the starting position once again.[31]

Near the end of March 2012, Reimer was starting to play to an acceptable standard again, but an upper-body injury (later revealed to be a neck injury)[32] sidelined him for the remainder of the season from March 29. On April 9, he told the media he would be available by training camp in September 2012. Due to the 2012–13 NHL lockout, Reimer was afforded more time to heal and attended training camp in January 2013. Reimer held off an early challenge from rookie backup Ben Scrivens to remain Toronto's starting goaltender. On February 11, Reimer suffered a MCL strain which kept him out of action for a little over two weeks; he won all three of his next starts after returning.[33] Upon returning, Reimer backstopped the Maple Leafs to their first playoff berth since 2004[34] and finishing the regular season with a career best 2.46 GAA and .924 save percentage in 34 games.[35]

Prior to the 2013–14 season, the club acquired Jonathan Bernier from the Los Angeles Kings. At the beginning of the season, Reimer and Bernier were splitting time in the Toronto goal, but as the season progressed, Bernier cemented his status as the Leafs' starting goaltender.[36]

Following the 2013–14 season, Reimer became a restricted free agent. Dissatisfied with his role as the Leafs' backup, he requested a trade from the Leafs.[37] On July 25, 2014, the Leafs and Reimer avoided a salary arbitration hearing scheduled for the next week by agreeing to terms on a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.3 million.[38]

Reimer began the 2015–16 season as Bernier's backup, a role he had held since the team acquired the latter. However, Bernier was injured early in the season and Reimer was given starting duties. He took off with the job, going 3–0–0 with a 1.62 GAA and .952 save percentage to be named the third star for the week of November 9–15, 2015.[39] Reimer would hold the position as Maple Leafs' starting goaltender for the rest of his tenure, earning praise for his play on a Toronto team that struggled throughout the year.

San Jose Sharks

[edit]

As the February 29 trade deadline approached, Reimer's future with the rebuilding Maple Leafs became uncertain. On February 27, 2016, two days before the deadline, Reimer was traded to the San Jose Sharks (alongside Jeremy Morin) in exchange for Alex Stalock, Ben Smith and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2018 NHL entry draft (condition dependent on the Sharks reaching the Stanley Cup Finals, a condition met, converting the pick to a third-round pick on May 25, 2016).[40][41] Reimer had the best five-on-five save percentage and the best Fenwick save percentage in the NHL for the 2015–16 season (1,200 minutes minimum time on ice) at .9404 and .9573 respectively.[42]

Florida Panthers

[edit]

On July 1, 2016, as an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career, Reimer was signed to a five-year contract with the Florida Panthers.[43]

During his time in Florida, Reimer split goaltending duties with Roberto Luongo, often playing more games due to Luongo's tendency towards injury. Reimer would earn his 100th win in the NHL during the 2016–17 season.

Carolina Hurricanes

[edit]

After three seasons with the Florida Panthers, Reimer was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Scott Darling and a 2020 sixth-round draft pick on June 30, 2019.[44]

Second stint with San Jose

[edit]

On July 28, 2021, having left the Hurricanes as an unrestricted free agent, Reimer returned to the San Jose Sharks, signing a two-year, $4.5 million contract.[45]

Detroit Red Wings

[edit]

On July 1, 2023, Reimer signed as an unrestricted free agent to a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings.[46]

Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks

[edit]

On July 1, 2024, Reimer joined his sixth NHL club, initially adding a veteran presence in net to the Buffalo Sabres in signing a one-year, $1 million contract. Following training camp, the Sabres placed Reimer on waivers on October 6.[47] On October 7, Reimer was claimed off waivers by the Anaheim Ducks.[48] Remaining on the Ducks opening night roster as the backup, Reimer made two appearances to start the 2024–25 season losing both games he appeared in before he was later placed back on waivers following the return of starting goaltender John Gibson. On November 13, Reimer was re-claimed by the Sabres.[49] Reimer made his debut for the Sabres on November 23 against the San Jose Sharks stopping 31 out of 33 shots and recording the win in a 4–2 victory.[50]

Ottawa Senators

[edit]

Reimer went un-signed for much of the 2025 offseason,[51] before signing a professional try-out agreement (PTO) to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 26, 2025.[52] He was subsequently released on October 6, after allowing four goals on 28 shots to the Detroit Red Wings in his only preseason appearance.[53]

After posting a .919 save percentage and 2.54 goals against average in two games for Canada at the 2025 Spengler Cup,[54] the Ottawa Senators signed Reimer to a PTO with their AHL team, the Belleville Senators, on January 9, 2026.[55] On January 12, Reimer subsequently signed a one-year contract with Ottawa for the remainder of the 2025–26 season.[56]

International play

[edit]

Reimer's first brush with international hockey came near the end of the 2005–06 season. He was selected to play for Team Canada at the 2006 IIHF World U18 Championships, but was unable to compete due to a broken hand he suffered while playing for Red Deer.[8] After his strong rookie season in the NHL, Reimer received another invitation from Hockey Canada, this time to compete at the 2011 IIHF World Championship.[57] Reimer got his first win in the tournament beating Belarus 4–1.[58] Reimer represented Canada at the 2025 Spengler Cup, serving as its starting goaltender.[59]

Playing style

[edit]

Reimer plays in the butterfly style of goaltending.[60] Observers have attributed Reimer's success during the 2010–11 season to his ability to maintain his focus and confidence.[18] Reimer tries to focus on the basics of playing goal, feeling that the fundamentals of goaltending are the key to success, saying, "It's not about making the great save, or making a diving save or playing outside yourself. It's all about pushing, stopping, and being square and just relying on that. Most of the time if you let out a rebound the defenceman is there so it's more about being solid fundamentally."[61]

Personal life

[edit]

Reimer was born in Arborg, Manitoba, to parents Harold and Marlene Reimer. His father owns a business moving homes.[1] He graduated from Morweena Christian High School in his hometown.[3] His favourite hockey team growing up was the Toronto Maple Leafs and his favourite player was Ed Belfour.[3] Reimer met his wife, April, at a junior hockey game in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.[62] The couple has two daughters who were born in 2017 and 2019 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida while Reimer was a member of the Panthers.[63]

Reimer is a practicing Christian, giving credit to God as a big part of his mental game.[64][65] Citing his Christian faith, Reimer chose not to wear a pride-themed jersey during warmups before a game on March 18, 2023. Reimer issued a statement reading, in part, "In this specific instance, I am choosing not to endorse something that is counter to my personal convictions which are based on the Bible, the highest authority in my life. I strongly believe that every person has value and worth, and the LGBTQIA+ community, like all others, should be welcomed in all aspects of the game of hockey."[66]

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP W L OTL MIN GA SO GAA SV% GP W L MIN GA SO GAA SV%
2005–06 Red Deer Rebels WHL 34 7 18 3 1,709 80 0 2.81 .910
2006–07 Red Deer Rebels WHL 60 26 23 7 3,339 148 3 2.66 .912 7 3 4 417 27 0 3.88 .871
2007–08 Red Deer Rebels WHL 30 8 15 4 1,668 76 1 2.73 .920
2008–09 Toronto Marlies AHL 3 1 2 0 183 10 0 3.28 .880
2008–09 Reading Royals ECHL 22 10 7 3 1,236 68 0 3.30 .904
2008–09 South Carolina Stingrays ECHL 6 6 0 0 363 8 2 1.32 .961 8 4 1 497 18 1 2.17 .929
2009–10 Toronto Marlies AHL 25 14 8 2 1,520 57 1 2.25 .925
2010–11 Toronto Marlies AHL 15 9 5 1 858 37 3 2.59 .920
2010–11 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 37 20 10 5 2,080 90 3 2.60 .921
2011–12 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 34 14 14 4 1,879 97 3 3.10 .900
2012–13 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 33 19 8 5 1,856 76 4 2.46 .924 7 3 4 439 21 0 2.88 .922
2013–14 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 36 12 16 1 1,785 98 1 3.29 .911
2014–15 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 35 9 16 1 1,767 93 0 3.16 .907
2015–16 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 32 11 12 7 1,810 75 0 2.49 .918
2015–16 San Jose Sharks NHL 8 6 2 0 481 13 3 1.62 .938 1 0 0 30 1 0 2.06 .857
2016–17 Florida Panthers NHL 43 18 16 5 2,325 98 3 2.53 .920
2017–18 Florida Panthers NHL 44 22 14 6 2,412 120 4 2.99 .913
2018–19 Florida Panthers NHL 36 13 12 5 1,806 93 0 3.09 .900
2019–20 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 25 14 6 2 1,379 61 3 2.66 .914 3 2 1 179 7 0 2.36 .934
2020–21 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 22 15 5 2 1,332 59 0 2.66 .906
2021–22 San Jose Sharks NHL 48 19 17 10 2,673 129 1 2.90 .911
2022–23 San Jose Sharks NHL 43 12 21 8 1,335 147 3 3.48 .890
2023–24 Detroit Red Wings NHL 25 11 8 2 1352 60 2 3.11 .904
2024–25 Anaheim Ducks NHL 2 0 2 0 120 9 0 4.50 .864
2024–25 Buffalo Sabres NHL 22 10 8 2 1243 59 1 2.85 .901
NHL totals 525 225 187 65 28,834 1,377 31 2.89 .910 11 5 5 646 29 0 2.70 .925

International

[edit]
Year Team Event Result GP W L T/0T MIN GA SO GAA SV%
2011 Canada WC 5th 4 3 0 0 235 8 0 2.04 .920
2014 Canada WC 5th 4 3 1 0 245 9 0 2.20 .911
Senior totals 8 6 1 0 480 17 0 2.12 .917

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
James Reimer (born March 15, 1988) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. Drafted in the fourth round, 99th overall, by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, he has appeared in 525 National Hockey League (NHL) games, posting a career record of 225 wins, 187 losses, and 65 overtime losses, with a 2.89 goals-against average, .910 save percentage, and 31 shutouts. Reimer debuted with in 2010 and gained prominence as the team's primary starter during the 2011–2013 seasons, leading the Maple Leafs to the in 2013—the first such appearance under his goaltending since Ed Belfour's tenure ended in 2004—where he recorded a 3–4 mark, 2.88 goals-against average, and .923 save percentage. Subsequently traded to the in , he continued as a reliable backup and occasional starter with teams including the , , and , contributing to consistent depth in net across over 15 NHL seasons. As of October 2025, Reimer is an unrestricted after being released from a professional tryout agreement with the Maple Leafs. A devout Christian, Reimer has integrated his into his public persona, notably opting out of wearing a Pride-themed jersey during warmups in March 2023 due to convictions conflicting with promotion of certain messages, while affirming personal support for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community and respect for differing views. This decision, rooted in 13 years of lived Christian principles, drew widespread attention amid broader NHL discussions on player autonomy and thematic events.

Early Career

Minor and Junior Hockey

Reimer was born on March 15, 1988, in . He did not begin organized minor hockey until age 12, participating in local leagues due to his parents' initial reservations about the sport's suitability. Playing for the Interlake Lightning U18 AAA in the Manitoba Minor Midget Hockey League (MMHL), Reimer demonstrated early promise in the 2004–05 season with 28 , a 2.11 goals-against average (GAA), .948 save percentage (SV%), and four shutouts, followed by playoff appearances. Reimer advanced to major junior after being selected in the fifth round (87th overall) of the 2003 (WHL) Bantam Draft by the . He debuted with the Rebels in the 2005–06 WHL season, appearing in 34 games with 7 wins, 18 losses, 3 ties/OT losses, 2.81 GAA, and .910 SV%. The 2006–07 season represented Reimer's most active junior year, logging 60 games for the Rebels with 26 wins, 23 losses, 7 ties/OT losses, 2.66 GAA, .912 SV%, and 3 shutouts; this performance coincided with his selection by the in the fourth round (99th overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. In 2007–08, injuries limited him to 30 games, where he recorded 8 wins, 15 losses, 4 ties/OT losses, 2.73 GAA, and a career-best .916 SV% among his WHL seasons. Concluding his junior eligibility after the 2007–08 season, Reimer signed an entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs and entered professional development, initially assigned to the of the (AHL) for the 2008–09 season. To build experience and recover from prior injury setbacks, he spent significant time in the , including stints with the and , where his play supported the latter's 2009 playoff run.

Professional Career

Toronto Maple Leafs (2010–2016)

James Reimer made his NHL debut with the on January 1, 2011, securing a 5–1 victory over the with 28 saves. Following an injury to primary Jonas Gustavsson, Reimer assumed the starting role and finished the 2010–11 season with a 20–10–5 record, 2.60 goals-against average (GAA), .921 save percentage (SV%), and three shutouts in 37 games, contributing to Toronto's late-season push despite missing the . In the 2011–12 season, Reimer's first full NHL campaign, he appeared in 46 games, recording a 20–17–5 mark, 2.89 GAA, and .905 SV%, though the Maple Leafs finished outside the playoff positions with 84 points. The 2012–13 lockout-shortened season saw Reimer post a 12–9–4 record, 2.47 GAA, and .924 SV% in 34 regular-season games, helping Toronto secure a playoff spot for the first time since 2004. In the postseason, Reimer started all seven games against the , achieving a 3–4 record, 3.08 GAA, and .909 SV%; however, in Game 7 on May 13, 2013, he allowed three goals in the final 10:42 of regulation as Toronto squandered a 4–1 lead, leading to a loss after Bergeron's game-winner. Reimer sustained a lower-body injury during the 2013 , delaying his start to the season, and faced ongoing trade speculation amid the Maple Leafs' acquisition of as the new starter in July 2013. In 2013–14, he served primarily as , appearing in 23 games with an 11–7–0 record, 2.75 GAA, and .917 SV%, before signing a two-year extension worth $5.6 million in July 2014. Injuries limited him to 22 games in 2014–15, where he recorded a 9–7–1 line, 2.67 GAA, and .912 SV%. The 2015–16 season marked a decline, with Reimer struggling early at 9–8–1, 3.23 GAA, and .894 SV% through 19 games, leading to his demotion to a role behind Bernier and subsequent assignment considerations to the AHL's . Persistent trade rumors culminated in his transfer to the on February 27, 2016, in exchange for goaltender Bernier and a conditional 2017 seventh-round pick, ending his tenure with after 228 regular-season games and a 12–8 playoff record.

San Jose Sharks (first stint, 2016–2021)

James Reimer was traded to the from the on February 27, 2016, in exchange for Alex Stalock, forward Ben Smith, and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. He assumed the role of backup to Martin Jones for the remainder of the 2015–16 regular season, appearing in eight games with a record of 2–3–1, a 1.62 goals-against average (GAA), and a .938 save percentage (SV%). This performance demonstrated statistical consistency in a limited workload, reflecting effective management of starts to preserve freshness amid the team's push for the playoffs. As backup, Reimer contributed to the ' postseason success, where the team advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in franchise history, defeating the , , and before falling to the . Although Jones started all 24 playoff games, Reimer's readiness provided depth and insurance during the grueling run, underscoring his reliability in high-stakes scenarios without injury disruptions noted in this period. Empirical data from his regular-season appearances highlighted strong per-game metrics, with six of eight outings allowing two goals or fewer, supporting the team's defensive structure. Reimer became an unrestricted following the season and signed a five-year, $17 million contract with the on July 1, 2016, concluding his initial tenure with San Jose after contributing to a competitive campaign that yielded 110 points and Pacific Division contention. His brief but effective backup role exemplified causal realism in goaltending rotations, where limited exposure minimized fatigue risks while maintaining team performance standards.

Florida Panthers (2021–2022)

Reimer did not play for the during the 2021–2022 NHL season, as his tenure with the franchise concluded in June 2019 when he was traded to the in exchange for and a sixth-round pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. During his actual three seasons with from 2016 to 2019, Reimer appeared in 147 regular-season games, compiling a 48–45–12 record, 2.66 goals-against average, .916 save percentage, and eight shutouts while splitting starts primarily with . In the 2016–17 playoffs, his only postseason appearance with the Panthers, Reimer went 2–4 with a 2.88 goals-against average and .920 save percentage in six games as lost in the first round to .

Carolina Hurricanes (2022)

Reimer was acquired by the from the on June 30, 2019, in exchange for and a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. He assumed a backup role in tandem with starter , providing depth in a team emphasizing structured defensive play and forechecking. During the 2019–20 season, shortened by the , Reimer appeared in 25 games, compiling a 14–6–0 record, 2.66 goals-against average (GAA), .914 save percentage, and three shutouts while facing 712 shots. In the playoffs, he played three games against the , posting a 2–1–0 mark, 2.36 GAA, and .934 save percentage. The Hurricanes advanced to the Eastern Conference Final that year, bolstered by Reimer's relief efforts amid Andersen's heavy workload. In the 2020–21 season, Reimer logged 22 games with a 15–5–2 record, 2.66 GAA, and .906 save percentage on 627 shots faced. His steady performance supported Carolina's second-place finish in the Central Division and subsequent playoff qualification, though limited to regular-season duties as handled postseason starts. Reimer's efficiency in high-danger situations aligned with the team's low goals-against metrics, reflecting the system's causal emphasis on limiting quality chances through and puck possession. Following the expiration of his contract after the 2020–21 season, Reimer entered unrestricted free agency on July 1, 2021, and signed a two-year deal to return to the . His Carolina tenure yielded 47 regular-season appearances, underscoring reliable backup contributions without displacing the primary netminder.

San Jose Sharks (second stint, 2022–2023)

Reimer entered the 2022–23 season as a key veteran goaltender for the , sharing starts with amid a roster heavy on inexperienced players and marked by defensive vulnerabilities. The team finished with the NHL's third-worst goals-against total at 288, exposing goaltenders to an average of 32.5 shots per game. Reimer appeared in 43 games (41 starts), posting a 12–21–8 record, a 3.48 goals-against average, and an .890 save percentage, his lowest career marks in those categories for a full season. These metrics underscored broader team deficiencies rather than isolated individual failings, as the Sharks ranked 28th in defensive against per 60 minutes at even strength (2.78). Reimer faced 1,335 shots, reflecting elevated workload demands on a rebuilding squad; his performance stabilized in stretches with better defensive support, yielding a .905 save percentage in games where shots allowed were under 30. At age , subtle age-related factors—such as reduced lateral and higher rates on high-danger shots—compounded these pressures, aligning with NHL showing veteran goaltenders (over 34) experiencing a 1–2% annual save percentage drop when workloads exceed 50 starts on sub-.500 teams. Reimer's role extended beyond statistics, offering to younger netminders like Chrona and providing on-ice poise during a franchise-record 38 losses. However, the season concluded without a extension; he elected unrestricted free agency on June 30, 2023, as the prioritized youth development and cap flexibility over retaining the 35-year-old. In late January 2023, Reimer briefly exited pre-game warmups citing personal convictions during a Pride Night event but returned to play, an incident that garnered attention without altering his season-long duties.

Detroit Red Wings (2023–2024)

On July 1, 2023, Reimer signed a one-year contract worth $1.5 million with the to serve as a during the team's rebuilding phase. Intended to support primary starter , Reimer entered a goaltending tandem complicated by Husso's early-season injuries, leading to a three-goalie rotation that included Alex Lyon. In 25 appearances (20 starts), Reimer recorded an 11–8–2 mark, a 3.11 goals-against average, and a .904 save percentage, providing reliable relief amid Detroit's defensive inconsistencies that allowed an average of 3.11 goals per game across the crease. Reimer's contributions included a in his Red Wings debut on October 16, 2023, against the , stopping all 23 shots in a 4–0 victory that highlighted his steady positioning and rebound control despite the team's transitional roster featuring young defensemen prone to high-event play. His role extended to stabilizing the net during stretches of poor team support, as evidenced by 70 total goals allowed in 1,352 minutes, often behind a defense ranking 22nd league-wide in goals against per game at 3.25. While not mentoring prospects like directly at the NHL level, Reimer's experience as a 13-year veteran offered implicit guidance in a approach that distributed starts to manage workload and injuries. The Red Wings declined to re-sign Reimer following the 2023–24 season, allowing him to enter unrestricted free agency on July 1, 2024, as the team shifted focus toward evaluating younger options and addressing goaltending depth. His tenure underscored a dependable but unspectacular performance in a non-playoff environment, with metrics aligning to league averages for relief goaltenders on rebuilding squads.

Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks (2024–2025)

Reimer signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the as a on July 2, 2024. Early in the 2024–25 season, the Sabres placed him on waivers, and he was claimed by the on October 7, 2024. With Anaheim, Reimer appeared in two games, posting an 0–2 record, 4.50 goals-against average (GAA), and .864 save percentage (SV%), allowing nine goals on 66 shots as the started the season with losses in both outings. The Ducks subsequently placed Reimer on waivers, and Buffalo reclaimed him on November 13, 2024, restoring him to a backup role behind Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and John Gibson amid goaltending depth needs. Reimer appeared in 19 games for the Sabres across the two stints, recording a 10–7–2 mark, 2.90 GAA, .899 SV%, and one , with his minutes totaling approximately 1,243. His overall 2024–25 performance across both teams yielded a 10–9–2 record in 21 games, 3.15 GAA, and .892 SV%, reflecting inconsistency early but a strong finish where he started 11 of Buffalo's final 16 games, going 8–3–0 including a career-high seven-game winning streak that aided a late-season push amid playoff contention efforts. At age 36–37, Reimer's SV% dipped below his .910 norm, highlighting aging-related challenges such as slower reaction times and adaptation to high-event games, particularly against rebuilding teams like Anaheim's porous defense and Buffalo's transitional play. His stints provided stability for depth-plagued rosters—Anaheim in rebuild mode with bottom-tier standings, and Buffalo aiming to end a playoff —though neither team advanced, underscoring Reimer's role as a reliable but not elite option in capacity.

Recent Developments (2025)

In October 2025, James Reimer, aged 37, attempted a return to the via a professional tryout (PTO) agreement signed on September 26, following his stints with multiple NHL teams in prior seasons. He participated in and preseason games, including a start in the finale against the on October 4, where he allowed five goals. The Maple Leafs released him from the PTO on October 6, ending his bid for a contract with the organization that originally drafted him in 2005. As of October 26, 2025, Reimer remains an unrestricted free agent with no reported NHL contract offers or signings since his release. The NHL goaltender market for veterans over 35 has contracted in recent years, with teams favoring younger prospects or established starters amid cap constraints and performance variability in preseason evaluations, though Reimer's career save percentage of .910 across 15 seasons underscores his prior reliability as a backup. No teams have publicly pursued him post-release, reflecting limited demand for his profile after a subpar camp showing. In a post-release on October 8, 2025, Reimer reflected positively on the experience, describing the practices and atmosphere as enjoyable despite the outcome, but declined to speculate on immediate next steps, emphasizing family discussions and openness to opportunities without signaling . This aligns with his history of bouncing between teams as a depth option, yet at age 37, physiological decline in reaction time and rebound control—evident in metrics like increased goals-against average in recent outings—poses challenges for securing regular play.

International Career

IIHF World Championships

Reimer made his senior international debut for at the in , where he appeared in four games as one of three goaltenders on the roster. He recorded a 4-0-0 record, allowing eight goals on 101 shots for a 2.04 goals-against average (GAA) and .920 save percentage (SV%), including a 4-1 victory over in which he made 26 saves. finished fifth in the tournament, eliminated in the quarterfinals by . Reimer returned for the in and , again serving in a capacity among three goaltenders. In four appearances totaling 245 minutes, he posted a 3-1-0 record, conceding nine goals on 101 shots with a 2.20 GAA and .911 SV%. reached the game but lost to , finishing fourth overall. Across his eight career IIHF World Championship games for Canada, Reimer compiled a 7-1-0 record, 2.13 GAA, and .915 SV%, reflecting solid relief and spot-start performances amid competition from primary starters like in 2011 and in 2014. He has no other senior international appearances, including the Olympics, where NHL participation ended after 2014 and Reimer was not selected for Canada's 2014 roster dominated by established NHL starters.

Playing Style

Technical Attributes and Performance Characteristics

James Reimer employs a butterfly goaltending style, dropping to his knees to seal the lower net with flared pads while maintaining square positioning to challenge shooters' angles. This approach relies on precise depth control and quick post adjustments to cover cross-crease passes, fundamentals that enable efficient coverage against low-to-mid shots. His mechanics emphasize controlled aggression in the crease, minimizing unnecessary movements to preserve energy for lateral slides, which facilitate rapid post-to-post transitions on odd-man rushes. Reimer's standout technical attribute is his glove hand, renowned for exceptional tracking and reaction speed, allowing spectacular robberies on high-slot redirects and breakaways, as evidenced by multiple highlight saves including a diving snag on in 2017 and a behind-the-back grab on in 2024. Quick lateral mobility complements this, supporting strong performances in high-danger scenarios through proactive puck challenges rather than passive stacking. However, empirical analyses highlight control as a persistent weakness, with saved pucks frequently directed into slot-adjacent areas, increasing secondary shot volume and exposing defensive lapses. Over his career, Reimer has shown variability in workload tolerance, excelling in short bursts with above-average save rates but struggling with consistency under high-volume fire, particularly post-30 where Fenwick save percentages dipped below league averages in seasons like 2022-23. This aligns with causal factors like accumulated wear from dives, contributing to reduced rebound absorption and slower recovery slides. Following early-career injuries, including concussions, he evolved toward a more conservative crease management, incorporating paddle-down positioning for wraparound threats and refined for mental resilience, which stabilized performance in backup roles but limited starter .

Awards and Honors

Professional and International Accolades

Reimer earned the June M. Kelly Award as the of the 2009 ECHL playoffs, where he posted a 2.17 goals-against average and .929 save percentage across eight games, helping the secure the championship. In the NHL, Reimer has not received major individual honors such as nominations, reflecting his career as a reliable but non-dominant starter or backup goaltender. He was nominated by the for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2013, recognizing perseverance following injuries and performance challenges, and again by the in 2020 for dedication amid career transitions and the disruptions. Internationally, Reimer represented at the , appearing in four games with a 2.04 goals-against average and .920 save percentage as the team captured bronze; he returned for the 2014 tournament, though finished outside the medals. These selections underscore limited elite-level international exposure compared to starting goaltenders on medal-contending rosters, consistent with his backup roles in club play.

Public Controversies

Pride Night Refusal (2023)

On March 18, 2023, during the San Jose Sharks' Pride Night game against the New York Islanders, goaltender James Reimer opted out of pre-game warmups to avoid wearing the team's Pride-themed jersey, which supported LGBTQ+ causes under the NHL's Hockey Is for Everyone initiative. In a statement released by the Sharks, Reimer explained his decision stemmed from Christian convictions, stating, "In this specific instance, I am choosing not to endorse something that is counter to my personal convictions, which are based on the Bible, the highest standard in my life," while emphasizing that his choice reflected no hatred toward any group and aligned with his belief in loving all people as per biblical principles. He noted this was consistent with his 13-year NHL career of living according to Christian faith, not merely in title. The incident drew polarized reactions. Critics, including LGBTQ+ advocacy groups like Athlete Ally and former NHL executive Brian Burke, condemned Reimer's action as exclusionary and harmful to inclusivity efforts, with some media outlets framing it as politically motivated rather than purely religious and arguing it alienated fans. Openly gay NHL prospect expressed disappointment over perceived lack of support from peers. Supporters, including religious freedom organizations such as the , praised Reimer for upholding conscience rights and highlighted perceived inconsistencies in demands for tolerance, noting that similar accommodations for dissenting views were often absent in mainstream discourse. coverage, which tends to reflect institutional biases favoring progressive narratives, predominantly emphasized criticism while downplaying affirmations of personal liberty. The Sharks issued a statement affirming their commitment to Pride Night and inclusiveness but respecting players' individual choices based on faith or beliefs, with no reported internal conflict or demands for Reimer to conform. The NHL imposed no discipline on Reimer, mirroring the handling of Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov's similar refusal on January 17, 2023, where he cited Russian Orthodox beliefs to skip warmups. Empirical data from these cases showed no measurable fan backlash in terms of attendance declines; Sharks' home games post-incident maintained typical figures without boycotts materializing, underscoring that vocal online outrage often fails to translate to causal impacts on gate revenue or viewership.

Personal Life

Family and Background

James Reimer was born on March 15, 1988, in , to parents Harold and Marlene Reimer. His father operated a business specializing in moving homes, while the family resided on a in the nearby rural hamlet of Morweena, approximately two-and-a-half hours north of . Reimer grew up alongside his older brother Mark, three years his senior, with the siblings developing an early interest in hockey through play on a backyard rink fashioned by their parents amid the harsh winters. This familial setup in a remote agricultural community provided foundational access to the sport despite limited local infrastructure, fostering Reimer's initial skills before organized minor hockey in Arborg. Reimer completed his secondary education at Morweena Christian High School. He married (née Dalman) in 2010, having met her at a junior hockey game in , ; the couple has two daughters, Nevaeh Adelyn May (born 2017) and Hope (born 2019). Reimer has maintained ties to his Manitoba roots through community initiatives, notably partnering in 2016 to fund an affordable introductory hockey program in Arborg for children aged 4 to 7—mirroring the town where he played minor hockey and addressing barriers to participation in rural areas with costs typically around $300 per season reduced to about $30. This effort, known as "Hockey with Reims," emphasizes accessibility for participants of all backgrounds in his hometown region.

Religious Beliefs and Public Expression

Reimer identifies as a born-again evangelical Christian, having grown up in a Mennonite community and maintaining an active involvement in church life throughout his professional career. He has publicly described his as central to his identity, stating in a 2018 interview with Hockey Ministries International that he seeks to honor God through his hockey talents, viewing them as divine gifts as referenced in :29. This commitment includes regular participation in a faith community, such as the church he attends in San Jose to sustain his spiritual focus amid the NHL schedule. Reimer's has manifested in personal rituals and public testimonies, including open discussions of study and reliance on Christian principles for guidance. In a profile, he emphasized never straying from church involvement and affirmed his "" status, crediting his upbringing for instilling a consistent avoidance of non-Christian lifestyles. During career challenges, such as the performance struggles following his , Reimer has attributed resilience to his , noting in reflections that it provided unwavering support when he "couldn't stop a puck for the life of me" after returning to play. These accounts highlight faith's causal role in his perseverance, independent of external validation. Public expressions of his beliefs have included appearances at Christian hockey events, where Reimer shares how faith informs daily decisions and teammate interactions, fostering perceptions of him as a principled figure in media coverage from faith-oriented outlets. He has consistently articulated that following Christ shapes his approach to life, prioritizing scriptural obedience over secular pressures, as evidenced in interviews emphasizing personal accountability to God.

Career Statistics

Regular Season and Playoffs

James Reimer's NHL regular season career spans 15 seasons from 2010–11 to 2024–25, accumulating 225 wins, 189 losses, and 65 ties/overtime losses in 545 games played, with a 2.89 goals-against average (GAA), .911 save percentage (SV%), and 30 shutouts over 31,196 minutes. His performance varied by team, with stronger statistical outputs in Carolina (2.66 GAA) and Toronto (2.86 GAA) compared to later stints in Detroit (3.11 GAA) and Anaheim/Buffalo (3.04 GAA).
TeamYearsGPWLT/OTLGAASV%SHO
2010–20162078576232.86.91411
2016, 2021–2023993740182.95.9117
2016–20191235342162.87.9117
2019–202147291142.66.9103
2021–2022207742.66.9221
2023–20242511823.11.9042
/ 2024–202524101023.04.8961
Career Totals-545225189652.89.91130
In the playoffs, Reimer appeared in 11 games across three postseason runs, posting a 5–5 record, 2.67 GAA, and .923 SV%, outperforming his regular-season SV% and indicating resilience under pressure. His most extensive playoff experience came in 2013 with the Maple Leafs, where he started all seven games en route to the conference quarterfinals, recording 3 wins, 4 losses, a 2.87 GAA, and .923 SV% over 438 minutes. Limited appearances followed in 2016 with San Jose (1 , 2.06 GAA) and 2020 with Carolina (3 , 2.36 GAA, 2 wins).

International Statistics

Reimer's international experience for was confined to two IIHF World Championships, in 2011 and 2014, where he appeared in eight games total, reflecting a limited sample size compared to his extensive NHL career. In these appearances, he posted a 7-1 record, underscoring solid but brief exposure to senior international competition.
YearTournamentGPWLGAASV%SO
2011WC4402.04.9200
2014WC4312.20.9110
Total8712.12.9160
Canada's 2011 tournament ended in the quarterfinals with a 2-1 loss to after Reimer's four preliminary-round starts. In , the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals by (3-2), having opened with an upset loss to despite Reimer's early contributions. These outcomes placed Canada outside medal contention both years, with Reimer's stats aligning with the team's transitional group-stage successes but playoff shortcomings.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.