James Reimer hits rock bottom after latest Rangers decision
Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The New York Rangers have placed goaltender James Reimer on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination, according to Daily Faceoff. The move on Saturday closes what may be one of the shortest stints of his long NHL career.
Reimer first went on regular waivers Thursday, a step that cleared room for Joonas Korpisalo as he nears a return from injury.
The 38-year-old had signed a one-year deal worth $850,000 on Oct. 25, after the Rangers' crease was hit by a wave of injuries early in the 2026-27 season.
A Short and Rough Stay on Broadway
Reimer made just one appearance for New York. He was pulled after the first period, having allowed three goals on eight shots in a 6-3 loss to the Los Angeles Kings.
Before joining the club, he had turned heads with the Hartford Wolf Pack, stopping 35 shots in a shutout against Providence, which made him the oldest goalie to post an AHL shutout in nearly two decades.
Igor Shesterkin's season-ending knee injury and Korpisalo's absence had forced the Rangers to lean heavily on Dylan Garand. With Korpisalo close to rejoining the team, the club no longer needed the extra body.
What Comes Next for Reimer
Unconditional waivers are typically used when a team wants to terminate or buy out a contract. If Reimer clears, the Rangers can end his deal, and he would be free to sign elsewhere.
Reimer has appeared in more than 500 NHL games across nine organizations since Toronto drafted him in the fourth round in 2006. He built that longevity as the dependable veteran teams call when injuries strike. Last season he went 7-4-2 in 14 games with Ottawa.
Teams rarely claim goalies his age off waivers, and the number of emergency roles shrinks with every passing year.
Still, Reimer has repeatedly found work when a club suddenly needs a steady hand, and another injury crisis around the league could create a new opening.
For now, the Rangers have moved on, and Korpisalo's return signals a fresh chapter in their goaltending picture.
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