Rangers make surprise move to bring in possible Igor Shesterkin replacement
Photo credit: USA TODAY Sports
Veteran goalie James Reimer signed a PTO with the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Rangers' AHL affiliate. The 38-year-old spent last season with Ottawa.
James Reimer is back in the AHL.
The veteran goaltender signed a professional tryout agreement with the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Rangers' minor league affiliate, and the move was reported Thursday.
Before anyone gets carried away, this is not an official Shesterkin replacement yet.
Igor Shesterkin is out for the season, so what this does is give the Rangers another experienced body in the goalie pipeline.
What Reimer brings to Hartford
Reimer is 38 and owns a career record of 232-191-67 with a 2.88 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage.
Toronto drafted him 99th overall in 2006, and he has since suited up for eight NHL teams.
He joined the Ottawa Senators midway through last season and went 7-4-1 with a 2.42 goals-against average and an .886 save percentage.
He did not play in their four-game first-round loss to Carolina.
He is coming off a one-year, $850,000 deal.
Why this matters for the Rangers
Shesterkin is normally the unquestioned starter, but he missed 13 games last season with a lower-body injury, and is now out for the entire season.
The Rangers acquired Joonas Korpisalo from Boston on July 1, and he's also hurt, and they gave Dylan Garand a two-year extension.
Reimer is more insurance who can stay sharp in Hartford and come to the NHL if needed.
Hartford is off to a rough start, too.
The Wolf Pack have lost three straight, the latest a 4-1 decision against Lehigh Valley, after finishing 26-38-5-3 last season and missing the Calder Cup Playoffs.
A steady veteran in the crease could help.
Reimer has been around long enough to know how this works.
A strong showing could earn him a look from another club, or even a call from New York.
At worst, he gets to prove he still belongs.
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