New York Rangers sign polarizing goalie to replace Igor Shesterkin
Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The New York Rangers have found their veteran safety net. James Reimer signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with the club on Sunday, according to Mollie Walker of the New York Post, after earning the deal through an impressive tryout in Hartford.
Reimer, 38, joined the organization on a professional tryout with the AHL's Wolf Pack and made his lone appearance count. He stopped 35 shots in a shutout, making him the oldest goalie to blank an opponent in the AHL since 2008.
That performance convinced New York to release him from the tryout and give him an NHL contract.
Why the Rangers Needed Help
The timing is no accident. Igor Shesterkin is done for the season after a knee injury on Oct. 9, and Joonas Korpisalo remains on injured reserve with a lower-body issue expected to keep him out for about a month.
That left 24-year-old Dylan Garand shouldering the starter's workload, with Spencer Martin serving as his backup.
Reimer is now expected to take over the backup job, at least until Korpisalo is healthy. That gives Garand a seasoned partner in the crease and gives the Rangers a goalie who has seen nearly everything the league can throw at a netminder.
What Reimer Brings
Across a 16-year career, Reimer has played for the Maple Leafs, Sharks, Panthers, Hurricanes, Red Wings, Ducks, Sabres and Senators.
Last season in Ottawa, he posted a 2.42 goals-against average and an .886 save percentage in 14 appearances. The numbers are modest, but so is the price.
At $850,000, the Rangers are taking almost no financial risk on a one-year commitment. If Reimer stays sharp, he can stabilize the backup spot and ease the burden on a young starter. If he falters, New York can pivot without much pain.
It also marks a remarkable turnaround for Reimer himself. He went unsigned over the summer and appeared to be nearing the end of the road, yet a single sparkling night in the AHL has him back in the NHL for at least one more season.
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