The Toronto Maple Leafs Announced on Friday That they signed veteran -goalkeeper James Reimer for a professional try -out (PTO). The signing was announced, just a few days after it was learned that Joseph Woll was kicking away from the team for personal reasons. The two news items that are apparently announced together praised about the duration of the absence of Woll.
Reimer’s signing “does not suggest anything”
The immediate response of fans when the Reimer signing ideally seemed to be timed with the departure of Woll, was that the two events were connected. Despite the appearance, head coach Craig Berube was quick to clarify that Reimer’s signing is not related to the situation of Woll. “No, it doesn’t suggest anything,” Said Berube When asked whether the addition indicated concern about the fact that Woll was in the long term. “It’s just depth.”
Berube has never met Reimner personally, but he praised the goalkeeper and his NHL experience. “He is a NHL keeper. He has been a NHL keeper,” said the Mauple Leafs head coach. The expectation is that Reimer will join the Leafs on Saturday and will mainly serve as a short -term insurance.
Everything can happen from there.
If Reimer is on his head while Woll is gone, that is a positive coincidence, little more.
Would the Leafs have made this Reimer signing?
The signing remains a pattern for Toronto to turn to experienced goalkeepers to cover holes in their roster. When Athlon Sports points outDuring the 2022-23 season, the Leafs trusted Matt Murray in a back-uprol. During the 2023-24 campaign, Martin Jones filled in the midst of injuries to Woll and Ilya Samsonov. This is hardly the first time that the Leafs has added another keeper, in case that.
Reimer’s PTO offers a cost-effective solution for the 2025-26 season, while Top perspective Dennis Hildreby continues his development, and the now supposed starter Anthony Stolarz remains in negotiations with the team on an extension.
Related: NHL Rumors: Barkov Out, Reimer joins Maple Leafs, Wallman Close
For Toronto, Reimer brings in to bring in someone who knows the organization well. He was prepared by Toronto in 2006 and spent six seasons with the team. He was a Playoff goal defender for them and played 207 games in the regular season, placing a .914 savings percentage, against an average of 2.83 goals. What he still left in the tank remains unclear, but he played well with a struggling Buffalo Sabres team more than 22 games in 2024-25, and if necessary there were few options that were better suited to connect a hole if the Leafs thought they had one.
Reimer understands what this is. He has traveled around the NHL and plays for six NHL teams since his last Stint with the Maple Leafs. At this point in his career, he gets that he is working on the spot and that his run with the organization might be a short one. His signing of a PTO in Toronto does not guarantee him. At the same time, a door can be open, depending on what happens with the net -loving situation of the team.
To call Reimer a replacement for Woll, would be premature. And if Woll is in the long term for some reason, the Leafs may need a larger upgrade than Reimer. For now, Berube seems to indicate that Reimer is not only a quick solution or a temporary solution, but more a possible plan C that was possible on the Toronto radar, regardless of what happens to Woll.
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