James Reimer
Canadian goaltender who has played for eight NHL teams, drafted by Toronto.
James Reimer (born March 15, 1988) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played 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.
- Role
- Goaltender
- Affiliation
- NHL (No CBG Games)
- First appears
- 2019-2020 Trade Rumors
- Status
- Active/Retired (Varies by Source)
Lore & Background
Reimer 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. 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.
In Their Own Story
The arena lights hummed low over Nationwide Arena as fans debated the latest trade deadline rumors on social media. A name kept popping up in the comment section, a veteran goalie known for his calm demeanor and butterfly style. Yet, when the roster was finalized, the jersey remained empty of that number, leaving Reimer's potential impact forever relegated to the realm of speculation rather than game tape.
Reader's Guide
Reimer plays for Canada internationally, and first represented his country at the 2011 World Championship.
Did You Know?
- Reimer started playing goaltender when his older brother, Mark, needed practice shooting but had no goaltender.
- He did not play organized hockey until he was 12.
- Reimer was named Rookie of the Month for March 2011.
- He earned the nicknames 'Optimus Reim' and 'The Statue' during his rookie NHL season.
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