A new statement has unveiled that the career of a longtime NHL goaltender is expected to be coming to an end.
On Saturday, October 4, the Detroit Red Wings took a 6-5 overtime win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in preseason action.
During this match, the Toronto Maple Leafs had James Reimer represented in net for the first time in over nine years.
Reimer was signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs on a professional tryout (PTO) amid Joseph Woll's indefinite absence due to a personal matter.
Due to this, Reimer stepped in for the full second half of the game in relief of Dennis Hildeby, where he accumulated 24 saves on 28 shots.
Despite the final verdict not favoring him, as this net minder was thrown into an extremely busy situation very early, he quickly made three saves within his first 90 seconds of action.
Additionally, none of the goals he had surrendered were at an even strength, as all four of these goals were either on the Red Wings' power play or with six Detroit skaters on ice.
«I thought overall I felt pretty good and made a couple mistakes. But... you try and give yourself some grace when it's your first touch in a while,» Reimer said. «I thought I was able to settle in pretty quick and I was seeing the puck for the most part... It was fun to put the sweater on again».
Although the Red Wings ultimately got the best of this goaltender, it is still uncertain whether or not this veteran will be making the cut or if this marks the end of his professional hockey career.
But according to him, it sounds like it's all but confirmed to be done.
"I'm going to take it minute by minute, I guess, and we'll see what happens,» Reimer said. «I think, like I said early on in the week, it was a joy to come here, and we'll see what happens-what decisions get made, and what the need is, and what they think they need going forward. So we'll see how that goes, and we'll find out together».
While the Leafs are currently preparing to pare down their roster in time for Monday's regular season deadline at 5 p.m. ET, they will need to make a major decision in nets, and in the meantime, Reimer will have to wait for a final decision.