The Toronto Maple Leafs signed James Reimer to a professional tryout, the team announced Friday.
The move brings the 37-year-old goalie back to where his NHL career started. Toronto drafted Reimer in the fourth round of the 2006 NHL Draft.
He spent his first six NHL seasons with the Maple Leafs from 2006 to 2012.
Reimer posted an .896 save percentage in 24 appearances last season split between the Anaheim Ducks and Buffalo Sabres. Over his 15-year NHL career, he’s maintained a .910 save percentage.
The signing addresses immediate depth concerns in Toronto’s goalie room.
Joseph Woll is currently on a leave of absence to attend to a family matter. That leaves Anthony Stolarz as the primary option and Dennis Hildeby as the backup.
Hildeby has just six games of NHL experience.
Reimer’s tryout gives the Maple Leafs veteran insurance while Woll handles his family situation. The timing provides Toronto with a familiar face who knows the organization during a period when goalie depth has become an immediate concern.
The professional tryout allows both sides to evaluate the fit without a long-term commitment.
