Ducks Place James Reimer on Waivers

The 36-year-old goaltender was acquired via waiver claim from the Buffalo Sabres on Oct. 7.

With goaltender John Gibson fully recovered from his emergency appendectomy, the Ducks have placed James Reimer on waivers.

Reimer joined the Ducks after being claimed off waivers from the Buffalo Sabres before the start of the season. He appeared in two games this season for the Ducks—both starts—and had a 0-2-0 record with a .864 SV% and 4.50 GAA.

Both of Reimer’s starts came in the backend of back-to-back’s, spelling Lukáš Dostál. Reimer looked comfortable enough in his first game as a Duck, making 29 saves against the Vegas Golden Knights. His reads on the initial shot attempts were fine, but his rebound control left a little more to be desired. He deserved a better fate in the 3-1 loss.

His second start was not as forgiving, as he allowed six goals to the New Jersey Devils. Overall, it was a flat performance from the Ducks and one of their worst games of the season so far.

It’s possible that the Sabres may re-claim Reimer off waivers, much like the Winnipeg Jets did this morning by re-claiming Kappo Kähkönen from the Colorado Avalanche.

If Reimer clears waivers, he will be reassigned to the San Diego Gulls and provide a veteran presence in the goalie rotation, much like Alex Stalock did last season. Calle Clang and Oscar Dansk are currently operating as the AHL tandem, though neither has grabbed a convincing hold of the starter’s net.

By waiving Reimer, the Ducks now have an open roster spot to carry an extra skater. With Mason McTavish (upper-body) and Cam Fowler (upper-body) currently out, a roster move can now be made to shore up depth.