Former Senators Goalie Placed On Waivers After Just One Period Of NHL Action

James Reimer's latest NHL opportunity didn’t go nearly as well as his time with the Senators last season. The veteran goaltender was placed on waivers by the New York Rangers after just one period of action .

For Senators fans, it's a sharp contrast to how things went for Reimer last season when he effectively stepped in to give the club solid support when it needed help between the pipes.

He was never expected to be a long-term solution here, but when Linus Ullmark stepped away on a personal leave of absence for mental health, and backup Leevi Merilainen struggled, Reimer provided some timely saves in a supporting role.

His brief time with the Rangers has been a different story.

Reimer signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Blueshirts on October 25, as the Rangers scrambled to deal with injuries.

With Igor Shesterkin sidelined for the season following a knee injury and former Senators goalie Joonas Korpisalo also out, the Rangers were looking for someone who could take some of the workload off their starter for the moment, Dylan Garand.

Reimer got his opportunity the following night against the Los Angeles Kings, but it didn't last long. He gave up three goals on eight shots in the opening period and was pulled after 20 minutes.

The Rangers went on to lose 6-3. Reimer hasn't played since.

On Thursday, just 11 days after signing him, the Rangers placed him on waivers.

It's a disappointing development for a goalie who had given the Senators some much-needed stability earlier in this calendar year.

In 14 appearances with the Senators, Reimer posted a 7-4-2 record, a 2.42 goals-against average and an .886 save percentage, along with one shutout. He stabilized the position and generally made the saves he was supposed to make, giving the Senators a chance to win on most nights.

His final start with the Senators came on April 15, when he made 19 stops in a 3-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The timing of Thursday's waiver move suggests the Rangers are preparing for Korpisalo's return. If Reimer goes unclaimed, the Rangers can assign him to the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, where he'll still make his full NHL salary.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News Ottawa