Manitoba's James Reimer to Explore Free Agency

James Reimer and The San Jose Sharks have once again decided to part ways.

The Sharks and their No. 1 backstop will not be renewing acquaintances for the 2023-24 season, as the Morweena, Manitoba product has elected to test free agency. 

According to THN's Max Miller, this was thought to be the case after Sharks' GM Mike Grier's comments during his exit interview.

"If I'm being honest, I would say we probably won't bring back the same goalie tandem as we had this year," Grier said back in April.

Reimer's agent, Ray Petkau, confirmed to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun on Monday.

"Mike and the team there absolutely love Reims, but given where they're at, it made sense for them to let him go. But he loved his time in San Jose," Petkau said.

This is actually the second time that Reimer and the Sharks have decided to separate. After trading for him prior to their Stanley Cup Finals berth in 2016, San Jose cut Reimer loose, to which he signed with Florida. 

He then opted to sign back in California for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, to which he has successfully fulfilled his contract obligations and is able to sign wherever he so chooses.

A team in need of one or possibly two netminders is the Winnipeg Jets. Situated in Reimer's home province, Winnipeg could be a possible destination for the 35-year-old. 

With Connor Hellebuyck expected to be dealt and David Rittich likely walking via free agency, the Jets will need to restock the crease. Reimer's name can be added to a growing list already including the likes of possible trade acquisitions John Gibson, and Carter Hart, as well as free agents Frederik Andersen, Tristan Jarry, Alex Nedeljkovic, Martin Jones and Alex Lyon.

In two years with the Sharks, Reimer owned a .903 save percentage and a 3.05 goals against average in 95 starts. His numbers are not all that bad considering the caliber of team rostered in front of him.