It looks like James Reimer's NHL career is now over

James Reimer's brief return to the NHL with the New York Rangers has turned into a nightmare, and the veteran goaltender's time with the organization could already be coming to an end.

After signing a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Rangers on October 25, Reimer has reportedly been placed on waivers by the club, bringing a disappointing chapter of his NHL career into focus.

The 38-year-old initially appeared to be a worthwhile addition for New York, particularly after the team lost superstar goaltender Igor Shesterkin to a season-ending injury. Reimer had impressed during his brief stint with the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, recording a 35-save shutout in his only appearance with the organization.

However, the transition back to the NHL could hardly have gone worse.

Reimer's Rangers debut came on October 26 against the Los Angeles Kings, and it was an absolute disaster. The veteran netminder surrendered three goals on just eight shots during the opening period, including goals on the first two shots he faced. Head coach Mike Sullivan had seen enough and pulled Reimer before the start of the second period, turning what was supposed to be a night off for rookie Dylan Garand into another appearance for the young goaltender. The Rangers eventually lost 6-3.

Things got even worse when Reimer was subsequently listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury, leaving the Rangers with another goaltending headache.

Now, with Reimer reportedly being placed on waivers, his brief opportunity in New York appears to have reached an unfortunate conclusion.

It's a particularly disappointing outcome for a goaltender who has enjoyed a lengthy NHL career, appearing in 539 regular-season games and compiling 232 wins, 32 shutouts and a career .909 save percentage.

At 38 years old, Reimer was hoping to prove that he still had something left to offer an NHL organization. Unfortunately, his Rangers audition lasted just one game, and it is difficult to imagine how things could have gone much worse.