Maple Leafs make a decision on goalie James Reimer

This just in from NHL insider Darren Dreger, the Toronto Maple Leafs have released veteran goaltender James Reimer from his professional tryout (PTO) contract.

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As Dreger says, Reimer is hoping to resurface with another NHL team but it's believed that Reimer's unwillingness to accept an AHL assignment is hindering his ability to find NHL employment. In short, he's probably not good enough for the NHL anymore but he refuses to accept an AHL assignment. If I were a betting man, I'd bet that this is the end of the road for the 37 year old netminder.

And, if that's the case... what better place to wrap up his career than with a short stint with the Leafs? After all, it was the Leafs who drafted him way back in 2006 and gave him his first taste of NHL action. Now nearly 20 years later it looks like the Leafs are sending him off into the sunset.

If this is indeed the end, Reimer can hang his head high. He managed to stick around the NHL for nearly two decades despite never really establishing himself as a starting #1 goaltender. The most games he ever played in a single season was 48 for the San Jose Sharks back in 2021-22. In total he managed 525 games with the Leafs, Sharks, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks.