Veteran goalie James Reimer signs a PTO contract today

Veteran NHL goaltender James Reimer is getting another opportunity to continue his professional hockey career after signing a professional tryout (PTO) contract with the Hartford Wolf Pack, the American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Rangers, today. The 38-year-old netminder will join Hartford this weekend as he looks to work his way back into the NHL picture after spending last season with the Ottawa Senators.

Reimer is certainly no stranger to the NHL, having built an impressive career spanning 16 seasons and eight different organizations. Originally selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fourth round of the 2006 NHL Draft, the Manitoba native made his NHL debut in December 2010 and eventually became a familiar face to hockey fans across North America.

Reimer's time in Toronto included some memorable moments, particularly during the 2012-13 season, when he helped the Maple Leafs return to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade. He developed a reputation as a competitive goaltender capable of delivering big performances, even when playing behind teams that struggled defensively.

Following his departure from Toronto, Reimer continued his career with the Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, Anaheim Ducks and, most recently, the Senators. His ability to provide experienced goaltending and serve as a reliable veteran presence helped him remain in the NHL long after many players from his draft class had retired.

Through the end of the 2025-26 season, Reimer had appeared in 539 regular-season NHL games, compiling a 232-191-67 record, a .909 save percentage, a 2.87 goals-against average and 32 shutouts. Those numbers reflect a lengthy career spent handling the demands of being an NHL goaltender, often in challenging circumstances.

However, Reimer's recent career has been a little more complicated.

During the 2024-25 campaign, he split his time between Buffalo and Anaheim. He performed reasonably well with the Sabres, recording a 10-8-2 record, a 2.90 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage across 22 appearances. His brief stint with the Ducks was less successful, as he went 0-2-0 with a 4.50 goals-against average in two starts.

Reimer subsequently signed a professional tryout with the Belleville Senators in January 2026 after representing Canada at the Spengler Cup in Switzerland. His initial opportunity in the Ottawa organization quickly turned into an NHL contract, as the Senators signed him to a one-year deal worth $850,000.

Reimer appeared in 14 games for Ottawa during the 2025-26 season, posting a 7-4-2 record, a .886 save percentage, a 2.42 goals-against average and one shutout. Although his save percentage left something to be desired, he provided the Senators with valuable depth during a season in which the club needed additional options in goal.

Now, Reimer finds himself back in the AHL, hoping to prove that he still has something left to offer.

For the Rangers, bringing in a goaltender with Reimer's experience provides additional depth and insurance at the position. For Reimer, the PTO represents another chance to stay sharp, demonstrate his abilities and potentially earn another NHL opportunity.

At 38 years old, Reimer is approaching the twilight of his career, but his lengthy NHL résumé suggests he shouldn't be counted out just yet. Whether this latest opportunity in Hartford leads to another NHL appearance remains to be seen, but the veteran goaltender clearly isn't ready to walk away from the game.