New Sabres Goalie Is Sneaky Good Addition

written by Alexander September 14, 2024 0 comment

Earlier this offseason, the Buffalo Sabres signed veteran goaltender James Reimer to a one-year, $1 million contract. While this was one of the Sabres’ more low-key moves this summer, it has the potential to be a good one for Buffalo.

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Reimer, 36, simply gives the Sabres more depth on the court. At the very least, he’ll give the Sabres an experienced third-line goalie to have around when injuries inevitably arise during the season. However, he also provides them with a more than serviceable option for the backup role if youngster Devon Levi ends up needing a bit more time at the AHL level with the Rochester Americans.

Reimer proved last season with the Detroit Red Wings that he can still work quite well off the bench. In 25 games with the Original Six club, he had an 11-8-2 record, a .904 save percentage (SV%) and a 3.11 goals-against average (GAA). Additionally, he has had a .900 save percentage (SV%) or better in 13 of his 14 NHL seasons. So, he has been fairly consistent throughout his career.

James Reimer <p>© Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images</p> <p>” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/c3FTkGS5Xw2KDGdZSJjyCA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_hockey_news_buffalo_sabres_articles_890/f4c1b 3c8cde66ab2354e5997fa8ef79c”/><noscript><img alt= — James Reimer
© Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

In addition to still being useful at this point in his career, Reimer should also be a good mentor for rising stars Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Levi. As mentioned above, he has carved out a long career in the NHL, so it could be good to have him around as the two youngsters continue to develop their games.

With a $1 million salary cap hit, Reimer has the potential to be an excellent low-risk signing for the Sabres. It will be fun to see what kind of season he puts together from here for Buffalo.