In a surprising move, the Ottawa Senators have signed veteran goaltender James Reimer to an AHL tryout, potentially adding an experienced player to their roster. But is this a wise decision or a desperate move?
With their primary goaltender Linus Ullmark on a personal leave of absence, the Senators are in a tricky situation. The recent call-up of Mads Søgaard and the current backup, Leevi Merilainen, couldn't prevent a crushing defeat against Colorado, conceding eight goals. Merilainen's performance this season has been underwhelming, with a 6-8 record and an .868 goals-against-average.
Enter James Reimer, a 37-year-old veteran who was linked to Ottawa just days ago. After failing to secure a contract with Toronto earlier, Reimer gets a chance to prove himself again. He will temporarily join the AHL's Belleville Senators, but the plan is clear: to provide NHL-level support.
Belleville's current goaltender, Hunter Shepard, has been solid but not exceptional. With the team struggling at 23rd in the AHL, despite having a top scorer in Arthur Kaliyev, the Senators are taking a calculated risk. Reimer's NHL experience of over 500 games could be the stabilizing factor they need.
And here's where it gets intriguing: if Reimer plays for Ottawa, it will be his eighth NHL club. The Senators are hoping for a quick solution to their goaltending woes, and Reimer's patience might just pay off. But is this a long-term fix or a temporary band-aid? Only time will tell.
What do you think of this move by the Senators? Is James Reimer the right choice, or should they have pursued other options? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
