Top Choices for James Reimer's Late Signing Spots in the 2025 NHL Free Agency Market

James Reimer, a veteran goaltender with a rich NHL history, could find himself back in the league after a brief stint with the San Jose Sharks. Reimer, who was drafted 99th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2006 NHL Draft, spent his first three seasons with the team before being traded to the Florida Panthers.

After three campaigns with the Panthers, Reimer was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in 2016. In Carolina, he played just 47 games over two seasons, but managed a respectable 2.66 goals against average and a save percentage over .906. His tenure with the Hurricanes ended in free agency, and he returned to the San Jose Sharks.

The Hurricanes have kept their goalie lineup the same for the upcoming season, with Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov returning. Kochetkov had a strong 2024-25 season, with a record of 27-16-3, a 2.60 goals against average, and an .898 save percentage. Andersen also had a solid season, with a record of 13-8-1, a 2.50 goals against average, and an .899 save percentage.

However, Andersen has a history of missing time due to injuries, including a blood-clotting issue in 2023-24 and knee surgery in the 2024-25 season. This has led to minor league goaltenders filling in for Andersen in the past, with Spencer Martin, Dustin Tokarski, and Yaniv Perets all seeing NHL action. The result was a poor record of 7-6-1, a goal against average over 3.00, and an .869 save percentage.

A reunion with the Carolina Hurricanes could make sense for Reimer as a potential team for his NHL career. The Toronto Maple Leafs, who currently have two strong starting goaltenders in Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz, could also benefit from Reimer's experience. The Maple Leafs lack options in their AHL affiliate and Reimer's return could provide much-needed depth.

The Edmonton Oilers, who have been struggling with goaltending issues, could also be a potential destination for Reimer. The combination of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard has a 2.87 goals against average and a .897 save percentage in the regular season, but struggled in the playoffs with a 3.32 goals against average and a .888 save percentage. The Oilers have nowhere to go outside of Skinner and Pickard for goaltending options, as their four other goaltenders under contract have no NHL experience.

Signing Reimer could give the Oilers depth if playoff struggles come again. A reunion with the Maple Leafs could also be on the cards, as Reimer has been connected to them this offseason. Regardless of where he ends up, Reimer's experience and solid performance make him a quality depth option for teams who need it, especially if a starting goaltender misses time due to injury or poor performance.

Top Choices for James Reimer's Late Signing Spots in the 2025 NHL Free Agency Market