If James Reimer chooses to return for the 2025-26 NHL season, he will have options. Reimer signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres last July, and when Ukko-Pekka Luukonen and Devon Levi won the goaltending spots to start the season, the veteran netminder was placed on waivers and was claimed by the Anaheim Ducks.
In November, Luukkonen was shelved with a short-term injury, and coincidentally, Reimer once again became available because Ducks goalie John Gibson returned from injury. The Sabres claimed the netminder off waivers from the Ducks, and once Luukkonen return, it was decided to send Levi down to Rochester for the balance of the season.
The 37-year-old Manitoba native provided the Sabres with strong play this past season, to the point that head coach Lindy Ruff ran with him as the starter the last three weeks of the season. Reimer finished with a 10-8-2 record, 2.85 GAA, and .901 save%.
“He played great hockey”, Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said. I have nothing but admiration for the year he had. To get picked up, to end up in Anaheim, to come back to being a big part of putying together a nice run for us.”
The 15-year vet’s numbers included a run of seven straight wins, which was a career best. As the season came to a close, Reimer remained open-minded regarding next season.
“I really enjoyed playing hockey this year and every year I love the game” Reimer said, but there comes a time when it’s gonna be done. I feel like me and my wife and kiddos for the last couple of years, we’ve be taking it one year at a time. I think that’s kind of the mindset here.”
Reimer provided a valuable example for a still youthful locker room. He showed his teammates what it takes to maintain a career as an NHL player.
“He gave our club alot of confidence,” Ruff said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him have a bad day. He’s a consummate pro and every day he was there. Whether it was practice, whether it was game day. The reason he’s still playing at his age is he’s taken care of himself. You look at his career stats, pretty impressive. You’ve gotta give him a lot of credit.”
“I had some really special moments here with these guys and this team,” Reimer said of his season with Buffal
Going forward, Buffalo will likely not be an option, but Reimer can still play. There is a spot out there for him as a reliable NHL backup. With all that he delivered this season, no doubt his phone will be ringing come July 1st.
It”s been a really enjoyable career, said Reimer. I’ve been really blessed to have lived my dreams. I’ve always tried to treat it like a gift and make the most of it so we’ll see what the future holds.”
Follow Dave on X @DaveNHL
On Facebook at: dave.reichert@facebook.com
On bluesky@davenhl.bsky.social
Great insight about Reimer! He made the end of the season very exciting… hopefully a glimpse into the future!