3 Potential Free-Agent Destinations for James Reimer
While James Reimer is set to hit the free-agent market on July 1, there's currently no word yet if the 36-year-old netminder is considering playing another season. Reimer spent last season with the Detroit Red Wings and posted a 11-8-2 record along with a 3.11 GAA.
If Reimer does come back next season, and carries on with his NHL career which has seen him appear in 501 games to this point, look for him to battle for a backup position. These three teams could show some interest:
Winnipeg Jets
Reimer makes a ton of sense for the Jets as he has starting experience, can sub in periodically for Connor Hellebuyck and he'd come with a cheap cap hit. The Jets only have $13.6 million in cap space and are going to have to sign five or six players. Adding a veteran goalie on the cheap is something Kevin Cheveldayoff will be very interested in come July.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pens are in the same boat, they don't have much for cap space, they have several holes to fill and they are in need of a veteran backup netminder. Reimer has some ties to Pittsburgh via Jason Spezza and Kyle Dubas but the only thing to consider here is the fact Dubas has admitted he'd like to make his roster younger. Adding an aging goalie goes against that, but the experience is hard to pass up.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild are expected to move Filip Gustavsson and in doing so, will need a third goalie signed who has starting experience. Reimer fits the mold perfectly as Minny's GM Bill Guerin has limited cap space to work with and needs to re-tool his defense core. Adding Reimer gives the Wild some stability in net in case rookie Jesper Wallstedt struggles next season.
Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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