Breaking: Maple Leafs Decide on James Reimer's Fate With The Club

Monday, October 06, 2025

This shouldn't come as much of a surprise to anyone after the transactions earlier on Monday, but the Toronto Maple Leafs have released veteran goaltender James Reimer from his Professional Tryout (PTO). 

Reimer, 37, certainly had a blast in his brief reunion with the team after a 10-year hiatus. But the Leafs' claiming of former Montreal Canadiens backup goalie Cayden Primeau earlier today made Reimer's release only a formality. He didn't take part in practice on Monday, which was another sign that Reimer's second stint in Toronto was coming to an end.

Primeau is a young (26) backup with a legit resume, based on his 2023-24 season at least. He posted a .910 save percentage and 2.99 goals against average in 23 appearances for the Habs that year. 

As for Reimer, he was enjoying his return to Toronto, even if only on a PTO, after he had spent the first six seasons of his career in the Big Smoke. However, he only got into one game during the preseason, this past weekend, and surrendered four goals on 28 shots. The Leafs obviously felt he wouldn't be ready to shoulder a big load in the crease, if worse came to worst. 

And with Joseph Woll still out indefinitely on a personal leave, and starter Anthony Stolarz no stranger to injured reserve, the Leafs needed a more certain backup to work with the inexperienced Dennis Hildeby. 

Reimer has appeared in 525 career games over 15 NHL seasons. In addition to the Leafs, he's also suited up for the San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks.

He's posted a 225-187-65 record with a GAA of 2.89 and a .910 Sv%.

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