Total Season Stats: 10 wins – 3.04 GAA – .897 SV% in 24 Games (10 wins – 2.90 GAA – .901 SV% 22 games with Sabres)
Age: 37
Contract Status: UFA
James Reimer had an eventful season for a veteran goaltender. Buffalo was looking for some depth and experience when they signed him in free agency to a one year, $1 million dollar contract. After a strong camp by Devon Levi, Reimer was placed on waivers and claimed by the Ducks who were dealing with injuries early in the season. He was subsequently re-claimed by Buffalo to backup UPL after a couple shaky starts in Anaheim.
Reimer performed adequately in the backup role through the winter but hit his stride in the spring. He secured wins in seven straight starts between March 23rd and April 8th with 6 of those wins coming against playoff teams. In that stretch, he averaged a .921 save percentage and 2.43 goals against per game. The best game of the streak was his 33 save shutout against the Hurricanes on April 8th. By the end of the season, Reimer had earned the starting goaltender’s role, a far cry from being placed on waivers twice early in the season.
His strong finish to the season proved Reimer has some game left in the twilight of his career. The stability he provided in the crease allowed the Sabres to finish on a strong note and begin to establish their identity as a hockey team. It will be interesting to see if Buffalo or the player are open to signing for another season. He could serve as insurance against continued inconsistent play from UPL and Levi. As for this season, Reimer exceeded preseason expectations and was counted on as the starting goaltender down the stretch.
Season Grade: B+