Leafs Sign James Reimer to Three-Year Deal

[Thrillhouse]

Brian Burke, President and General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Thursday that the hockey club has signed restricted free agent goaltender James Reimer to a three-year contract.

“We are extremely pleased to have come to terms on this new deal with James and his agent Ray Petkau,” said Burke. “He earned the opportunity to play at the NHL level this past season and he made the most of it with his outstanding play. He really grabbed the net and never looked back. We are confident that his talent and strong work habits will be contributing factors to our team’s success next season.”

Reimer, 23, made his first career NHL start and earned the win by making 32 saves on 33 shots at Ottawa on January 1. He won four straight road games from January 1 to 11, stopping 143 of 151 shots in that span. Overall, he played 37 games for the Maple Leafs compiling a record of 20-10-5 with a 2.60 goals against average, a .921 save percentage and three shutouts. The netminder ranked first among Leafs goaltenders in games played, wins, goals against average, save percentage and shutouts. Among NHL rookie goaltenders he placed second in save percentage, fourth in wins and sixth in goals against average. He was recalled four times from the Marlies in 2010-11 and he made his NHL debut in the third period and stopped all four shots December 20 versus Atlanta. He registered his first NHL shutout with 27 saves on February 3 against Carolina. He managed a win in a season-high five consecutive road games from February 8 to March 3. His strong play in March earned him the NHL’s Rookie of the Month Award with a 9-4-1 record, one shutout, a 2.87 goals against average and a .913 save percentage. The goaltender fashioned a record of 11-3-4 when making 30 or more saves in a game this past season.

Internationally, Reimer was selected to play for Team Canada at the 2011 IIHF World Championship in Slovakia where he was unbeaten in four games. He compiled a record of 3-0-0 with a 2.04 goals against average and a .920 save percentage.

Reimer is a former East Coast Hockey League playoffs MVP after appearing in eight playoff games for the Kelly Cup-winning South Carolina Stingrays in 2009. The 6-2, 220-pound native of Morweena, Manitoba was originally the Leafs’ third choice, 99th overall, in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and signed his first contract with the Maple Leafs on March 19, 2008.

[I_am_Belak_2]

I'm glad they actually kept him. Now go away Gustavsson.

[Pillager]

Originally Posted by I_am_Belak_2

I'm glad they actually kept him. Now go away Gustavsson.

If it's for under $2 million a year, it's a great signing.

[acdcrocksno1]

Originally Posted by Pillager

If it's for under $2 million a year, it's a great signing.

If he keeps playing like he did this year then yeah it is, there is no way of knowing if he will or not

[grits207]

No surprise here but it's still good to see they got him locked up.

If he keeps improving at the same rate as he has been, or even if he just plays the way he did last year $1.8m will be a steal. If he takes a step back in his development and goes through a "sophomore slump" it still won't be a bad deal since he will only be making a backup's salary.

Sounds like Luca Caputi is also going to be re-signed today.

[BobNystromOwnsU]

I'm pretty much a Leaf hater, but I like watching this kid play.

[smashem]

Originally Posted by acdcrocksno1

If he keeps playing like he did this year then yeah it is, there is no way of knowing if he will or not

I was thinking the same exact way, pretty much like Crawford from Chicago.

[McCunn8585]

Interesting to see if the kid is the real deal.

[leafs_fan77]

Good move. No telling yet what he'll be like, but if he plays like he did last year Burke will be praised.

[JKidd]

Really good deal for the Leafs and Reimer. He really solidified the tender position last year upon arrival. Now all that's left to do is deal with the "Monster waste of cap" and the bandaid between the pipes.

[McCunn8585]

I think Giguere is a UFA.

[Pillager]

Originally Posted by acdcrocksno1

If he keeps playing like he did this year then yeah it is, there is no way of knowing if he will or not

That's true of any young player. I think it's a great signing because, at that amount, it's low risk. They can easily bury him in the minors if he pulls a Jim Carey (the goalie, not the actor). And a starter for under $2 million is a steal.

[Killah_punk]

Reimer seems to have a good head on his shoulders and seems to appreicate what hes got. Very humble kid. I hope he suceeds even thou i am not a fan of the Leafs.

[JKidd]

Originally Posted by McCunn8585

I think Giguere is a UFA.

Ah yes, you are correct sir.

Let him retire... don't think anyone is going to touch him with a 12 foot hockey stick.

[grits207]

Originally Posted by jkidd

Ah yes, you are correct sir.

Let him retire... don't think anyone is going to touch him with a 12 foot hockey stick.

I'm actually hoping the Leafs bring him back on a cheap one year deal as a 3rd goalie behind Reimer and Gustavsson. His constant groin injuries are obviously a major concern but when he is healthy he is still good enough to be a decent backup. More importantly, he is a great mentor to Reimer and is arguably one of the best leaders the Leafs have had since the Pat Quinn era.