The Rangers place the veteran netminder on waivers as Joonas Korpisalo nears a return from injury, potentially reshaping New York’s goaltending rotation.
James Reimer’s brief stint with the New York Rangers could be coming to an end after a single, difficult period of action.
New York placed the 38-year-old veteran on waivers Thursday, opening the door to assign him to the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack if he goes unclaimed by another NHL club. Reimer’s lone start came on Oct. 26 against the Los Angeles Kings, where he surrendered three goals on eight shots before being pulled after the first 20 minutes of a home loss.
The Rangers signed Reimer late last month to provide emergency depth after franchise star Igor Shesterkin was ruled out for the season with a knee injury. His arrival was meant to ease the burden on rookie Dylan Garand, who has shouldered most of the responsibility by starting 11 straight games. While Garand posted a stellar 1.85 goals-against average and .929 save percentage over his first six games, his numbers slipped to a 3.50 GAA and .877 save percentage over his next five outings.
Reimer’s waiver placement strongly signals that backup Joonas Korpisalo is ready to return to the NHL roster. Korpisalo, who was acquired from Boston over the summer, suffered a lower-body injury during opening week, forcing the Rangers to recall Garand and scramble for depth.
Korpisalo took a major step toward his return on Wednesday night, completing a minor league conditioning assignment with Hartford by stopping 34 of 37 shots. His impending activation gives New York a much-needed, stable goaltending tandem alongside Garand.