The Detroit Red Wings have signed UFA goalie James Reimer to a new contract today. The deal comes in at $1.5 million for one year.
James Reimer Signs Contract With Detroit Red Wings
Free agent goalie James Reimer has signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings today in free agency. The 13-year veteran is coming off of a two-year deal with the San Jose Sharks. Reimer is coming off of a disappointing season with the Sharks, posting a 3.48 goals-against average and a .890 save percentage in 43 games. He has been a quality goalie throughout his career, but the 35-year-old has begun to show signs of aging.
Over his career, Reimer has a record of 204-169-61. He has a career goals-against-average of 2.87 with a save percentage of .911.
Reimer was originally drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fourth round, 99th overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
What This Means for the Future
It’s been a busy day for general manager Steve Yzerman as he also signed Klim Kostin and Justin Holl amongst a few other so far on the opening day of free agency.
For Detroit, they bring in a veteran goalie with a good track record. There is hope that his stats were a result of playing for a poor defensive team in San Jose. He joins a goaltending room that includes last year’s addition Ville Husso. Detroit also drafted goalie Sebastian Cossa, so Reimer figures to be a bridge backup keeper until the young netminder is ready. Before his down 2022-23 season, Reimer posted three seasons in a row with a sub 2.90 goals-against average and above a .906 save percentage. This new contract gives Reimer the chance to continue his playing career in a place where he can play a backup role and hopefully push for an up-and-coming Red Wings team.
Main Photo: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
