The New York Rangers signed veteran goaltender James Reimer to a one-year, $850,000 contract, filling an organizational depth void created by season-ending and week-to-week injuries to Igor Shesterkin and Joonas Korpisalo.
Reimer Joins Roster to Relieve Dylan Garand
- Depth Chart Realignment: Reimer steps into the NHL roster alongside Dylan Garand, pushing Spencer Martin down to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack following a roster assignment.
- Workload Relief: The veteran addition aims to stabilize the crease and insulate the 24-year-old Garand from an excessive starting load during the ongoing stretch of games.
- Streaming Implications: Fantasy managers should monitor crease splits as Joonas Korpisalo works toward a projected return by the second week of November.
The Minor-League Turnaround That Earned an NHL Deal
Reimer earned his promotion to the NHL roster following a brief professional tryout stint with the Hartford Wolf Pack. He stopped all 35 shots he faced in a 2-0 victory against the Providence Bruins, securing a shutout that made him the oldest goaltender to record a clean sheet in the American Hockey League since March 2008, when Wade Flaherty achieved the feat for the Rockford IceHogs.
That lone minor-league appearance was enough to convince the front office to convert his tryout into a standard one-year contract. The 38-year-old netminder spent last season with the Ottawa Senators after signing in January, posting a 2.42 goals-against average and an .886 save percentage across 14 total appearances. His last NHL action prior to the signing came on April 15, when he stopped 19 shots in a 3-1 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Welcome to New York!We've agreed to terms with goaltender James Reimer on a one-year contract → https://t.co/9qLdwDgffi pic.twitter.com/TPtRliCHaQ
Goaltending Constraints Drive Front-Office Action
New York turned to the veteran market after Igor Shesterkin sustained a season-ending lower-body injury during a 3-1 loss to the Washington Capitals. With Joonas Korpisalo also sidelined with a lower-body injury that has kept him out since the start of the campaign, the Rangers relied heavily on rookie Dylan Garand.
Garand has handled the majority of the responsibilities in the crease, compiling a 4-4-1 record with a 2.65 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage through his first extended action at the NHL level. To accommodate Reimer’s arrival on the active roster, the club assigned Spencer Martin to Hartford after Martin surrendered three goals in 35 minutes of action.
#NYR are signing goalie James Reimer, who was released from his AHL PTO today with Hartford to make it happen.
| Goaltender | Team | 2026-27 Record / Stats | Career NHL Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dylan Garand | New York Rangers | 4-4-1, 2.65 GAA, .900 SV% | First extended NHL action |
| James Reimer | Hartford / NY Rangers | 1 AHL Game, 35-save shutout | 232-191-67, 2.88 GAA, .909 SV% |
| Spencer Martin | Hartford Wolf Pack | 1 NHL appearance (3 goals allowed) |
A Historic Franchise Journey Across the League
The contract marks the ninth different NHL franchise of Reimer’s professional career, tying the league record for most teams played for by a goaltender, a mark previously established by Cam Talbot. Selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fourth round of the 2006 NHL Draft, Reimer has accumulated 539 regular-season appearances since making his debut in December 2010.
Over his lengthy career, Reimer has suited up for the Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, and Senators. He carries a career record of 232-191-67 alongside a 2.87 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage.
The Rangers enter a four-game homestand starting with a matchup against the Los Angeles Kings at Madison Square Garden. While Korpisalo’s expected recovery timeline points toward a return by the second week of November, Reimer provides an immediate veteran presence to steady the roster through the intermediate schedule.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
James Reimer still out here signing contracts! Reimer and the Rangers agree on a $850K one year contract 🤝 pic.twitter.com/Yj9RQgD0UC
More on Rangers
Optional practice for the #NYR today, but James Reimer is here. Just took the ice and is chatting with goalie coach Jeff Malcolm. pic.twitter.com/uQhL0DSYsl
#NYR are signing James Reimer and placing him on the NHL roster, according to a source.
