Sabres Claim Familiar Goalie Off Waivers

The Buffalo Sabres announced they claimed goaltender James Reimer off of waivers on Wednesday. Reimer was in training camp with the Sabres before the club waived him in an attempt to send him down to AHL Rochester. The Anaheim Ducks, in need of a goalie at the time, claimed him to backup Lukas Dostal with John Gibson injured.

Reimer appeared in two games for the Ducks this season. He allowed three goals on 32 shots in a loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on October 13th. He let in six goals on 34 shots faced in another loss to the New Jersey Devils.

The Sabres signed the veteran netminder to a one-year, $1 million contract this offseason. Reimer signed intending to compete for a backup job with Buffalo, knowing that waivers, a loan to Rochester, and spending the bulk of the season with the Americans were in the cards.

Reimer’s Place with Sabres After Waivers

The current goaltending situation in Buffalo throws a wrinkle in things. The Sabres can send James Reimer down to the AHL since they were the only team to put a claim in. With starting goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen injured, he is likely to stick with the Sabres for the foreseeable future.

Mattias Samuelsson, who suffered a lower-body injury in Monday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens, is considered week-to-week. He’s likely headed to injured reserve, opening up a roster spot for Reimer.

Injury Updates: Thompson, Luukkonen, Samuelsson Injury Updates from Sabres Practice

Also of note is Devon Levi’s tough start to the season. He’s 1-4-0 over his first five games, sporting a 4.10 goals-against average and .866 save percentage.

Reimer’s goals-against average is at 4.50 and his save percentage is .864, so it’s not like he’s been any better. Once Luukkonen is fully healthy, the Sabres will have a decision to make as to who they want to keep as the team’s backup.

What Reimer Brings

The difference between Levi and Reimer is the latter’s experience. He’s appeared in 503 career games with the Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, San Jose Sharks, and Toronto Maple Leafs. He has a 54.57% win percentage, a 2.89 goals-against average, and a .910 save percentage over his NHL career.

If the Sabres decide to run with Luukkonen as the incumbent starter and want Levi to get significantly more game action, Reimer may stick around in Buffalo this time around.