Maple Leafs training camp hopeful James Reimer is showing he’s staying in Toronto for good. The club signed the 37-year-old to a Professional Tryout Agreement (PTO) earlier this week to bolster its depth in the crease.
But instead of just showing up, hoping to make the team, Reimer is acting like he’s already made the cut.
In particular, Reimer flashed a very specific sign that he’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Check out this quick video:
Reimer hit the ice for practice on Saturday morning, sporting a mask with a new Maple Leafs paint job. Typically, PTO goalies show up with generic equipment. But in this case, Reimer’s new Maple Leafs-themed mask shows he feels confident he’ll stick with the team.
The concerns that have emerged regarding Joseph Woll’s absence prompted the Leafs to bring Reimer into camp. As it stands, he has a good chance to earn the backup role to starter Anthony Stolarz.
The Maple Leafs will need as much depth as possible this season. There’s no telling how much longer Woll will be away from the team. Meanwhile, Dennis Hildeby may not be fully ready for the NHL.
That’s why having a veteran backup netminder like James Reimer could be just what Toronto needs to ensure stability in the crease.
Maple Leafs Hope Reimer Can Handle Workload
The Toronto Maple Leafs will be hoping that James Reimer can handle the workload befalling him early in the season.
The Leafs play three back-to-back games in October. As such, the club will need its backup goalie to help Stolarz shoulder the burden moving forward.
Under that scenario, Reimer could easily see game action at least three times in October. In particular, the Leafs will play a home-and-home set with the Buffalo Sabres on October 24-25. That situation means Reimer will have a chance to face one of his former teams straight off the bat.
The Maple Leafs also play the Detroit Red Wings on October 13 and the Predators on the 14th. The other back-to-back set in October will feature the Calgary Flames on the 28th and the Columbus Blue Jackets on the 29th.
As such, the Maple Leafs will need their goaltending tandem to be running at full power from the start. The team cannot afford to face uncertainty in the crease.
Toronto Needs to Ensure as Many Points as Possible Early On
The importance of those back-to-back sets in October is paramount. The Maple Leafs cannot afford to let points slip away early in the season. Given the unique opportunity that injuries to the Florida Panthers have opened, Toronto will need to capitalize early on.
Taking advantage early in the season could allow the Maple Leafs to get off to a strong lead in the Atlantic Division. The club will be looking to repeat as division champs. Most importantly, the Leafs will be hoping to lock up a playoff spot as early as possible.
Doing so means getting off to a strong start. Failing to do so could leave the Maple Leafs grasping at straws next spring.
Maple Leafs goalie signals he’s staying in Toronto for good