Where does James Reimer fit into the Sabres organization?

Barring injury, there should be no doubt who the Sabres starting goalie entering the season should be. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is coming off a career year and both he and the Sabres avoided arbitration by agreeing to a five year deal worth $4.75 million per year. A question should be who the backup goalie for next season will be?

James Reimer signed a one year deal with Buffalo. The veteran goalie should be highly considered as the number one backup to Luukkonen entering October. He has a .910% save percentage during his career.

Last season in Buffalo, Luukkonen started the majority of the games between the pipes at 51. Two other goalies saw action and started throughout the season. Eric Comrie and Devon Levi started a combined 31 games last year. Between the two, Levi was the only one who had a winning record at seasons send. Comrie left for free agency, signing with the Winnipeg Jets. Levi is currently on the Rochester Americans and could be called up at some point during the year.

Reimer went 11-8 as a backup last season before coming to the Sabres

He had two shutouts on the year. He was the primary backup for Detroit Red Wings goalie Alex Lyon. His veteran experience entering next year could prove invaluable to the young goalies in Buffalo. Both Levi and Luukkonen are under the age of 26.

Reimer also has previous playoff experience as a goalie for the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, and Carolina Hurricanes. If the Sabres are able to break the playoff drought, he will a valuable tool and mentor for Luukkonen who has yet to participate in a playoff game.

The Sabres have gotten younger during the offseason and will be looking for veteran leadership both on and off the ice. Reimer may not see the ice as much, but his experience during his career could lead to an even stronger season for Luukkonen.