James Reimer’s 2024-25 season was wild, or at least that was the case at the beginning. From signing on to become what looked like the Blue and Gold’s No. 2 goaltender to spending a short stint in Anaheim before returning to Buffalo as that No. 2 goaltender, you can say Reimer handled the situation well.
But should we have been surprised from a veteran in the twilight of his career? I don’t think so. This is what happens when you’re a good, but not great netminder. One who plays his position well when called upon yet should have no business stepping in as the No. 1 guy. Few would’ve understood the situation better.
Grade: B - You can call his 2024-25 campaign with the Sabres a tale of two halves. He was a No. 2 option and, for a while there, organizational depth. Count in the unexpected turns Reimer’s season took, and for him to have played as well as he did, it was tempting to give him an ‘A.’
How good was James Reimer’s 2024-25 season with the Sabres?
After that brief stint in Anaheim when the Sabres claimed him off waivers, Reimer snagged a shutout, an 0.899 save percentage, and a 2.90 GAA. No, not the most outstanding numbers, but we’ll take them. And definitely more impressive than what we’d seen from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, even if Reimer was relegated into a No. 2/backup role.
Still, if Levi’s not ready to roll next season, a reliable No. 2 guy like Reimer will be the way to go. Players like him provide stability, and, when Luukkonen’s having a particularly bad night, can step in and provide a potential spark. That said, Reimer epitomized what the true backup role should look like.
If I’m James Reimer, I’m also pointing to what I did this season to show that yes, even heading into my age-37 season, I can still play. And if I’m a team figuring to be a contender next season, I’m likely putting his number on speed dial. Speaking of which…
The Sabres need to keep an eye on James Reimer in 2025-26
While I doubt the Sabres will re-sign James Reimer for 2025-26, it doesn’t mean he won’t sneak his way back to the Blue and Gold. This past season, Reimer looked destined to spend the entire season in the Anaheim Ducks system, and a player destined for the discard pile in Buffalo.
Then, the twist of fate happened, and from there, we all know the story. So, if I’m Kevyn Adams, and if Devon Levi still doesn’t look like he's ready for the big time, he must keep an eye on Reimer. Should Team X place him on waivers for any reason and Levi could stand to use more seasoning in Rochester, Adams shouldn’t hesitate.
This means we’ve likely seen the last of Reimer for now, but it doesn’t mean we’ve seen the last of him in a Sabres sweater.