Toronto Maple Leafs Trade James Reimer to San Jose
The Toronto Maple Leafs prove they’re not finished making deals yet, as they send James Reimer to the San Jose Sharks.
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It looks like Doug WIlson had Toronto Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello on speed dial, as the two have now got together to make two deals this week. First, the San Jose Sharks acquired Roman Polak and Nick Spaling – now, they have added Reimer to that list.
The Leafs announced that Reimer and Jeremy Morin were trade to San Jose for a conditional fourth round pick, Ben Smith and backup goalie Alex Stalock. The deal does come as a shock, given how thin the rental goalie market is, which explains the not so great return.
Obviously, Toronto decided it was best to get something in return for Reimer as a pending UFA. However, there is the possibility he could come back next season.
Lou Lamoriello says part of thought process for Reimer trade is getting a chance to see Sparks and Bibeau in final couple months.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) February 27, 2016
Lamoriello confirms conditional 2018 fourth round pick becomes a third if the Sharks make the 2016 Stanley Cup final.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) February 27, 2016
The chances for San Jose to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals are not great, as they will have to find a way to get through teams like Chicago, Los Angeles, Anaheim, St. Louis and Dallas. Regardless, having Reimer gives them necessary insurance in net with an inexperienced Martin Jones, who will be their goalie of the future.
Garret Sparks deserves to have a longer window to showcase what he can do for the Leafs, which brings uncertainty towards Jonathan Bernier‘s future. Maybe he should not get too comfortable.
Lou on the return for Reimer: Said either no "real need" for a goalie on playoff teams; or there cap constraints at his price. #Leafs
— Mike Zeisberger (@Zeisberger) February 27, 2016
As you may have heard me say before, the Leafs were in a tough spot with Reimer, because many playoff teams were not looking for a goalie. This took away a lot of potential suitors for the goaltender, and given the Leafs situation, there was no real reason to keep him around this season.
Smith has not amounted too much in the NHL, so he will probably be looked at in a fourth line role, while Stalock has not shown the consistency at the NHL level over the years. However, he did have his best season in 2013-14, with a 12-5-2 record, a 2.60 GAA and a .932 save percentage.
Leafs fan will miss Reimer if he in fact does move on to another team this summer. This will be especially the case for the times he came out of nowhere and gave the supporters something positive, in a time where there was not much to be upbeat about.
In 207 games for the Leafs, Reimer went 85-76-23 with a .283 GAA and a .914 save percentage. After meeting him a couple of times in the past, I can say he definitely earns his reputation of being a nice guy.
On top of this, he was always a team first type of player. Whether he was Optimus Reimer or the Reiminister of Defence, there was no doubting the fact he was a beloved member of Leafs nation.
Next: Leafs: 3 keys versus the Canadiens
What are your thoughts about this trade? Did the Leafs do the right thing, or should they have held onto James Reimer? Let us know in the comments section below.