Toronto Maple Leafs: James Reimer Denies Salary Demand Led to Trade

James Reimer refutes claim he was traded by the Toronto Maple Leafs due to a salary demand of six years and $36 million, to sign a new deal.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs will always find themselves in the middle of speculation – such is life in the biggest hockey media market in North America. One of the most recent rumors surrounded the reasoning behind their decision to move James Reimer, ahead of the recent NHL trade deadline.

Damian Cox of Sportsnet said the reason was due to the goaltender’s asking price of $6 million per season for six years, to sign a new contract and remain in Toronto. The claim came during a recent “Headlines” segment on Hockey Night in Canada.

Unsurprisingly, Reimer’s agent refuted the report on Twitter. Ray Petkau said: “Double check those numbers. #BadSource.”

Now, the 27-year Reimer has come out himself to deny the claims surrounding his apparent salary demands. He briefly discussed the issue with Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun.

Reimer said: “I don’t even want to dignify it with a response. That was definitely untrue.”

Of course, we will likely never know for sure if there is any credence behind Cox’s initial claim. Likewise, true or not, Reimer’s denial is par the course.

Feb 9, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer (34) attempts to make a save against Calgary Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton (not pictured) during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports /

In fairness, there had been constant speculation surrounding the Morweena, Manitoba native’s future for quite some time. Taking into account he was enjoying a better than expected season, his rising stock meant the time to trade him was right.

The official line from Lou Lamoriello was that the trade was made to give the younger goalie prospects the opportunity to prove themselves at the NHL level. Regardless, the Leafs received a conditional fourth round pick, Ben Smith and Alex Stalock from the Sharks, in return for Reimer.

As for the 2006 fourth round draft pick’s future, he will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer. However, as far as he is concerned, it is about focusing on helping his new team.

Reimer told Francis: “Going into the offseason is not something I even think about right now – I’m focused now on trying to help this team get as far as we can. But if we can have success it’s a win-win for both situations.”

Next: Crucial part of Leafs rebuild in underway

Do you put any credence in the report surrounding James Reimer’s apparent salary demands? If true, do you think $6 million per year is reasonable for the goaltender, or would you also have traded him? Let us know in the comments section below.

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