What Happened
The New York Rangers placed James Reimer on waivers on Thursday after he made just one start for the club. Reimer was pulled after allowing three goals on eight shots in 20 minutes during a home loss to Los Angeles on Oct. 26. The 38-year-old was signed late last month to provide relief for Dylan Garand, who has started 11 consecutive games since Igor Shesterkin was lost for the season with a knee injury. If not claimed, Reimer could be sent to the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack.
Key Details
- Reimer was pulled after 20 minutes, allowing three goals on eight shots.
- Dylan Garand has started 11 consecutive games since Shesterkin's season-ending injury.
- Garand's stats have slipped to a 3.50 GAA and .877 save percentage in his last five games.
- Joonas Korpisalo stopped 34 of 37 shots in a minor league rehab start on Wednesday.
- The Rangers acquired Korpisalo from Boston over the summer to back up Shesterkin.
What It Means
The waiver move suggests Joonas Korpisalo is nearing a return from a lower-body injury. Korpisalo's injury earlier in the season triggered a goaltending shuffle that brought Garand back from the AHL and led to Reimer's brief stint. With Garand's recent performance declining, the Rangers appear to be consolidating their roster around Korpisalo's return.
What's Next
If Reimer clears waivers, he will likely be assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack. The Rangers are expected to activate Joonas Korpisalo from his injury list soon, ending his rehab assignment.