Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer has impressed since being called up from the AHL on December 20th. In five games with the big club Reimer has a record of 3-1 with a .942 save percentage and a 1.90 goals against average. Reimer has strengthened Toronto’s goaltending after Jean Sebastian Giguere went down with injury. Reimer is ready to be a NHL goaltender. When Reimer reaches a level of competitiveness he maintains his skill level. This year Reimer was in 25 games for the Toronto Marlies Reimer was 14-8 with a 2.25 GAA and a .925 SV%. Last Year Riemer split time with the AHL and ECHL staying above a .900 SV% and around 2.60 GAA. The Winnipeg Manitoba native has a big frame and proper size to cover the net.
Since being scouted and drafted in 2006 Reimer has been known for his butterfly style and filling the net well. A hard worker that plays a controlled game and cuts down angles. Playing the percentages is common in Leaf land, both J.S Giguere and Jonas Gustavsson model the same style. Reimer is in tough playing against a highly touted prospect in Gustavsson and a Stanley Cup Champion (Giguere), however his stats in both the AHL and NHL speak for themselves.
It’s essential for Reimer to stay with the Leafs this year. His stats put him ahead of both goaltenders. It seems the Leafs score for Reimer more than any other goaltender as well 29 goals for in 13 periods (2 goals a period) is more goals for than any other goaltender in that same amount of time. When a goalie is hot and your team scores for him the goaltender has less pressure upon the goaltender. Also why wouldn’t you have your best statistical goaltender in the net.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in 12th in the Eastern conference, being 11 points out of a playoff spot puts no pressure on the young goaltender to perform well. A growing year for the Leafs means a perfect growing year for Reimer. Reimer can show up everyday and not worry about Leaf fans a media putting unnecessary pressure to perform at impossible standards. Reimer can quietly go about his business - working hard and reaching higher levels of skill.
The Buds also have a goaltending coach by the name of Francois Allaire working for them. Allaire famous for teaching his students proper butterfly style and playing percentages. Allaire is essential for Reimer’s development, he can teach Reimer the special “tricks of the trade” that he would no receive if he were to play in the AHL. At 23 years of age Reimer is young and impressionable making it the perfect time for a proper role model to fine tune his game.
Reimer is young and NHL ready, it’s time to develop him
