Rangers Sign Veteran Goalie James Reimer to One-Year Deal

The New York Rangers have signed veteran goaltender James Reimer to a one-year contract worth $850,000, the team announced. The move comes as the Rangers navigate significant goaltending injuries, with starter Igor Shesterkin out for the season and backup Joonas Korpisalo on long-term injured reserve.

Reimer, 38, was released from a professional tryout with AHL Hartford earlier Sunday. He made just one appearance for the Wolf Pack, recording a 35-save shutout on Friday. His addition provides the Rangers with an established veteran presence alongside rookie Dylan Garand.

Garand has taken over as the primary backup since Shesterkin's injury, making seven consecutive starts. Despite several strong performances, Garand has posted a 1-3-1 record with an .869 save percentage in his last five games. His recent outings have included struggles with controlling rebounds, and he allowed five goals in the Rangers' loss to the Senators on Saturday.

Head coach Mike Sullivan acknowledged the team's awareness of Garand's workload. "We've looked at the schedule, so we know where we're at," Sullivan stated. "We look at what we have moving forward and we’re going to try to make decisions accordingly. We’re well aware of what his workload is and where he’s at. … Do we anticipate moving forward giving him some rest? Yes."

Reimer brings 538 career NHL games of experience to the Rangers. He began his NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2010-11 season and played 14 games for the Ottawa Senators last year, recording a 7-4-2 record with a .886 save percentage and a 2.42 goals against average. His shutout with Hartford on Friday made him the second-oldest goaltender to achieve an AHL shutout since March 2008.