Rangers Waive Goalie James Reimer After Single Start

Short stay in net

The New York Rangers placed veteran goaltender James Reimer on waivers Thursday. His time with the club appears to be ending after just one start that lasted a single period. If he is not claimed by one of the other 31 NHL teams, the Rangers can send him to Hartford in the American Hockey League.

Reimer got his only chance on Oct. 26 in a home loss against Los Angeles. Things went poorly right away. He allowed three goals on eight shots over 20 minutes and was pulled after the first period.

Heavy workload for Garand

New York signed the 38 year old Reimer late last month to give Dylan Garand a break. Garand had been playing almost nonstop after franchise goaltender Igor Shesterkin was lost for the season with a knee injury.

Instead of getting rest, Garand has played in 11 consecutive games. He started strong, posting a 1.85 goals against average and a .929 save percentage in his first six games. Over his past five games, those numbers dropped to a 3.50 goals against average and a .877 save percentage.

Korpisalo nearing return

Placing Reimer on waivers indicates that Joonas Korpisalo is nearing a return from a lower body injury. The Rangers acquired Korpisalo from Boston over the summer to back up Shesterkin.

Korpisalo got hurt during the first week of the season, setting off the goalie moves. Garand cleared waivers before opening night to play regularly for the Hartford Wolf Pack, but New York recalled him when Korpisalo was injured.

Korpisalo took a major step toward returning on Wednesday night. He stopped 34 of 37 shots in a minor league rehab start with Hartford.

What it means for the next game

Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers (NHL, Fri, 06 Nov): New York Rangers win 52%, Philadelphia Flyers win 48%; projected score New York Rangers 3, Philadelphia Flyers 3. Our safest pick: Flyers +1.5.

New York Rangers at Seattle Kraken (NHL, Sat, 07 Nov): Seattle Kraken win 51%, New York Rangers win 49%; projected score Seattle Kraken 3, New York Rangers 3. Our safest pick: Under 8 goals.